Event planner for Lagos
Weddings, corporate events and conferences in Lagos, planned by a team that works across Nigeria and knows how different a Lagos event day can be.
- AICCEES Official planner, 4 editions
- 200+ events Delivered since 2020
- Abuja & Lagos Events in both cities
Planning for Lagos, the Lagos way
Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital and the busiest event city in the country. It has the widest choice of venues, from Victoria Island ballrooms to Lekki event centres and beachfront resorts, and the strongest media and entertainment scene. It also has the traffic, the costs and the competition for popular dates that come with it.
Mara Events is based in Abuja and plans events across Nigeria, including Lagos. We plan remotely through the early stages, travel for site visits and vendor meetings, and bring our team on site for the event itself. That makes us a good fit for organisations and families who want one planner for events in both cities.
Not sure which city suits your event? Our Lagos vs Abuja guide compares audiences, costs and logistics.
Events we plan in Lagos
The same services we offer in Abuja, adapted for Lagos venues and logistics.
Weddings
White, traditional and destination weddings in Lagos venues, with families travelling in from other cities.
Corporate events
Product launches, brand activations, award nights and staff events, where Lagos’s media and consumer reach matter.
Conferences
Conferences and summits with delegates, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors.
Social celebrations
Milestone birthdays, anniversaries and private dinners.
Guest transport
Shuttles and arrival times planned around traffic between the Mainland, the Island and Lekki.
Accommodation
Room blocks for guests and speakers travelling from Abuja and elsewhere, close to the venue.
How we plan a Lagos event
Popular Lagos venues book early, so start as soon as you have a date in mind.
Brief and city check
We confirm Lagos is the right city for your audience, budget and date, and agree the plan.
Venue shortlist
Options on the Island, Mainland or Lekki based on where your guests are coming from.
Site visits and vendors
We travel for site visits and vendor meetings, and lock in contracts and the timeline.
Logistics plan
Transport, accommodation, arrival times and power backup confirmed with the venue.
Event day
Our team is on site to run set-up, timings, vendors and guests.
Lagos venues worth considering
A starting point from our research on the top wedding venues in Lagos. Venue-only prices; catering, décor and production are extra.
What makes Lagos different
Three things we plan around for every Lagos event.
- Traffic sets the timeline. A 10am event in Victoria Island may need guests from Ikeja or Lekki to leave by 7am, so start times, shuttles and late arrivals are planned in.
- Power needs checking. Supply remains a challenge, so we confirm the venue’s backup and bring extra where the production needs it.
- Costs run higher. Venues, catering and accommodation typically cost more than in Abuja, so the budget is built for Lagos rates from the start.
- Dates go fast. The most popular venues book well ahead for weekends and December, so we secure the venue early.
Lagos packages and costs
The same three packages we offer everywhere, with travel for site visits and the event included in the quote.
Full-service planning
From the first idea to the final thank-you. Best for large or multi-part events and busy schedules.
- Concept, theme and budget plan
- Venue sourcing and site visits
- Every vendor booked, briefed and managed
- Design, décor and floor layout
- Run-of-show and rehearsals
- Our team on site for the whole event
- Post-event wrap-up
Hybrid planning
You've started planning or booked some vendors. We fill the gaps and pull it all together.
- Review of your plan and budget
- Booking the vendors you still need
- Coordination of vendors you already have
- Timeline and run-of-show
- Our team on site on the day
Day-of coordination
You've planned it yourself. We take over close to the date so you can enjoy it.
- Hand-over meeting and vendor confirmations
- Detailed run-of-show
- Set-up supervision
- Managing vendors, timings and guests on the day
- Pack-down and hand-back
| Item | Lagos | Abuja |
|---|---|---|
| 5-star hotel venue (full day) | ₦3.5M to ₦8M | ₦2.5M to ₦6M |
| Catering (per guest) | ₦8,000 to ₦20,000 | ₦7,500 to ₦18,000 |
| AV and production | ₦500K to ₦2M | ₦400K to ₦1.5M |
| Accommodation (per night) | ₦80K to ₦250K | ₦70K to ₦200K |
From our guide Lagos vs Abuja: what to know when choosing your event venue city.
How our fee works
Most of the cost of an event is the event itself: venue, catering, décor, sound and logistics. Our fee is separate and usually works out at 10 to 20% of the total budget, or a flat fee for day-of coordination and simpler events.
For Lagos events, the quote also covers our team’s travel and accommodation for site visits and the event, so there are no surprises later. We recommend a contingency of 10 to 15% on top.
Planning an event in Lagos
Straight answers to the questions clients ask us most.
Do you have a team in Lagos?
Our team is based in Abuja & Lagos. We plan the early stages remotely, travel to Lagos for site visits and vendor meetings, and bring our team on site for the event.
Is it more expensive to plan an event in Lagos?
Usually, yes. Five-star venues typically cost ₦3.5M to ₦8M for a full day in Lagos, against ₦2.5M to ₦6M in Abuja, and catering and accommodation also run higher. Our fee is usually 10 to 20% of the total budget, and the quote includes our travel.
Should we hold our event in Lagos or Abuja?
Lagos suits consumer-facing launches, media-heavy events and audiences based in the South-West. Abuja suits government, diplomatic and high-protocol events and often offers better value on venues. Our Lagos vs Abuja guide goes into detail.
How do you deal with Lagos traffic?
We plan start times, shuttles and arrival windows around where your guests are coming from, and we build buffer time into the programme for late arrivals.
Can you plan a wedding in Lagos for a family based in Abuja?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons families choose us: one planner who knows both cities, with meetings in Abuja and the wedding in Lagos.
Tell us about your Lagos event
Share the basics and we will come back with venue ideas and a quote.
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