Lagos never sleeps. It moves fast, breathes heavily, and expects you to keep up — especially if you’re dealing with the event planning challenges in Lagos. From unpredictable vendors to city traffic that doesn’t care about your timeline, planning an event here isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Tola was used to fast-paced deadlines. A smart, upwardly mobile professional with an eye for details and a deep love for her family, she thought planning her younger sister’s wedding would be both exciting and manageable. She’d organised company retreats and mini office events before — how different could a family celebration be?
Very different, as she was about to find out.
When Dreams and Deadlines Collide
It all began with colour swatches and Pinterest boards. Tola created a plan. She shortlisted vendors through referrals, reviewed mood boards, and scheduled meetings. She was determined to give her sister a day to remember — full of laughter, elegance, and joy.
But Lagos had other plans.
The makeup artist double-booked the date. The decorator, whom she’d paid a 60% deposit to, didn’t respond for two days straight. And the caterer? She sent a completely different menu proposal just five days before the event.
At first, Tola tried to fix things calmly. But the list of calls and last-minute fixes grew longer. She barely had time to breathe, let alone enjoy the experience. The event planning challenges in Lagos were more than she had imagined.
The Day of the Event — Or the Day of Unravelling
Dressed in matching robes, the bridesmaids were singing and laughing. But behind the scenes, Tola was sweating — literally and emotionally.
The delivery van for the chairs and tables was stuck in traffic. The sound guys showed up late and blamed “network” for missing her calls. The wedding cake arrived half-frozen, and the decorator had forgotten to print the customised signage.
It wasn’t just a chaotic scene — it was her worst-case scenario.
She looked at her sister, holding their father’s hand, preparing to walk down the aisle. But Tola couldn’t focus. She was trying to reach the DJ, whose set was cutting in and out. Her power bank was dead, and her phone was at 5%. The frustration was overwhelming — a perfect storm of event planning challenges in Lagos unfolding in real-time, right before her eyes.
This wasn’t the dream. It was a drain.
Counting the Hidden Costs
No one tells you how emotionally taxing failed event planning can be. Tola spent the night after the wedding crying in the car. She had tried so hard, but it still fell apart.
She had spent more than her budget — booking last-minute services at premium prices just to make up for failures. She missed her sister’s first dance because she was sorting out the dessert mix-up.
And all of this could have been avoided.
But this is common. The event planning challenges in Lagos don’t just affect one person — they affect entire families, vendors, and systems. Even the vendors are tired. They juggle multiple bookings, handle late-night calls, and race against Lagos traffic — with little tech support or coordination.
What Could Have Changed the Story
As Tola scrolled through Instagram a week later, she stumbled on something called Oyoyo Events App.
She clicked out of curiosity — and instantly realised what she’d been missing. A central place to manage vendors, timelines, reminders, and even guest RSVPs. A marketplace of verified, reviewed event professionals. A built-in tracker and budget planner. In one app.
She shook her head with a mix of regret and relief.
Had she known, it could have saved her money, time, and maybe even her relationship with her sister, who still teased her about the missing microphone.
The right technology, like Oyoyo, could ease most event planning challenges in Lagos — from discovery to delivery.
A Bigger Picture, A Bigger Pain
When event planning fails, it’s not just the hosts who suffer.
Vendors run on tight schedules. Missed appointments mean bad reviews. Confused addresses, multiple follow-ups, poor communication — all lead to emotional burnout.
And in a city like Lagos, where everything is urgent and nothing is guaranteed, everyone loses when systems fail.
Events are not just moments — they are memories. They should not be left to chance or chaos.
Next Time, a Better Way
Tola knows better now. She’s planning her company’s end-of-year party, and this time she’s using Oyoyo Events App from day one.
She’s already selected verified vendors, scheduled reminders, and even shared a checklist with her committee. This time, she’s not weighed down by the usual event planning challenges in Lagos. It feels good — in control, simple, and organised.
Because when you have the right support, the pressure lifts, and the joy returns.
Note: While Tola’s story is fictional, it represents the real challenges many people face while planning events in a fast-paced city like Lagos. From missed calls to miscommunication and emotional stress — the struggle is real. But the solutions, like Oyoyo, are also real.
Explore Events the Easier Way
Planning your next event? Don’t let the weight of it steal your joy.
Oyoyo Events App is here to make it easier — for hosts, vendors, and everyone in between. Discover verified vendors, track your plans, and stay on top of everything — all from your phone.Download the Oyoyo Events App today and take the stress out of event planning.