Ruth Kadiri Advises Couples Against Societal Pressure Over Weddings
Kehinde Adeleye
Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has advised couples against putting themselves under unnecessary pressure to organise elaborate weddings, saying the demands surrounding such ceremonies can affect their transition into married life.
Kadiri said lavish weddings could place emotional and mental pressure on couples, urging intending partners to focus on building a healthy relationship rather than meeting societal expectations.
In a video circulating online and shared by Pulse on Sunday, the actress questioned why some couples who had enjoyed happy relationships for years appeared to develop fear and uncertainty about marriage after their wedding ceremonies.
“I do think that big weddings put pressure on couples. It puts pressure on the marriage itself,” she said.
Kadiri encouraged couples to consider simpler celebrations, suggesting that they could fulfil the necessary traditional and legal requirements, invite a small number of guests and celebrate with close family and friends.
She argued that couples should not feel compelled to organise multiple ceremonies, including engagement parties, court weddings, white weddings and traditional weddings, simply to satisfy societal expectations.
The actress also warned that elaborate celebrations could expose couples to unnecessary scrutiny and pressure from other people.
She urged young Nigerians to reconsider the assumption that the size or grandeur of a wedding determines the success of a marriage, stressing the importance of prioritising the relationship itself.
Beyond wedding ceremonies, Kadiri called for a broader change in societal expectations, particularly the pressure parents and extended family members place on young people to achieve financial success.
She highlighted the burden often placed on firstborn children, who may be expected to shoulder family responsibilities and provide financial support for relatives.
According to the actress, success means different things to different people and should not be measured solely by wealth, career achievements or the ability to meet other people’s expectations.
“Success means different things to different people,” she said, adding that a fulfilling life could simply mean being at home with one’s children and expressing love for them.
Kadiri urged parents, families and society to give young people greater freedom to make personal decisions without being subjected to constant pressure over marriage, finances and conventional measures of success.
