If you’ve been through events planning in Lagos, you’ve probably met at least one vendor who promises the moon—and delivers dust. They tell you they’ve worked with celebrities, handled 500-guest weddings, and can deliver custom decor in 24 hours. But somewhere between your deposit and D-Day, the sparkly promises fizzle. Sound familiar?
You don’t want to find out too late that your “top-tier” vendor can’t deliver half of what they sold you. That’s why knowing how to spot the red flags early can save you stress, money, and the nightmare of an event gone wrong.
Subtle Signs a Vendor is Overselling
You may think it’s obvious when someone is bluffing, but overpromising vendors often sound very convincing. That’s their thing. If they dodge your questions and instead flood you with buzzwords like exclusive, celebrity, or premium service, take a pause. Real professionals show, they don’t just tell.
Another red flag? They won’t give you specifics. If you ask how many weddings they’ve done this year and they say “countless,” press further. Vague responses usually hide inexperience—or a lack of success stories worth sharing. Good vendors happily show you their portfolio or reviews.
Also watch how quickly they say “yes” to everything. Need gold chairs, last-minute caterers, fireworks and a live lion for a birthday? “Sure, no problem,” they say. In reality, even the best vendors have limits. If someone never says “let me check” or “that might be tricky,” they’re likely telling you what you want to hear, not what’s actually doable.
The Reality Check You Should Do
Here’s a tip from someone who’s seen behind the curtain: always cross-check their claims. Google them, ask for references, and double-check social media. If their Instagram is full of borrowed Pinterest photos and zero tagged clients, that’s a clue. Authentic vendors proudly share real work and happy customer shout-outs.
When doing events planning in Lagos, don’t let flashy branding fool you. Ask for real-life examples and timelines. If they say they decorated a popular venue, reach out to the venue and ask if they’ve worked together. You’d be surprised how quickly filters and fancy captions can hide the truth.
Even better, ask for a mock-up or test run. Want a unique floral arrangement? See a mini sample. Booking catering? Ask for a small tasting session. The ones who hesitate might not be ready for prime time.
How to Handle It Without Drama
So what do you do when you realize your vendor is promising more than they can actually deliver? First off, breathe. You don’t have to panic—but you do need to act quickly and professionally. Don’t accuse; clarify.
Politely ask them to walk you through exactly how they’ll achieve what they offered. Request a written timeline or deliverables list. You can say, “Just to be sure we’re aligned, could you send me the exact plan and what’s included?” That simple sentence can often make a vendor get real.
If they continue to dodge, overpromise, or push back on documentation, don’t wait. Cut your losses early and find a better fit. Platforms like Bookings and Errands can help you connect with verified, experienced vendors who’ve already been vetted.
And if you’re locked into a deposit, ask for a scaled-back service they can actually deliver, or propose a refund. Protect yourself by always signing contracts—no matter how “trusted” or “friendly” the vendor seems. Contracts make expectations clear and protect both parties.
Skipping Contracts: The Costly Consequences
When it comes to events planning in Lagos, you may feel tempted to go with vibes and handshakes. Please don’t.
Contracts may sound boring, but they’re the backbone of any event that doesn’t end in drama, fights, or money loss.
You might think, “We trust each other. What could go wrong?” A lot, actually. More than you’d expect.
In Lagos, where events run on tight schedules and vendors juggle multiple clients, a contract is your safety net.
“Verbal Agreement” Is Just Fancy for “Nothing”
Verbal agreements are like jollof rice without pepper—unserious and disappointing. It might sound okay today, but wait till D-Day.
You say: “The decorator promised gold chairs, white roses, and a peacock centerpiece.”
They say: “I only agreed to blue chairs and silk flowers.” Who wins? No one. Especially not you.
Without a contract, you’ll struggle to prove what you agreed upon. That’s where problems start—and they get expensive fast.
A written agreement helps both sides stay accountable. It also removes guesswork, which is crucial when managing multiple moving pieces.
And let’s be honest, memory can be tricky. What was said two weeks ago might not be what’s remembered now.
With a contract, you don’t have to argue or beg. You just point, smile, and say, “It’s in the agreement.”
It’s Not Just About Money—It’s About Peace of Mind
A contract doesn’t just protect your money—it protects your peace, your sleep, and your blood pressure.
Planning an event is stressful enough. You don’t want to spend hours chasing vendors who ghost you last-minute.
Contracts outline exactly when a vendor should arrive, what they’re bringing, and what happens if they don’t deliver.
It sets the expectations clearly so everyone is on the same page—no grey areas, no funny surprises.
Want your makeup artist to show up by 8 a.m.? Put it in the contract.
Need your DJ to stop playing by midnight to avoid neighborhood wahala? That goes in too.
The more specific the agreement, the less you leave to chance.
In a fast-paced place like Lagos, where traffic, NEPA, and double-bookings are real issues, clarity saves your event.
You Can’t Sue a Vibe
Let’s say the worst happens. Your caterer doesn’t show. Your decorator delivers paper flowers. Your event is ruined.
Now what? You’re angry, embarrassed, and Naira-deep in damage control.
Here’s the thing: without a contract, legal action becomes nearly impossible.
You have no proof. The vendor walks away with your money and a smile.
You can rant online, post on Instagram, or even curse in traffic—but the event is still ruined.
Legal systems thrive on paper. Your voice note or WhatsApp chat won’t cut it in court.
But if you had a signed document with clear deliverables, timelines, and consequences? You’d have leverage.
Even a simple one-page contract is better than nothing. It shows you’re serious and encourages vendors to stay accountable.
Don’t Be Shy—Ask for It
Some vendors will say, “We don’t usually do contracts.” That’s your cue to walk away or educate them.
Professionals know the value of contracts. If they refuse, it’s usually a sign they’re not confident in their work.
If you’re worried about sounding too serious, keep it simple. Say,
“Let’s just put everything in writing so we’re both clear. It protects us both.”
They’ll either respect your structure or reveal their unseriousness. Either way, you win.
And if you’re using platforms like Bookings and Errands, many of the vendors already provide contracts upfront.
That’s the beauty of going through a concierge platform—they’ve done the vetting so you don’t have to chase paperwork.
Your job is to enjoy your event, not play detective or debt collector.
The Truth About “Budget” Event Packages
Let’s be honest—budget event packages sound like a dream come true when you’re deep into events planning in Lagos.
You’re tired. You’re juggling vendors, guest lists, last-minute calls, and an accountant in your head whispering “cut costs now.”
Then suddenly, a vendor says, “I’ll handle everything for just ₦150k.” You hear angels singing, right?
But before you start celebrating with zobo and small chops, let’s talk about what “budget” really means—and what it often hides.
Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Cheerful
We all love a bargain, especially when naira is doing gymnastics. But in event planning, cheap can quickly become chaotic.
That ₦150k “all-inclusive” package may look good on paper—but what exactly is included? Ask. No, seriously—ask everything.
You might get chairs, but not covers. A cake, but from a roadside baker. Music, but off someone’s old Bluetooth speaker.
Vendors sometimes leave out small details that cost you big money later. Things like delivery fees, setup time, or extra hands.
So while you’re thinking you’re saving money, you’re actually building a DIY disaster kit without knowing it.
Always request a detailed breakdown. If they say “it’s all standard,” smile—and still ask again. You deserve clarity.
Hidden Costs Love to Hide in Plain Sight
One of the most common traps in events planning in Lagos is falling for the base price with no clear terms.
Vendors will advertise a ₦200k wedding package. But once you say “I do,” the extras start rolling in.
“Oh, you want a generator?” That’s ₦50k. “Oh, you wanted two colors for decor?” That’s another ₦30k.
Before you know it, the “budget” deal is suddenly looking more premium than a Banana Island wedding.
The issue isn’t always dishonesty—it’s vagueness. Many vendors assume you understand the terms. But you’re not a mind reader.
They might say, “We’ve got you covered,” but forget to mention they only cover plastic chairs and tablecloths from 1999.
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually needs a good, long email thread and a contract to confirm it.
You Deserve Better Than Stress Disguised as Savings
Budget shouldn’t mean poor quality, late delivery, or shaky service. Your event is not practice ground for amateur vendors.
Yes, you can plan a beautiful event without going broke. But it requires smart choices, not shortcuts.
Look out for vendors who offer flexibility and transparency instead of vague package deals with zero follow-up.
Some clients have paid for “decor and coordination,” only to end up setting tables themselves at 7 a.m. on event day.
Your money may be small, but your expectations should still be high. It’s your celebration, not a charity project.
If you’re working with a concierge platform like Bookings and Errands, you’ll find vendors who offer real value, not guesswork.
They’ve been screened, reviewed, and held to higher standards—so even “budget” feels like a soft life experience.
Know What You’re Paying For—And What You’re Not
One of the best questions you can ask during events planning in Lagos is: What’s not included in this package?
That question alone can save you cash, conflict, and confusion. It shows you’re thinking ahead—and vendors take you seriously.
Also, don’t assume one vendor can do it all. If a decorator suddenly claims to be a caterer, DJ, and MC too—run.
Stay in your budget lane, but don’t accept everything labeled “budget.” Do your homework, compare options, and prioritize experience over excitement.
Sometimes, paying a little extra saves you from spending double fixing mistakes later. Don’t be afraid to invest in peace of mind.
Events Planning in Lagos: Why a Middleman Matters
When it comes to events planning in Lagos, most people want full control. You probably think, “Why add another person?”
But here’s a secret many Lagos event planners are learning fast: having a trusted middleman is not a weakness—it’s a superpower.
Think of them like your event bodyguard, hype person, and fixer all rolled into one. No drama, just results.
A good middleman (or concierge) doesn’t just connect you with vendors—they protect your time, budget, and peace of mind.
They Filter Out the Flakes
Let’s be real: Lagos is full of amazing vendors, but it also has its fair share of funny business.
You’ll find caterers with no menus, decorators who ghost, and DJs who play wedding songs at corporate events.
When you go solo, it’s easy to fall for good Instagram photos and sweet talk. But who’s checking the backend?
A solid middleman already knows which vendors have flopped and which ones consistently deliver five-star experiences.
They’ve done the hard work—background checks, real reviews, even test bookings—so you don’t have to become Sherlock Holmes.
And if a vendor suddenly tries to switch things up last minute, your middleman steps in and shuts that down quickly.
It’s like having a cool older cousin who’s seen it all and knows how to handle wahala with grace.
👉 Want to avoid rookie vendor mistakes? Check out our guide to how to choose the right event vendor in Lagos.
They Save You from Lagos Wahala
You already know Lagos can be extra. One day there’s rain, traffic, and NEPA issues—all while you’re trying to host 100 guests.
Now imagine juggling vendors, calls, delivery times, payments, and setup—all in the middle of that chaos. No thanks.
This is where a middleman truly shines. They become your go-to person for everything you shouldn’t have to worry about.
They confirm arrival times, negotiate rates, handle late payments, and fix issues before you even hear about them.
You? You’re sipping champagne and looking fabulous while someone else handles the logistics behind the scenes.
The best part? If anything goes wrong, you don’t argue with five vendors—you speak to one person. That’s peace.
According to this Forbes event management breakdown , logistics mismanagement is one of the top reasons events go over budget or fail.
They Know the Right People—and Deals
Middlemen have vendor relationships you simply don’t. They’ve built trust, worked on multiple events, and often get better deals than you can.
Maybe you’re planning a high-end birthday, a rooftop proposal, or a small destination wedding. They already know who to call.
Want a decor team that can pull off “Naija royal glam” without making it cheesy? They’ve got the perfect match.
Need last-minute waiters, backup generators, or a live talking drummer? They know someone who knows someone—and can get it done fast.
Plus, many vendors give concierge services better rates because they bring consistent business. Those savings can roll over to you.
That’s why platforms like Bookings and Errands exist—to connect you with premium vendors without the stress of endless research.
You Still Call the Shots—But Smarter
Some people think using a middleman means giving up control. Nope. It actually means making more informed, confident decisions.
You still choose your decor theme, your food, your vibe—but you’re not guessing anymore. You’re guided, not dictated.
Your middleman helps you see the full picture—budget, options, risks, and results—so you can decide what works best.
Want that ₦500k floral setup? They’ll tell you what parts you can recreate for ₦200k without losing the wow factor.
They’re like Google Maps for events—helping you avoid potholes and shortcuts that go nowhere.
Especially in events planning in Lagos, where vendor availability changes quickly and logistics get messy, you’ll be glad someone’s got your back.
Final Thoughts
In a city like Lagos, where one wrong vendor can crash your entire event, having a middleman isn’t a luxury—it’s strategy.
They don’t just save you time and stress—they protect your money, your mood, and your event from turning into a Twitter thread.
So whether it’s a small dinner party or a full-blown luxury event, consider using a concierge or event platform.
With the right middleman, you won’t just survive events planning in Lagos—you’ll thrive, look good, and enjoy every moment.
And let’s be honest—wouldn’t you rather be the guest of honor than the emergency manager with a phone glued to your ear?
