Shipping Wedding Items and Aso Ebi to Nigeria: A Planning Guide
Planning a wedding, burial or birthday in Nigeria from the UK? Here is when to book, how to pack and what to watch at customs so everything arrives in time.
Written by
R-Zone Cargo Team
Published on
20 October 2026
Quick Answer
Book sea freight at least 8 to 10 weeks before the event and air freight at least 3 weeks before. Pack outfits flat in garment bags, label each guest's aso ebi separately, and declare quantities honestly: large amounts of identical fabric can look commercial at customs.
- Sea
- Book 8 to 10 weeks ahead
- Air
- Book 3 weeks ahead
- Outfits
- Flat, in garment bags
- Aso ebi
- Declare quantities
In This Article
Planning an event in Nigeria from the UK
Weddings, burials, naming ceremonies and milestone birthdays bring families together, and a lot of what makes the day often comes from the UK: outfits, aso ebi, souvenirs and decor. The secret is timing. Here is how to plan it.
When to book
| What you are sending | Mode | Book at least |
|---|---|---|
| Decor, souvenirs, bulk items | Sea | 8 to 10 weeks before |
| Aso ebi for guests | Air or sea | 3 to 10 weeks before |
| Outfits and the dress | Air | 3 weeks before |
| Last-minute extras | Air | 3 weeks before |
December and Easter are the busiest periods. See our guide to how long shipping takes.
Packing outfits and fabric
- Garment bags for gowns, agbada and suits, folded as little as possible.
- Label each guest's aso ebi in its own bag with their name, so distribution is easy on arrival.
- Gele and accessories go in small boxes so they keep their shape.
- Keep shoes in their boxes and fill them with socks or tissue.
Souvenirs and decor
Branded souvenirs, fans, mugs, centrepieces and printed items all ship well by sea. Pack fragile pieces in the middle of boxes with plenty of padding. See our packing guide.
Customs and aso ebi
Reasonable quantities of fabric for family and guests are normally treated as personal goods. Very large amounts of identical fabric can look like stock for sale and attract textile duty, so declare quantities and values honestly. Avoid perishables such as fresh cakes.
Call +44 (0) 800 772 0864 or WhatsApp +44 7915 647119 and a member of our UK team will help.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I ship wedding items to Nigeria?
Send sea freight at least 8 to 10 weeks before the event and air freight at least 3 weeks before, to leave room for customs clearance and delivery.
Will I pay duty on aso ebi fabric?
Reasonable quantities for family and guests are normally treated as personal goods. Very large quantities of identical fabric can be treated as commercial textiles, which attract duty. Declare quantities and values honestly.
Can I send a wedding cake or food for the event?
Fresh cakes and perishable food are not suitable for cargo. Dry, sealed food in personal quantities is fine, but it is usually best to source fresh items in Nigeria.
How do I make sure my wedding dress arrives safely?
Pack it in a breathable garment bag, folded as little as possible, in its own sturdy box. Consider air freight and transit insurance for a dress you could not replace.
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