How to plan a birthday party in Lagos
From a small dinner to a full owambe: budget, venue, guest list, food, music and invites for a birthday party in Lagos - plus how to handle gifts and RSVPs.
Pick the kind of party
A dinner for twelve, a lounge night with friends, a house party or a full milestone owambe all plan differently. Decide the size and the vibe first; the budget follows.
Budget and venue
Restaurants and lounges often have private areas with a minimum spend; event centres and gardens charge a hire fee and you bring your own vendors. Ask what's included - chairs, power, security, cleaning - before you compare prices.
- Food and drinks are usually the biggest cost.
- Keep some money aside for things that always come up: extra guests, fuel for the generator, tips.
Guests and invites
Send invites two to four weeks ahead for a big party, one to two weeks for a small one. Ask people to RSVP so you can give the caterer and venue a real number - an RSVP link is easier for guests than replying to a broadcast.
On the day
Give one friend the job of welcoming guests and checking names, another the music and timing, so you can enjoy your own party.
Gifts
Friends who can't come - or who live abroad - can still send a cash gift with a message. On Zulra guests can send a Zift to the celebrant from the event page, and at the party they can spray from their phone too.
Updated 28 October 2026