When Flowers Speak Louder Than Guests: Noble Igwe Critiques Over-the-Top Wedding Decor

Nigerian media personality and fashion entrepreneur Noble Igwe has sparked a fresh round of debate online after publicly sharing his thoughts on what he considers a rising trend of “excessive” wedding decorations. Known for his sharp fashion sense, unapologetic honesty, and strong presence on social media, Igwe’s commentary didn’t come in a lengthy blog post or a formal interview—it came as a simple yet pointed observation that has since caught the attention of many who follow lifestyle and event culture in Nigeria.

“These days, I see wedding decorations that I consider way too much,” he wrote. “Why can't guests sitting at the same table talk to each other without a huge vase blocking them?”

In just a few words, Igwe tapped into a growing conversation that has been bubbling beneath the surface among event-goers, planners, and everyday observers alike. The heart of his critique lies in a question of priorities: When did the aesthetics of a wedding become more important than the experience of the people attending it?

For many Nigerians, weddings are more than just a union between two individuals—they are monumental celebrations of family, culture, and community. They serve as grand statements of love, unity, and often, wealth. But as with many elements of Nigerian social life, the pressures of appearance and status have increasingly taken center stage. Decorations, once functional and modest, are now often extravagant centerpieces that command attention and, as Igwe pointed out, sometimes dominate the event space at the expense of human connection.

Anyone who has attended a high-profile Nigerian wedding in recent years is likely familiar with the visual overload: towering floral arrangements, ornate centerpieces that span the length of tables, hanging crystals, shimmering drapery, and lighting effects that rival stage productions. While undeniably beautiful and Instagram-worthy, these setups can sometimes create more of a spectacle than a welcoming environment.

Igwe’s comment struck a chord because it reflects a sentiment that many have experienced but few have voiced. Guests at weddings often find themselves craning their necks around floral installations to see their tablemates, or shouting across a cascade of petals and candles just to hold a conversation. In some cases, the decor—no matter how lush or luxurious—becomes a barrier to interaction rather than a backdrop to celebration.

His words aren’t just a personal opinion; they function as social commentary. Noble Igwe has long been known for challenging the status quo, whether in fashion, media, or lifestyle. With this latest critique, he invites a reassessment of what truly matters at events designed to bring people together. In a society where appearances can often overshadow authenticity, he’s reminding people that beauty without function—especially in shared moments like weddings—can sometimes defeat the purpose.

The reactions to his statement have been mixed but largely engaging. Some social media users applauded his honesty, saying it’s refreshing to see someone with influence call out what they’ve also found frustrating. Others saw it as a challenge to the booming wedding decor industry, which has grown rapidly over the last decade and now represents a major segment of the Nigerian event economy.

“I’ve been to weddings where I couldn’t even see the bride and groom from my table,” one Instagram user commented. “It’s like the whole thing was designed for a photo shoot, not an actual gathering.”

Another user responded, “Decor is fine, but not at the expense of comfort. We should focus more on creating memories, not just photo ops.”

But not everyone agreed. Some defended the trend, arguing that elaborate decor is a form of artistic expression and a reflection of the couple’s taste and aspirations. “It’s their day. Let them decorate it how they want,” a Twitter user wrote. “If you don’t like it, sit somewhere else.”

This divergence in opinion highlights a broader cultural tension: the balance between tradition and modernity, between substance and style. Weddings have always been a canvas for self-expression, but as trends evolve, so too do expectations. The line between celebrating love and showcasing wealth can often become blurred, especially in a social media age where visual impressions carry enormous weight.

Still, Igwe’s critique doesn’t seem aimed at halting creativity or discouraging personal expression. Rather, it reads more as a call to remember the original purpose of weddings—to bring people together in love and unity. A wedding, he suggests, should facilitate connection, not obstruct it with towering centerpieces or over-the-top decor that isolates guests from one another.

Event planners and decorators have also weighed in, some acknowledging that while dramatic aesthetics are in high demand, there’s growing recognition that functionality should not be sacrificed. In fact, a few planners have admitted to being asked to tone down table designs or consider sightlines and seating comfort as part of their design briefs.

One well-known Lagos-based decorator commented anonymously, “We love creating beautiful spaces, but we’re also starting to get more briefs from clients who say, ‘We want elegance, but we want people to talk and laugh freely.’ That shift is happening.”

In a way, Igwe’s statement may be a catalyst for change—or at least for reflection. As couples plan their weddings and envision their perfect day, his words serve as a reminder to keep the guest experience in mind. After all, weddings are remembered not just for the way they looked, but for how they made people feel.

So, as wedding season continues and the Instagram timelines fill with shots of floral arches, chandeliers, and five-tier cakes, perhaps more people will pause and ask: Can the people at table five actually see each other? Or has style once again silenced the joy of simple connection?

Noble Igwe didn’t just critique decor—he opened the door to a larger conversation about value, priorities, and the true essence of celebration. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a conversation worth having—preferably across a table without a giant vase in the middle.