How to choose and share your aso-ebi

Aso-ebi is what turns a guest list into one glorious, coordinated crowd. Getting it organised is mostly logistics, and logistics are easy to tame.

1. Decide your colours early

Pick your colour of the day and one or two fabrics (often a lace and an ankara) three to four months ahead. Order a little more than you think you need; late requests always come.

2. Set a fair, clear price

Price the fabric so it covers cost without becoming a barrier. Be transparent about what the price includes, and make it plain that aso-ebi is an invitation, never a fee to attend. A guest who can't get the fabric is still welcome.

3. Take orders in one place

This is where most couples lose their minds. Don't run it through a hundred separate chats. Put the fabric, the price and an order form on your wedding site, so every request, size and payment sits in one list you can actually read.

4. Sort tailoring and deadlines

Recommend a tailor or two, and set a hard cut-off for orders so everyone has time to sew. Share a simple measurement guide. For guests abroad, give them extra lead time and the option to use their own tailor with your fabric posted out.

5. Confirm and remind

A week before, send one clear reminder of the colours and where to collect. Then relax: the coordinated photos will be worth every bit of the planning.