Nigerian Weddings & Traditions
Venue: @whiteroomweddings
Photography: @stephanie.w.photography
Planner/Coordinator: @coastalcoordinating
Need to prepare for a Nigerian wedding but don’t know exactly what to expect? Here are a couple of staple traditions that you can assume to see when you assist. One thing is for sure, no matter what you are bound to have a good time!
- Aso-Ebi (Family Cloth): The clothes at a Nigerian wedding are extremely important as they signifysomeone’s relationship with and support for the couple. The entire wedding party is often reserved a specific color and fabric to wear on the wedding day. The fabrics are often bright and vibrant colors and are tailored specifically to the person wearing them in the style they prefer. These dresses and outfits are nothing if not short of extravagant!
- Guest List: Nigerian weddings are often not only a celebration of the couple being married but also a celebration of their close family and the community. This means most Nigerian weddings have a large guest list. So do not expect a small gathering if you are ever invited to one!
- Gele (Yoruba Tribe Tradition): More specifically, in Yoruba weddings, the bride will don a traditional Gele or head wrap that matches their Aso-Ebi color of choice. A Gele often signifies a woman’s marital status. If worn on the left, the woman's status is single so wearing it on the right on the wedding day is much more special to signify the officiality of the marriage and marital status!
- Traditional Dances: While some western weddings include an entrance dance Nigerian weddings are on a whole other level. These entrances include traditional Nigerian dances and music and are often performed by the majority of the wedding party. Carefully planned choreography and the use of beautiful decor and clothes make these entrance dances truly a sight to see!
- Money Spraying: If invited to a Nigerian wedding don’t be surprised if you see any loose cash on the floor! It’s traditional for wedding guests to show the newlywed couple love and support by showering or spraying them with cash. The bridesmaids then collect the money to give to the couple to start off their new journey together!