A Ghanaian traditional wedding is a vibrant and exciting event, rich with culture, unique customs, and one-of-a-kind traditions. It's a great honor to be invited to a Ghanaian traditional wedding, which is often one of two wedding ceremonies Ghanaian American couples host. The second ceremony is a Western-style wedding, sometimes called a “white wedding” to refer to the white wedding dress that’s customary. The traditional wedding is reflective of the African wedding customs native to Ghana.
In the 21st century, the landscape of wedding fashion has evolved, embracing a rich tapestry of styles that reflect individuality, cultural significance, and personal expression. This shift is particularly evident in the vibrant and diverse realm of Ghanaian weddings, where the attire of the bride, groom, and guests has become a canvas for storytelling and cultural celebration.
Wondering what to expect at your first Ghanaian traditional wedding? We’ll clue you in on what first-time guests should know. Be prepared for a beautiful celebration filled with regal clothing, symbolic traditions, and more.
A Beautiful Ghanaian Wedding ( ELVIS & TEENAH )
A Brief History of Ghanaian Wedding Traditions
Though it's unclear exactly how and when their traditions began, Ghana over the years has maintained its wedding customs and modernized them. Generally, after two to three dates, men will propose marriage, because any longer would be "taking advantage of the friendship" according to their beliefs. Once the couple is engaged, the traditional prewedding events kick off which include gifts and ceremonies.
Ghanaian Pre-Wedding Traditions
Before a Ghana traditional wedding, the "knocking" ceremony (kokooko or "Opon-akyi bo") must be completed. This is where the family of the groom "knocks on the door" or approaches the bride's family to inform them of their son's wish to marry their daughter. It serves as an introduction between families.
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Once the proposal has been accepted, they may set their wedding date and present the "engagement" list, which is a dowry that includes gifts like clothes for the bride, jewelry, money, or other items for the bride's parents. Historically, according to tradition, the bride and her family will pay for the wedding and reception while the groom and his family cover the rehearsal dinner.
The Negotiation
To start, important spokesmen from both families will stage a playful, symbolic negotiation at the wedding. From the bride’s side, the head of her clan or tribe who is often the eldest relative on her father’s side and the spokesman from her family will sit on one side of the room, along with her family. On the other side, the groom’s family will sit with their family spokesperson. The two spokesmen are the only people to speak during the negotiation, which includes officially asking for the bride’s hand in marriage. There is some back and forth as jokes are exchanged and demands are made before agreeing to hand over the bride.
A symbolic aspect of the Ghanaian wedding is the bride giving her consent when asked for her hand in marriage. This is done three times, as a matter of denoting that she is sure of her decision and not forced into an alliance. Though a dated tradition, it is very much a part of modern weddings and included in the day’s proceedings.
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Gift Giving
Next, gifts are presented to the bride and her family from the groom and his family. In a traditional Ghanaian wedding, gifts are presented to the bride and her family, including a wedding registry that serves the purpose of a dowry, listing things she needs to begin her new life. This is a pretty elaborate list and includes gifts for the parents and siblings, but primarily comprises personal effects, household items, and other presents for the bride.
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Akonta Sikan are gifts to the bride’s siblings while an additional set of gifts are given to her parents in appreciation for taking care of her up until this point. The bride receives a dowry, which is a little like a wedding registry in that her family curates the wish list of things she needs to start married life. The dowry typically includes kitchen utensils, jewelry, makeup and clothes.
As it is in a traditional wedding, the arrival of the bride is always the star attraction of the party. But at Ghanaian weddings, this can be a drawn-out process-especially if there’s a lot of gifting involved.
Fake Brides
Lastly, a string of “fake brides” are presented to the groom to ensure he knows the woman he truly loves. These women have their heads covered, but the groom and the family are completely in on the joke, so there’s no chance he’ll choose the wrong woman.
Ghanaian Wedding Attire
Traditional Ghanaian wedding attire includes brightly colored and intricately patterned or embroidered kente fabric in traditional African fashion, made of handwoven silk and cotton, accompanied by resplendent gold jewelry. Couples will dress in clothes that make them feel like royalty on their big day. The new couple will dress to the nines for their Ghanaian wedding.
What is the name of the wedding dress in Ghana? Lately, almost every couple is going by the Akan traditional marriage ceremony attire code, where both the bride and groom adorn themselves in exquisite fabrics known as Kente in Ghana and as Kita cloth in Céte d’Ivoire.
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The Kente cloth is made of handwoven silk and cotton. For the occasion, it is often brightly colored and patterned or embroidered, along with gold jewelry to accent the attire.
The Ghanaian traditional wedding dress is vibrant and colorful, covered with intricate designs. They are usually characterized by the following:
- Kente Cloth: Both the bride and the groom wear this exquisitely woven fabric, which comes in a plethora of colors and patterns, each with a distinct symbolic meaning. The bride can wear her kente as a gown or as two separate pieces, a top and a skirt, while the groom can wear his as a toga or as a wide-flowing rove known as an Agbada.
- Duku: This is a wrapped-up headscarf worn by the bride. It matches the color and fabric used to make the wedding dress.
- Embroidered Fabrics: Delicately embroidered fabrics are also used to make traditional wedding gowns in Ghana.
The bride also wears a traditional headdress that resembles a crown, called a tekua. The bride wears a traditional headdress, sometimes resembling a crown for the wedding ceremony. Colors hold symbolic meaning for couples. For example, gold means wealth or royalty, pink means calmness and tenderness, blue represents the sky and means love, harmony, and good peace, and maroon means protection from evil.
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For the Ghanaian bride, the wedding attire is more than just a dress; it is a manifestation of cultural pride and personal style. The bride’s clothing tells a story visually by signifying her ancestry, her family, and the start of a new chapter. Modern inspirations have given rise to contemporary wedding gown styles in recent years, which elegantly combine tradition and cutting-edge flair.
Groom’s Attire
The groom’s attire at a Ghanaian wedding is a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary flair. Traditional Ghanaian grooms may opt for clothes made from the same fabric as that of the bride in the following styles:
- Batakari: This is a loose-fitting broad smock worn by men of certain ethnic groups in Ghana with intricate embroidery, complemented by Kente accessories.
- Agbada: This is a flowing outfit that resembles a gown, worn with trousers and a matching cap.
Alternatively, modern grooms might choose a tailored suit in vibrant colors, paying homage to tradition with subtle cultural elements like Kente lapel pins or cufflinks. The groom’s outfit, like the bride’s, is a statement of identity, reflecting his connection to cultural roots while embracing the evolution of wedding fashion.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids play an important role in any wedding, as they support the bride and participate actively in all the wedding rituals. As such, they also have to look good! Their outfits are made from Kente cloth. The colors that their outfits are made from must match the overall color scheme of the wedding. In some cases, each bridesmaid wears a duku (headscarf). The bridesmaids all wear traditional beaded jewelry matching the color scheme.
Groomsmen
In Ghanaian traditional weddings, the groomsmen all have roles to play. Some of these include supporting the groom and participating in the rituals. Some characteristics of their outfits include smocks, shirts, or tunics made from Kente cloth, attire that matches what the groom is wearing, hats or caps that match their outfits and bear cultural significance and traditional necklaces and bracelets.
Guests Outfits at Traditional Weddings in Ghana: Colors and Styles
Ghanaian wedding guests contribute to the visual spectacle with a kaleidoscope of colors and diverse styles. For guests attending a Ghanaian traditional wedding, any formal attire is appropriate. You can choose kente cloth in colors that represent good tidings for the couple, or you can just choose a brightly colored and ornately designed outfit that will fit right in with the theme. If you're unsure, ask someone at the wedding party for their advice.
Guests should feel free to wear African prints to traditional weddings, if you have them. If you live in an area with a sizable Ghanaian American community, you will likely be able to find seamstresses who are skilled at creating gowns, skirts and separates from traditional cloth. However, if you don’t have or don’t want to purchase traditional clothing, feel free to wear your favorite wedding-appropriate gear.
Whether invited to the traditional wedding or the church ceremony, any wedding-appropriate formal attire is welcome. If you do choose to wear traditional Ghanaian attire to the wedding, rest assured that’s also welcome. In this special type of African wedding, with all the bright colors and gorgeous designs, the rest of the wedding party is wearing, you will fit right in.
Women often showcase the beauty of traditional African prints, including Ankara and other indigenous fabrics, while men may don richly patterned Kente or opt for contemporary suits with cultural accessories. The significance lies in the collective celebration of diversity, as guests honor the couple and the cultural mosaic of Ghana through their choice of attire. Wedding ceremonies become a canvas of colors, patterns, and styles that reflect the unity of diversity, creating a visually striking and harmonious atmosphere.
Women
- Kente dresses
- Matching head wraps
- Beaded Jewelry
- Aso Ebi (a specific fabric selected by the couple for all their attendees)
- Boubou dresses
Men
- Kente cloth outfits
- Agbada (a flowing 2-piece outfit)
- Dashiki (a loose-fitting tunic)
- Matching caps or hats
- Beaded necklaces
- Embroidered outfits
Ghanaian Wedding Ceremony Traditions
Typically, the marriage ceremony will take place at the bride’s home or any other suitable venue. Live music performed by traditional “adowa” groups or bands will be played before the ceremony. During the ceremony itself, members of both families will sit across from one another, and spokespersons assigned to each party will engage in friendly conversation. The bride’s family will be seated to welcome the groom and his family, who come in bearing the items on the marriage list, or “aye-yo-dee” gifts; a long line of family members comes with gifts in their hands or on their heads.
Ghanaian wedding customs include the bride offering her consent three times when asked for her hand in marriage as a sign that she has not been coerced into marriage; although this tradition predates modern weddings, it is still observed today. Following her acceptance, the bride is introduced to the groom’s family.
In Ghanaian tradition, the marriage is considered sealed when the groom offers the father drinks during the wedding, such as palm wine or Schnapps. This custom is known as Tiri Nasa.
Ghanaian Wedding Reception Traditions
Following the traditional and sometimes the church service ceremony, there will be a reception with food, music, and dancing where guests can dance to traditional Ghanaian music, savor local cuisine, and enjoy each other’s company as they celebrate the newlyweds.
The bride and groom will go around greeting and thanking each of their guests for attending, and personalized wedding favors like chocolates, mugs, or pens are given out. The groomsmen or other guests will “compete” to throw money at the couple at the end of the song during their first dance; this helps to provide the newlyweds with funds for their new life while also offering a lighthearted and friendly competition for the guests. The couple will cut their cake and deliver speeches; occasionally, guests who have traveled a distance will be offered separate events following the wedding, like a luncheon.
Ghanaian Traditional Wedding Food, Drinks & Desserts
Indulge in traditional Ghanaian fares, such as banks and grilled fish, red bean and fish stew with fried plantain, roast goat, roast ripe plantain, jollof rice… the list goes on. Food is a big part of the wedding traditions, and a large spread with multiple dishes is the norm.
After the wedding ceremony, the wedding party and guests alike can feast on traditional Ghanaian food such as jollof rice, grilled fish, red bean and fish stew with fried plantains, roast goat and roast ripe plantains. Traditionally, the meal will be served buffet-style, and the large spread is a big part of the wedding customs.
Ghanaian Postwedding Traditions
In some Ghanaian cultures, like the Bulsa of Northern Ghana, they participate in something called the Nansiung-Iika or "Closing of the Gate or Entrance." This ritual is believed to be the most crucial, as it is said to join a man and woman together permanently until death. This ceremony may be performed after the wedding, but before a woman is pregnant. The items for the ceremony may include a hen, cola, a hoe, or sheep, and the acceptance of these items by the woman's paternal family signifies the ritual's completion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ghanaian Wedding Traditions
What else is there to know about Ghana-traditional weddings? Here are some frequently asked questions.
What is the typical cost of a Ghanaian wedding?
The customary marriage cost is between Ghc 4,000 (or $891) and a "white wedding" costs about Ghc 15,000 (or $3,335.00).
What are traditional Ghanaian wedding gifts?
While gifts aren't mandatory for Ghanaian weddings, it's always good practice to send a gift if invited.
| Tradition | Description |
|---|---|
| Knocking Ceremony | Groom's family informs the bride's family of their son's wish to marry their daughter. |
| Dowry Presentation | Groom's family presents gifts to the bride and her family, including clothes, jewelry, and money. |
| Kente Cloth | Exquisitely woven fabric worn by the bride and groom, with colors and patterns holding symbolic meaning. |
| Bride's Consent | The bride gives her consent three times when asked for her hand in marriage. |
| Tiri Nasa | The groom offers the father drinks during the wedding, such as palm wine or Schnapps, to seal the marriage. |
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