Nigerian weddings are renowned for their vibrant and unique traditions. Like many other cultures, a Nigerian wedding is not just a celebration of the love between two people, but also a celebration of the union of two families. These weddings are as diverse and beautiful as the country itself, with an estimated 371 tribes, each contributing its unique customs.
Traditional Nigerian wedding attire showcases vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Many Nigerian-American weddings traditionally feature two ceremonies: the traditional wedding and the formal wedding. The traditional wedding will differ based on the couple’s family origin in Nigeria.
Couples from different tribes honor both sides of their family heritage. As a result, weddings are also an opportunity for different tribes to learn more about each other.
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Pre-Wedding Traditions
As with most African countries, Nigerian wedding traditions are observed long before the actual wedding date.
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Introduction Ceremony
The rites kick off with an introduction ceremony, where both families come together, perhaps for the first time. The families will exchange gifts with one another as they get to know each other.
The Bride Price / Dowry
Almost all Nigerian tribes expect the groom to pay a bride price before marriage. This “price” is a list of valuable items that can range from livestock and dishware to luxury vehicles. While these items are supposed to prepare the bride for her new home, they also represent the invaluable wealth that the daughter brings to her parents.
For members of the Igbo tribe, grooms (along with their older male relatives) are expected to “knock on the door” of the bride’s home and ask her parents for permission to join their family. After the bride accepts the offer, the family will then come up with the bride price.
Guests wearing Aso-Ebi, showcasing family unity and support.
Wedding Ceremonies
Nigerian couples are respectful to their roots and will incorporate a traditional Nigerian Ceremony with all the expected components. However, couples are also choosing to hold a second ceremony with a beautiful white gown and show-stopping tuxedo while also following American traditions such as the bouquet and garter toss.
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Traditional vs. Western Ceremonies
The traditional wedding follows the wedding customs of the family’s tribe. While a traditional Nigerian wedding will take place at the bride’s family home, it’s still essential to incorporate and honor the groom’s heritage as well.
The Formal Wedding often follows the timeline of a traditional Christian or Muslim wedding. Most brides wear a Western-style white wedding dress at this event.
Key Traditional Wedding Elements
- The Wine Carrying: At Igbo weddings, the bride receives a cup of wine from her parents before she’s been given a glimpse of her groom. With her maidens, she must go now and look for the groom who will be hidden within the crowd. When she finally finds her husband, she will get down on her knees and present the wine cup. The husband must drink the entire contents and replace the empty cup with money.
- Wedding Fatiha: Hausa weddings feature a distinct ceremony where representatives from the bride and groom’s family exchange vows for the couple.
Proper Wedding Attire
One of the best Nigerian wedding traditions is the unique attires!
Nigerian traditional wedding dresses are known as ‘aso oke’. The attire is made of thick fabric with long sleeves that widen at the wrists and a kaftan-like skirt, which the bride ties around her waist. Nigerian traditional wedding dresses are also detailed with lace and beads.
The Nigerian male traditional wedding attire is known as ‘buba’. It is a top with matching pants. An oversized robe with open sleeves is draped over the top. It is known as an ‘agbada’.
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The Nigerian male traditional wedding attire is made complete by adding a ‘fila’, which is a hat worn by Yoruba men.
The bride and groom are not the only ones that get to wear traditional attire. The guests also wear traditional clothes chosen by the bride and groom. These attires are known as ‘aso-ebi’, which translates to family clothes.
Reception Traditions
THE MONEY DANCE
As soon as the married couple hits the dance floor, guests will “spray” them with money - which symbolizes many blessings. The more times a couple dances, the more money they can expect to receive. Make sure to bring some cash to a Nigerian wedding to participate in this meaningful and fun rite.
Everybody has their own traditional music, but Afrobeats are always popular on the dance floor. Additionally, other tribes in attendance will perform traditional dances for the couple throughout the reception - revealing the beauty and diversity of Nigerian culture.
Lifting The Bride
Nigerian grooms will also carry their brides. However, their interpretation is a bit different. It’s a show of strength.
Elder Sibling First
In the Igbo community, marriages follow seniority; younger brothers are expected to put off their weddings until all their older siblings are married.
Nigerian Wedding Food
The bride and groom aren’t expected to handle the catering for their big day. The bride’s mother is responsible for the food and ensuring all guests are fed and happy!
While each tribe has their own distinct cuisine, they can all agree on the importance of food at a Nigerian wedding.
Here are some popular food choices:
- Jollof rice
- Meat pies
- Sausage rolls
- Samosas
- Puff puff
- Chin chin
- Spicy meat skewers called suya
The sour fruit of the kola tree is known as the kola nut. For many tribes, breaking the kola nut heralds the beginning of any customary event and serves as a means for elders to greet visitors. The more pieces a kola nut breaks into, the greater prosperity the hosts and guests will enjoy.
Nigerian wedding traditions and customs are colorful & festive, and filled to the brim with music, food, and dancing!
Here is a summary of the various traditions discussed:
| Tradition | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction Ceremony | Families meet and exchange gifts. |
| Bride Price/Dowry | Groom provides valuable items to the bride's family. |
| Wine Carrying | Bride searches for the groom and offers him wine. |
| Money Spray | Guests shower the couple with money while they dance. |
| Aso-Ebi | Guests wear traditional clothes chosen by the couple. |
| Breaking of the Kola Nuts | The kola nut symbolizes hospitality, friendship, love and respect. |
One of the best ways to experience Nigeria’s diversity is to attend a wedding.
