There’s no doubt you’ve been to a wedding in the past. In fact, you might even be a seasoned wedding attendee! But, you’re probably used to weddings that are all very similar to one another. It’s unlikely you’ve been to an African wedding before. And if you haven’t then you are in for a treat! Forget everything you know about weddings and make sure you go into things with an open mind.
African weddings are huge spectacles, and they’re something that’s wonderful to be a part of. So, we’re going to take a look at exactly what you should expect from an African wedding. This will help you get a better grasp of what’s going on, and you’ll be more prepared.
Suspend Your Disbelief
You need to go into things with an open mind. Many African weddings are very ostentatious, and some might even border on ridiculous at times. But, just make sure you go with the flow. It’s all part of the fun and enjoyment of the day. There’s a useful guide online that talks about African culture. And it mentions some of the most ridiculous weddings that have taken place. Just don’t expect what you’re used to. This is a different culture, and you need to make sure you are open to fresh experiences.
The Dowry Matters
With African weddings, the dowry is a very important part of it. It’s a huge part of their culture, and it dates back centuries. In the Western world, the dowry is really more of a token gesture that’s not often observed. But, for African weddings it is a time honoured tradition, and one that is taken very seriously. Many things throughout African culture have been handed over as part of a dowry. These have included gold, fabric and even cows! The dowry is a key part of showing the unity of a man and a woman, so expect this to play a big role in the ceremony.
Dress Properly
If you’re going to attend an African wedding you need to make sure you dress in an appropriate way. And this means embracing the dress sense of the day. There are traditional African clothes that are often worn at weddings. Why not think about going all out, and making sure you rent some wedding attire like this as well? Women can wear traditional African dresses made from beautiful fabrics, in an array of colours. For men, dashikis and agbada are actively worn throughout the weddings. Make sure you get a flamboyant and colourful one.
Music
The music plays an enormous role in African culture as a whole. So expect it to be one of the focal points at any wedding. You should also prepare yourself for a lot of African dancing. This is something that will go on for quite a while. So make sure you pack your dancing shoes with you! It might be worth brushing up on some traditional African music before the wedding as well.
As you can see, there are many differences involved in a lot of African weddings. And it’s great to be a part of this because it shows us how other cultures do things. Marriage is very important in Africa, and the divorce rates are extremely low. By attending an African wedding, you’ve been part of something hugely significant and important.
