nigerian WEDDING TRADITIONS

Step into a world of vibrant colors, joyful celebrations, and rich cultural traditions as we delve into the enchanting realm of Nigerian wedding ceremonies. With its diverse ethnic groups, Nigeria is a melting pot of captivating customs and rituals that make each wedding a unique and unforgettable experience. Three16 Photography is proud to honor all Nigerian Wedding Traditions as well as all wedding traditions throughout the world.

Like so many cultures and traditions, Nigeria treats their past wedding traditions with respect, but they have also embraced and incorporated some of the more contemporary rituals into their ceremonies and receptions.

Pre-Wedding Traditions
Similar to what we know as having the groom ask the bride’s parents for her hand in marriage, the common Nigerian practice is to have the groom’s family approach the bride’s family to introduce themselves as they seek the bride’s family’s blessing for the two to marry.

For the Yoruba people of Nigeria, this tradition is known as the “Iku Ajo” or “igbeyawo.”

Engagement Traditions
A formal engagement ceremony is often held as a celebration and typically includes gift exchanges. In addition, it is not uncommon to hold engagement ceremonies in multiple areas of Nigeria. Throughout the duration of the engagement period, friends and families of both the bride and groom partake in many fun activities including the enjoyment of colas and nuts. The couple, along with the officiating elder, often drink Palm Wine.

Different groups of Nigeria can also celebrate with their own engagement traditions. The Hausa-Fulani people refer to the engagement ceremony as the “Kulikuli,” where celebrations are very vibrant, and gifts are presented to the bride’s family by the groom’s family, which often includes jewelry, traditional attire and other cultural significant items.

Another Nigerian group, the Igbo people, they refer to the pre-wedding ceremony as the “Ugwu Nwanyi” or the “Fattening Room.” This is where the soon-to-be bride is sequestered in a private room and is fed and pampered, as well as being prepared for her upcoming responsibilities as a wife, as well as a future mother.

Wedding Day Traditions
A Nigerian wedding day if chocked full of traditions that start before the actual ceremony, the ceremony itself and after the ceremony ends. Here are just a few of those traditions.

When it comes to the traditional wedding attire, it is common for both the bride and the groom to wear traditional outfits that can be quite elaborate with vibrant colors, unique embroidery and very detailed beadwork. In addition to this, it is common for the bride to also wear Indian fabrics, as well as decorative headpieces, ankle bracelets and/or necklaces. Wedding guests typically will wear matching outfits, or better known as “aso ebi.” This is meant to symbolize unity.

The wedding ceremony itself can be both religious and cultural, depending on the couple's preferences. For many couples they want the double ceremony. The double ceremony is where they opt for both a cultural ceremony and a religious ceremony, but the two are not combined into one. And if they opt for a double ceremony, two separate officiants will preside over the two ceremonies.

One of the unique and fun traditions is to bring in an Alaga. An Alaga is traditionally a woman that can serve as wedding officiant or as an emcee. Part of their job is to keep the wedding guests engaged and enjoy the ceremony filled with laughter as she heckles the groom and his friends.

Guests were mentioned in terms of the attire, but for a traditional Nigerian wedding there is no official guest list as the entire community is welcome to attend. Because of this, there is always an abundance of food and drink for the reception planned in advanced.

One of the more unique traditions at a Nigerian wedding is called the Prostration. The groom, along with his groomsmen, will lay flat on the floor with their faces down towards the feet of the groom’s bride’s family. The act of prostration is the groom’s way of honoring this bride’s family. After all, they did raise his future wife. In fact, much of the ceremony is designed to honor the bride’s family. They will also perform prostration to the groom’s family as well, but the bride’s family is the priority.

Other traditions include the "Kolanut Ceremony" and the “Money Spray.” The Money Spray is where the guests shower the wedding couple with cash and coins, often along with upbeat music and dancing. This is the community's way of blessing the couple for a financially prosperous future. The Kolanut ceremony includes the sharing and breaking of the kolanut fruit. The kolanut represents spirituality and can hold a deep cultural meaning in the Nigerian culture. During the ritual, the kolanut is presented, blessed, and then shared among all the wedding guests. It signifies the importance of unity, hospitality, and the community’s respect.

Nigerian Receptions, Foods and Drinks
Like with many wedding receptions throughout the world a Nigerian after party is no different as it is filled with music, dancing and amazing food.

One of the more iconic Nigerian wedding dishes is called the "Jollof Rice." This rice dish is a staple across all of Nigeria and is often the centerpiece of most Nigerian wedding receptions. It is very aromatic and savory. The Jollof Rice is prepared with a blend of onions, tomatoes, spices, and either beef or chicken. In addition to the Jollof Rice, there are other traditional side dishes such Fried Plantains and/or a steamed bean pudding called, "Moi Moi."

“Suya” is another popular Nigerian wedding dish. Suya is a spicy grilled meat skewer cooked with smokey flavors and peppery spices. Other Nigerian wedding dishes include the "Pounded Yam," "Egusi Soup” or "Okra Soup."

When it comes to drinks, Nigerian wedding receptions generally offer the traditional "Palm Wine" and the "Zobo."

The Aftermath
After the wedding celebration, the groom and his family will go to his new bride’s home to claim her from her father.

Learn About More Wedding Traditions

Catholic
Chinese
Christian
Filipino
Greek Orthodox
Indian
Jewish
Mexican
Non-Denominational
Tea Ceremony

Step into a world of vibrant colors, joyful celebrations, and rich cultural traditions as we delve into the enchanting realm of Nigerian wedding ceremonies. With its diverse ethnic groups, Nigeria is a melting pot of captivating customs and rituals that make each wedding a unique and unforgettable experience. Three16 Photography is proud to honor all Nigerian Wedding Traditions as well as all wedding traditions throughout the world.

Like so many cultures and traditions, Nigeria treats their past wedding traditions with respect, but they have also embraced and incorporated some of the more contemporary rituals into their ceremonies and receptions.

Pre-Wedding Traditions
Similar to what we know as having the groom ask the bride’s parents for her hand in marriage, the common Nigerian practice is to have the groom’s family approach the bride’s family to introduce themselves as they seek the bride’s family’s blessing for the two to marry.

For the Yoruba people of Nigeria, this tradition is known as the “Iku Ajo” or “igbeyawo.”

Engagement Traditions
A formal engagement ceremony is often held as a celebration and typically includes gift exchanges. In addition, it is not uncommon to hold engagement ceremonies in multiple areas of Nigeria. Throughout the duration of the engagement period, friends and families of both the bride and groom partake in many fun activities including the enjoyment of colas and nuts. The couple, along with the officiating elder, often drink Palm Wine.

Different groups of Nigeria can also celebrate with their own engagement traditions. The Hausa-Fulani people refer to the engagement ceremony as the “Kulikuli,” where celebrations are very vibrant, and gifts are presented to the bride’s family by the groom’s family, which often includes jewelry, traditional attire and other cultural significant items.

Another Nigerian group, the Igbo people, they refer to the pre-wedding ceremony as the “Ugwu Nwanyi” or the “Fattening Room.” This is where the soon-to-be bride is sequestered in a private room and is fed and pampered, as well as being prepared for her upcoming responsibilities as a wife, as well as a future mother.

Wedding Day Traditions
A Nigerian wedding day if chocked full of traditions that start before the actual ceremony, the ceremony itself and after the ceremony ends. Here are just a few of those traditions.

When it comes to the traditional wedding attire, it is common for both the bride and the groom to wear traditional outfits that can be quite elaborate with vibrant colors, unique embroidery and very detailed beadwork. In addition to this, it is common for the bride to also wear Indian fabrics, as well as decorative headpieces, ankle bracelets and/or necklaces. Wedding guests typically will wear matching outfits, or better known as “aso ebi.” This is meant to symbolize unity.

The wedding ceremony itself can be both religious and cultural, depending on the couple's preferences. For many couples they want the double ceremony. The double ceremony is where they opt for both a cultural ceremony and a religious ceremony, but the two are not combined into one. And if they opt for a double ceremony, two separate officiants will preside over the two ceremonies.

One of the unique and fun traditions is to bring in an Alaga. An Alaga is traditionally a woman that can serve as wedding officiant or as an emcee. Part of their job is to keep the wedding guests engaged and enjoy the ceremony filled with laughter as she heckles the groom and his friends.

Guests were mentioned in terms of the attire, but for a traditional Nigerian wedding there is no official guest list as the entire community is welcome to attend. Because of this, there is always an abundance of food and drink for the reception planned in advanced.

One of the more unique traditions at a Nigerian wedding is called the Prostration. The groom, along with his groomsmen, will lay flat on the floor with their faces down towards the feet of the groom’s bride’s family. The act of prostration is the groom’s way of honoring this bride’s family. After all, they did raise his future wife. In fact, much of the ceremony is designed to honor the bride’s family. They will also perform prostration to the groom’s family as well, but the bride’s family is the priority.

Other traditions include the "Kolanut Ceremony" and the “Money Spray.” The Money Spray is where the guests shower the wedding couple with cash and coins, often along with upbeat music and dancing. This is the community's way of blessing the couple for a financially prosperous future. The Kolanut ceremony includes the sharing and breaking of the kolanut fruit. The kolanut represents spirituality and can hold a deep cultural meaning in the Nigerian culture. During the ritual, the kolanut is presented, blessed, and then shared among all the wedding guests. It signifies the importance of unity, hospitality, and the community’s respect.

Nigerian Receptions, Foods and Drinks
Like with many wedding receptions throughout the world a Nigerian after party is no different as it is filled with music, dancing and amazing food.

One of the more iconic Nigerian wedding dishes is called the "Jollof Rice." This rice dish is a staple across all of Nigeria and is often the centerpiece of most Nigerian wedding receptions. It is very aromatic and savory. The Jollof Rice is prepared with a blend of onions, tomatoes, spices, and either beef or chicken. In addition to the Jollof Rice, there are other traditional side dishes such Fried Plantains and/or a steamed bean pudding called, "Moi Moi."

“Suya” is another popular Nigerian wedding dish. Suya is a spicy grilled meat skewer cooked with smokey flavors and peppery spices. Other Nigerian wedding dishes include the "Pounded Yam," "Egusi Soup” or "Okra Soup."

When it comes to drinks, Nigerian wedding receptions generally offer the traditional "Palm Wine" and the "Zobo."

The Aftermath
After the wedding celebration, the groom and his family will go to his new bride’s home to claim her from her father.


Learn About More Wedding Traditions

Catholic  -  Chinese  -  Christian  -  Filipino  -  Greek Orthodox
Indian  -  Jewish  -  Mexican  -  Non-Denominational  - Tea Ceremony