Nigerian wedding traditions: the traditional and white wedding

Many Nigerian weddings come in two parts: a traditional wedding, rooted in the couple's culture and families, and a "white wedding" in a church or a civil ceremony. Nigeria has hundreds of ethnic groups, and Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and other weddings differ in important ways, so treat what follows as common threads rather than one tradition.

The introduction

Before the wedding, the families formally meet at an introduction ceremony, where the groom's family presents itself to the bride's family and states its intentions. It is often a lively gathering with food and gifts, and it sets the stage for the traditional wedding.

The traditional wedding

• A list of items, often called the bride price or dowry list, presented by the groom's family; in many families it is now largely symbolic
• In Yoruba weddings, the groom and his friends often prostrate before the bride's family as a sign of respect
• In Igbo weddings, the bride may search the crowd for the groom and offer him palm wine (igba nkwu)
• Rich traditional dress for the couple, often with a change of outfit during the day
• Music, dancing and a master of ceremonies who keeps the program moving

Aso ebi

Aso ebi is a fabric chosen by the couple or their families and worn by relatives and friends, each in their own design. It shows at a glance who belongs to which family and makes the guests part of the celebration. Guests usually buy the fabric, so it should be announced early, often with the save the date.

Spraying money

As the couple dance, guests shower them with banknotes, a joyful public wish for prosperity. Someone close to the couple usually collects the money as it falls. Guests unfamiliar with the custom appreciate a word of explanation, and sometimes a note on where to get small bills.

The white wedding

Many couples also hold a church or civil ceremony with a reception, often called the white wedding, sometimes on the same weekend and sometimes weeks apart. Invitations should make clear which events each guest is invited to, with the dress code for each.

Two weddings, many families, one marriage: the invitation's job is to tell every guest exactly where to be, and in which fabric.