African weddings are unique. They are usually fun, full of music, family banter, food and so much fun. Another special feature of African weddings is the traditional wedding attire.
Africans are of course very fashionable people and on occasions or gatherings they recorded such weddings, naming ceremonies, festivals or church services to show their beautiful costumes. The outfits, which focus on traditional wedding dresses, are made from fabrics that are usually unique to the tribe and have some traditional meanings. While some ethnic groups in Africa have similar attire, there are numerous beautiful traditional wedding dresses that could fill two books.
We’ve rounded up just seven of these traditional African wedding dresses to indulge your cultural fascination. Here you are.
Yoruba
The Yoruba are a highly cultural people found primarily in western Nigeria. The bride wears a gele (headscarf), buba (blouse) and iro (a shawl tied around her waist), while the groom wears an agbada (a layered kaftan) and fila (a traditional Yoruba hat). The bride and groom usually wear the same material and colors, which are already decided before the wedding.
Zulu
The Zulu live primarily in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa and are one of the most popular African tribes. Like most African weddings, An Umabo (Traditional Zulu Wedding) is filled with fun, music, dancing and more.
The bride wears isidwaba – leather skirt, isicwaya, to cover her chest. She also wears the inkehli that covers her head.
The groom wears, Ibheshu and Isinene worn on the lower part. The Isembatho over his shoulders and Iklode to cover his head.
Edo
The Edo tribe is a centuries-old tribe that represents a multitude of power and kings. The Edo people come from the southern part of Nigeria, whose capital is the ancient city of Benin.
A typical Edo wedding is one characterized by coral beads on the fabric in which the brides are draped from the head down. The ensemble comes with the beaded hairstyle, a bracelet around her wrist called “Ivie-ebo”, earrings called “Emi-ehorivie”, waist beads, and a cape made entirely of beads called “Ewu-ivie”. Dressed in queen-fitting attire, the bride must wear her “okuku,” an intricately beaded crown. In order for the crown to fit her head, her hair is traditionally pinned up in an updo called “eto-okuku”.
For the groom, he simply compliments his bride wearing a white native, pearl cap and coral neck beads. He might pair his attire with a walking stick that highlights his status.
igbo
The Igbo tribe is located in southeastern Nigeria. The bride wears two “George wrappers”, a blouse and a headpiece, all locally made, while the groom wears a traditional Ibo caftan.
Ashanti
The Ashanti tribe is located in central Ghana, being the largest tribe in the West African nation. The bride and groom wear kente attire adorned with expensive beads and other jewelry.
Efik
The Efiks are a minority tribe in southern Nigeria. The traditional attire is usually quite diverse and regal. The bride first wears Ofong Ukod Anwang, a traditional crop top and a knee-length sheath with embellished beads.
The second attire is the onyonyo (as in the picture above). The groom wears a white shirt and pearl jacket with matching shoes and a hat. He wears a wrap called the Usobo and Okpomkpomon – along with a piece of cloth worn around the neck.
Habesha
The Habeshas are located in the highlands of Eritrea and Ethiopia. The bride wears a beautiful cornrow design called the Albaso hairstyle. The groom usually wears a white kaftan and both wear cloaks called a kaba.
In the end, a traditional wedding is undoubtedly a matter of joy for African couples; However, it takes a lot of preparation from both families to make the union a memorable event. Despite the fact that civilization brought the white wedding to Africa, traditional marriage rites are still practiced and the traditional robes being adorned on the same day are one of the most exciting parts of the union between couples. As can be seen from the article and images above, these beautiful pieces vary from tribe to tribe across the African continent and are all beautiful and elegant.