African Wedding Traditions

African weddings are a family event involving the combining of the bride, and groom into a family. It is also looked upon as a union between the two families and even the two tribes, if they are from different communities. There are many African wedding traditions and no two are exactly alike. Information on African American weddings is easily found at your local library, and can help to create a wedding ceremony and reception that expresses your pride of your African American heritage.

African wedding invitations are unique and sometimes include a small scroll with the invitation hand written on it. This is a nice personal touch that is appreciated by guests of the wedding ceremony.

Traditional African wedding attire is very elaborate and beautiful. The brides wear African wedding gowns that consist of four pieces, a blouse, wrapper, headgear and a shawl. These African wedding dresses are usually hand made and take many hours of hard work. The groom also wears very elaborate African wedding attire. His outfit also has four pieces and consists of a hat, long-sleeved shirt, loose fitting pants and a flowing Buba. There is also very elaborate embroidery on most pieces of his outfit. African American wedding gowns are often more traditional tunic style gowns with elaborate headdresses. The weave and patterns of the fabrics used represent different symbols. Ask your outfitter about the meaning of each of the fabrics used to help you find a dress that means the most to you.

There are many African wedding rituals, for example, in Ethiopia the Karo people will enhance a bride’s beauty by tattooing symbols on her abdomen. If you are looking for perfect African wedding cakes, the sky is the limit. Consider the décor that you are going to have at your wedding ceremony and reception, and find a baker that is willing to incorporate those designs into a custom cake that is going to suit your style.

If you are planning to have an African American wedding, there are also countless resources at your fingertips to create the perfect wedding day. African American wedding invitations can be readily found with African American symbols and writings on them. If you are planning to have a traditional wedding cake, African American wedding cake toppers are easily found at most places that carry cake-decorating supplies. African American wedding music often consists of a drummer playing during the ceremony. The drummer should be sure to play his music to the tone of the ceremony.

If you are having trouble deciding on which traditions you would like to incorporate into your wedding day, search for African American wedding photos and see what others have added to their ceremonies and receptions. Creating an African American wedding day will show your family and friends the pride that you have for your heritage and will make your wedding day more meaningful to you.