Everything You Need To Know About Igbo Traditional Weddings

From the traditional attire to the marriage rites, every aspect of an Igbo traditional wedding has deep meaning and significance.

Marriage among the Igbo people of Nigeria goes beyond the union of two individuals; it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, family, and tradition. Known for their lively ceremonies, grand customs, and rich heritage, Igbo traditional weddings are a beautiful blend of rituals and cultural heritage.

In Igbo society, marriage is highly valued, seen as a rite of passage that not only unites the couple but also brings together their extended families and community. It represents the continuation of family lines, respect for traditions, and the strengthening of communal bonds.

The central ceremony, called “Igba Nkwu Nwanyi” (meaning ‘the wine-carrying of a woman’), is a core part of the Igbo traditional marriage. The process involves not just the couple but also their families, relatives, and community members. When a man decides to marry, he first expresses his intentions to the woman, and if she agrees, he informs his parents.

With the woman’s consent and both families’ blessings, the traditional marriage process begins. While in the past parents often chose spouses for their children, the customs have evolved over time.

Traditional Igbo weddings are typically held at the bride’s family compound or a community center, beautifully decorated with items like raffia mats, calabashes, and palm fronds. The setting is vibrant, with bright reds, golds, and greens filling the space, and music—both traditional and modern—creating a festive atmosphere.

A key feature of Igbo weddings is the stunning attire worn by the bride, groom, and guests. The bride often wears a beautifully embroidered blouse and skirt, accessorized with coral beads around her neck, wrists, and ankles, and a beaded crown for a regal look.

The groom typically wears a chieftaincy shirt made from Isi Agu fabric (a lion-head patterned material), with a traditional hat and walking stick, symbolizing strength and leadership.

The steps involved in an Igbo traditional marriage may vary slightly between different communities, but each follows a series of meaningful traditions.

This piece of content takes you through every part of an Igbo traditional wedding, from pre-wedding preparations to the main event, highlighting the symbolism, attire, food, and essence of the celebration.

Marriage Proposal

The marriage process begins with the groom and his family informing the bride’s family of their intentions. Traditionally, the groom’s family sends a respected elder to initiate the conversation.

The First Introduction — Ikwu Aka (Knocking/Inquiry)

The groom, accompanied by his father or a close relative, visits the bride’s family to formally introduce themselves and express their desire for marriage. They may bring alcoholic drinks as a gesture (though it’s not required).

At this first meeting, no decision is expected from the bride’s family. Instead, a follow-up meeting is scheduled, where the groom’s family will meet with the bride’s extended family (Umunna). 

Family Background Investigation — Iju Ese/Iju Agugu

After the first visit, both families investigate each other’s background, including their lineage, character, health, and religious practices. If any negative findings arise, the marriage process may be halted.

If all is well, they proceed with the second meeting, where the groom’s family again expresses their intentions. The groom’s family presents gifts like kola nuts, palm wine, and some live chicken.

At this stage, the bride is called forward by her father to greet the guests and be informed of the proposal. If she agrees, the families celebrate, and the traditional marriage list is presented to the groom’s family. This list, which may include gifts for the bride’s parents, kinsmen, and community, will be fulfilled on a set day, often referred to as “Igba Nkwu Day.”

In these modern times, the groom’s family may pay cash for the items on the list instead of buying them.

Bride Price or Dowry — Imego Nwanyi

The bride price is the amount paid by the groom to the bride’s family. This stage involves negotiation between the families, and when agreed upon, the father of the bride often takes a portion of the money and returns the rest to the groom’s family, stating that his daughter is not for sale, but for marriage.

If a divorce occurs later in the future, the bride’s father returns the exact amount of the bride price to the groom’s family.

The Bride’s Wine Carrying — Igba Nkwu Nwanyi

This is the traditional wedding day, held at the bride’s family compound. It’s an open celebration with friends and family invited. The bride’s price is often paid the day before the event, or in some cases, on the day itself before the wine-carrying ceremony begins.

The bride is given a calabash of palm wine by her father (or a close relative if the father is absent) to “search” for her husband among the guests. As she moves through the crowd, men beckon her to bring the wine. When she finds her husband, she kneels, offering him the groom a drink while he accepts.

This marks their traditional marriage, followed by cheers from the crowd. The groom places money in the calabash, and they dance to the bride’s family to receive marriage blessings. The celebration continues with music, dancing, feasting, and gift-giving.

In the end, the bride follows the groom’s family to his home, marking her change of residence and integration into her new family.

Idu Uno (Bride Settlement)

After the traditional wedding, the bride’s family provides her with a set of gifts to help her start her new life with her husband.

These gifts may include cooking utensils, a bed, bed sheets, wrappers, a box, a sewing machine, and more, depending on the family’s financial ability. The purpose is to ease the financial burden on the newlyweds.

In recent times, many families now present the Idu Uno gifts during the White Wedding reception.

In conclusion, the Igbo traditional wedding process is a rich cultural celebration that involves several meaningful steps, from the initial proposal to the bride’s settlement. Each phase is designed to honor both families, build strong bonds, and ensure a smooth transition for the bride into her new life.

The Idu Uno or bride settlement plays a vital role in supporting the newlyweds as they begin their journey together, reflecting the community’s care and commitment to their well-being.

This process, though evolving, continues to be an important tradition, marking the union not only of two individuals but of two families and their cultures.