Photo: Instagram.com/igboweddingng
For every Nigerian bride, the traditional wedding dress is not just an attire, but a symbol of pride, a declaration of her roots, and a tribute to the heritage that is deeply ingrained in her identity. It holds so much significance and that is why having it spot-on is important because the traditional wedding ceremony is a momentous event in her life.
Growing up in Nigeria, my childhood fantasies were filled with visions of my traditional wedding dress. I dreamt of vibrant colors, intricate beadwork, and the regal sophistication of our traditional attire. However, as my own traditional wedding day approached, the plethora of options left me feeling overwhelmed. The numerous fabrics, styles, and embellishments made it challenging to find the perfect dress style that would make me feel like a true Igbo bride on my big day. But something stood out in all of my searches, I wasn’t willing to settle for less, and trust me, I didn’t.
As an Igbo woman, I understand the profound significance of traditional wedding dress in our culture. It’s more than just a dress to wear. It is an embodiment of our rich heritage that had been passed down through generations. Typically, the traditional wedding attire is a way of showcasing Nigerian creativity, craftsmanship, and fashion sense and includes a blouse and a wrapper, which featured intricate patterns and designs often crafted with the most deluxe and extravagant materials. I had always admired how stunningly beautiful my mother and grandmother had looked in their traditional wedding dresses, and I was resolute in having the perfect dress for myself.
Years went by, and I found myself getting more and more excited about the prospect of getting married, not just because of the love I had for my partner, but also because I knew I would finally get to wear my dream dress. I immersed myself in hours of scrolling through social media platforms, Pinterest and Instagram, gazing at endless styles and designs, and envisioning myself in each one.
At last, when the moment arrived to hunt for the perfect fabric for my traditional wedding dress, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Though I had a clear vision of what I desired, I knew that discovering the perfect fabric for it would be no easy thing. I started by asking around for recommendations for designers who specialized in traditional wedding dresses and eventually settled on one who came highly recommended by several friends.
I remember going to the designer’s studio with my mom and two of my closest friends, all of us eager to see what the designer had in store for us. We were greeted by racks and racks of beautiful traditional wedding fabrics, each one more beautiful than the last. Yet, as I draped them over my figure, a sense of disappointment crept in.
Some were too plain, some too flashy, some weighed down on me, some lacked the traditional touch, and some simply didn’t resonate with me. Despite my mother and friends’ efforts to buoy my spirits, their compliments failed to reassure me, as I knew none of the fabrics were “the one.” It seemed as though my search for the ideal fabric for my dream traditional wedding dress would never come to fruition.
After several failed attempts, I was beginning to lose hope. That’s when the designer suggested we take a break and grab some lunch. Over plates of jollof rice and fried plantains, we discussed what I was looking for in a dress. I talked about the colors I loved, the styles I was drawn to, and the elements I wanted to incorporate.
When we returned to the studio, the designer presented me with a sample that immediately caught my eye. It was made with a rich, deep blue fabric that shimmered in the light, and the intricate embroidery was unlike anything I had ever seen before. As soon as I placed it on my fair, delicate skin, I knew that this was exactly what I had been searching for.
My mother and friends were over the moon, showering me with compliments about the fabric’s magnificence and how its color harmonized seamlessly with my skin. I felt like royalty, confident that this was the attire that would make me feel poised on my traditional wedding day. The designer then attentively heeded my suggestions on how to create an outfit that exuded elegance and authenticity.
The outcome was a breathtaking two-piece ensemble, comprising a corseted blouse adorned with intricate beading on one side and a wrapper skirt replete with the captivating patterns and designs of the fabric.
As I tried the dress for the first time in the designer’s studio, I immediately realized that this was no unfortunate scenario of “what I ordered vs. what I got.” Instead, I had struck gold, and the dress was a dream come true. It fulfilled every criterion on my traditional wedding dress checklist and was everything I had hoped for; a stunning fusion of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, seamlessly reflecting my unique personal style while paying reverence to my cultural heritage.
On my wedding day, I felt like a true Igbo bride, dressed in my beautiful traditional wedding dress with a matching head tie and a clutch purse. I felt proud of my cultural heritage and honored to be able to carry on the tradition of getting married traditionally. It was a day that would forever hold a special place in my heart, and I knew deep down that choosing that traditional wedding dress was the best decision I made.
Looking back, I came to realize that finding my ideal traditional wedding dress was more than just acquiring the dress itself. It was a journey filled with laughter and moments of bonding with my family and friends. Each moment was special, and it was a beautiful adventure filled with excitement and anticipation. And when I finally got traditionally hitched to the love of my life, clad in my dream traditional wedding dress, I knew that all the effort put into the search was more than worth it.
