10 Nigerian Wedding Traditions and Customs You Need To Know

The Nigerian wedding traditions and customs are as diverse as the people of the country. They are a reflection of the many cultures and traditions that make up the country.
Wedding traditions and customs in Nigeria vary depending on the ethnic group of the bride and groom.

However, from the engagement to the final send-off, Nigerian weddings are usually filled with festivities that reflect the couple’s unique cultures and traditions. While some of these traditions are similar to what you might find at a Western wedding, others are distinctly Nigerian.

That being said, marriage in Nigeria is a profound journey that requires more than just putting on a sleek white dress and heading to court to say your vows. Even if you’re eloping, there are background checks done on you that you may not even be aware of before your partner says “I do.”

Nigerian weddings are steeped in sacredness and rich with tradition, making them truly unique. With over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, each with its own language, religion, and culture, there’s a diverse blend of wedding customs that are specific to each tribe, as well as general ones.

Typically, Nigerian weddings span several days and involve multi-layered affairs. Each of these activities found in between is according to the couple’s tribe, with a traditional Nigerian wedding reception, the traditional wedding ceremony often followed by a church service known as the “white wedding,” where the bride wears a beautiful white gown.

The general Nigerian wedding custom is in its communal nature that often includes hundreds of attendees, from distant relatives to well-wishers of various backgrounds. In addition to these, ahead are ten Nigerian wedding traditions and customs that you need to know.

The initial stride in the Nigerian wedding tradition involves the formal introduction of the groom’s clan to the bride’s kinsfolk, where they officially and cordially request their consent to have their daughter’s hand in marriage. Within Yoruba culture, where the introduction ceremony is profound in Nigeria, the families of the betrothed come together in an official introduction.

The purpose of this occasion is to acquaint essential members of each family, providing them with an opportunity to meet their son or daughter’s new kin. Although traditionally a modest event, in contemporary times, it has evolved into a miniature version of a traditional wedding ceremony.

The Nigerian traditional engagement ceremony, often referred to as the “door-knocking” ceremony, entails the groom’s family offering presents and trinkets to the bride’s family as a demonstration of their dedication to the upcoming nuptials. The act of the bride’s family accepting these offerings symbolizes their approval and consent to the matrimonial union.

In essence, the groom publicly declares his intention to marry by entering the ceremony accompanied by his entourage. He then proceeds to make a formal request for the bride’s hand in marriage and asks for the blessings of both families. Following his lead, the bride enters with her own bridesmaids and also seeks the blessings of both families for a union with her beloved.

As a symbol of his love and commitment, the groom thoughtfully presents the bride with an array of gifts to choose from, marking the official engagement of the couple. Although the engagement ceremony is a distinct event, it is often held on the same day as the customary feast due to time constraints.

In most Nigerian tribes, it’s customary for the groom to present a set of agreed-upon items to the bride’s family prior to the wedding, which is known as “eru iyawo” in Yoruba, “rubu dinar” in Hausa, and “ime ego” in Igboland. This paying of bride price practice isn’t a form of selling the bride but rather a symbolic gesture indicating the groom’s financial ability to support the bride and their new family.

The practice of bride price also known as “dowry” exhibits a remarkable diversity across ethnic groups and regions within the country, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the land. Generally, the groom’s family dispatches a delegation to visit the bride’s family, formally requesting the hand of their beloved daughter in marriage.

Subsequently, the bride’s family specifies a price or a set of items they desire as a bride price, including valuable items such as cash, jewelry, livestock, and other goods. Following this, the groom’s family enters into negotiations with the bride’s family, striving to reach an agreeable price.

Once both parties agree upon the bride price, the groom’s family joyfully presents the payment or gifts to the bride’s family during the “bride price payment ceremony.” This exultant ceremony is accompanied by music, dance, and lavish feasting, symbolizing the harmonious union of two families.

Every Nigerian wedding tradition is punctuated by a magnificent ceremony that stands out as the pinnacle of the events. The nature of this ceremony is contingent upon the ethnicity of the couple in question, but it generally incorporates a gift exchange, lively cultural displays, and the wearing of traditional wedding attires by the bride and groom.

The kola nut, a revered symbol of hospitality, unity, and peace in Nigerian culture, takes center stage when the groom’s family pays a visit to the bride’s family. This cherished tradition involves the presentation of the kola nut as a token of goodwill, signifying the shared values of love and harmony.

At a typical Nigerian wedding, it is customary to share the kola nut with all guests, symbolizing the foundational principles of togetherness and accord that define Nigerian culture.

This ritual carries immense significance in various Nigerian cultures, representing reverence, esteem, and hospitality. The customary procedure involves the presentation of the kola nut to the most respected or oldest person in the group.

The kola nut is then placed on a flat surface, and a small stick or pestle is used to strike the kola nut held in the left hand of the designated person. The impact causes the kola nut to crack open into multiple pieces, which are then offered to the individual of honor or the leader of the assembly. Afterward, the kola nut is circulated among other members of the gathering.

Each person takes a piece and offers prayers or blessings. It’s important to note that the technique of breaking kola nut may differ among various Nigerian cultures, with variations in the sequence or steps involved in the ceremony.

The bridal dance is a popular Nigerian wedding tradition. During this time-honored ritual, the bride takes to the dance floor with either her father or a male relative, symbolizing the deep bond between family members. The dance also serves as a beautiful representation of the father’s profound acceptance of his daughter’s chosen life partner, signifying the start of a new chapter in the bride’s life.

Here, the big names in the building go big or go home. As the wedding reception is underway, the newlyweds take to the dance floor, and the guests shower them with money in celebration. This is a Nigerian wedding custom that is deeply rooted and signifies both financial backing and heartfelt blessings for the couple.

The Yoruba phrase, “Aso-Ebi”, represents the harmonious display of fabric worn by loved ones of the bride and groom during the wedding rites. This is a typical Nigerian wedding custom that embodies a sense of unity and encouragement for the couple.

As “the family clothes,” Aso-ebi stands out as a prominent feature in Nigerian weddings. The duo chooses a matching color to be adopted by their respective families, cementing their bond with a shared color palette and amplifying the splendor of the occasion.

In Nigerian wedding traditions, it is an unspoken rule that every guest must depart with a satisfied appetite. To ensure this, ample servings of customary feast items such as jollof rice, affectionately referred to as “party rice” or “wedding rice,” are routinely offered.

Jollof, a highly esteemed Nigerian cuisine, remains the subject of an ongoing feud with neighboring Ghana as both nations claim ownership of this delectable dish.

Traditionally, the bride’s mother and her relatives prepare the entire meal in her home kitchen. Alternatively, couples can opt to hire a Nigerian caterer who can whip up a bona fide home-style feast for guests to relish while they sway on and off the dance floor.

It is a typical Nigerian wedding tradition for couples to present their guests with personalized party favors that feature their pictures and the wedding date. These delightful tokens of appreciation come in various forms, ranging from useful items like keychains, photo frames, fans, and plastic kitchenware.

These keepsakes not only convey the couple’s gratitude but also serve as a beloved reminder for guests to relive and reminisce about the wedding ceremony for many years to come.