Ask a Ghanaian couple what went wrong at their wedding and you will rarely hear about the caterer. You will hear about the guests.
The complaints repeat every wedding season: people who bring friends who were not invited, guests who wear white, relatives who never RSVP and then arrive with three children, and phones held up in the aisle blocking the photographer. None of it is hard to avoid.
RSVP means reply
When an invitation asks for a reply, give one, and do it by the date. Couples pay per head for food, seats and souvenirs. A guest who says nothing and turns up creates a problem, and a guest who says yes and does not come wastes money. In Ghana many invitations are sent by WhatsApp; a quick reply to the couple or the planner is enough.
Bring only who was invited
An invitation addressed to you is for you. If it does not say “and guest” or name your partner or children, do not assume. If you are unsure, ask politely. At Ghanaian weddings where seating is by card, an extra person can mean someone else loses their seat.
What to wear
Not white. White is for the bride at a white wedding. Avoid white or ivory unless the couple has asked for it.
Check for a colour theme. Many couples choose colours or an aso-ebi fabric. If you did not buy the fabric, try to wear something in the theme colours.
Traditional ceremonies have their own rules. For a knocking or engagement ceremony, many families expect traditional wear, such as kente, kaba and slit, or a smock. Ask if you are not sure.
Church first. If the wedding starts in church, dress for church: covered shoulders are wise in many congregations.
Arrive on time
“Ghana time” is a joke for a reason, but the bride’s entrance is not the time to walk in. Arrive before the ceremony starts, and if you are late, wait at the back until the processional is over.
Phones down in the aisle
Couples pay photographers and videographers to capture the entrance, the vows and the kiss. Guests leaning into the aisle with phones end up in every shot. Take a photo from your seat, then put the phone away. If the couple has asked for an “unplugged” ceremony, respect it.
Gifts
In Ghana, cash in an envelope is common and welcome, and many couples also share a gift list or mobile money details. Write your name on the envelope or card so the couple knows who gave what. Bulky gifts are better sent to the couple’s home than carried to the reception.
At the reception
Sit where you are placed. Wait for the MC before going to the buffet. Keep speeches to the people asked to give them. Take one souvenir, not three. Join the dance floor; couples love a full one.
The guest couples remember best is the one who replied on time, wore the colours, danced, and left the aisle clear for the photographer. That guest gets invited to the next wedding.
