Ghanaians and Nigerians argue about jollof, football and music. They also marry each other in growing numbers, and a Ghanaian and Nigerian wedding is one of the most colourful celebrations on the continent. Singer Efya’s wedding to Nigerian musician Tomi Thomas in Accra this month is the latest high-profile example (read about their weekend). If you are planning a Ghanaian and Nigerian wedding, here is how couples bring the two traditions together.
One traditional ceremony or two?
The biggest decision is whether to hold one traditional ceremony or two. In Ghana, the groom’s family usually comes to knock and then returns for the engagement, with drinks, a list and the bride’s family receiving them. In Nigeria, customs depend on the ethnic group: an Igbo bride may search for her husband with palm wine, while a Yoruba engagement has the alaga and the groom’s men prostrating.
Traditionally, rites are performed at the bride’s family home, following her family’s customs. Many couples do exactly that, then add elements from the groom’s culture at the reception. Others hold a second, smaller ceremony in the groom’s home country.
Dressing two families
Kente and aso-oke, lace and George, smock and agbada: there is no shortage of fabric. Couples often wear one culture’s attire for the ceremony and change into the other’s for the reception. Coordinating colours across both families’ outfits makes photos look unified, even when the fabrics differ.
Food: settle it early
Yes, the jollof question will come up. Many couples serve both versions and let guests vote, which becomes a talking point rather than an argument. Add kelewele, waakye or kenkey alongside pounded yam, egusi and small chops, and both families will feel at home.
Money customs
Nigerian guests often spray money on the dance floor, while in Ghana cash gifts are more often given in envelopes. Brief your MC, assign trusted people to collect sprayed cash, and make sure both families know what to expect.
Language and the MC
Choose an MC who can switch between English and at least some of the families’ languages, and who understands both cultures’ jokes. Introductions of each family should be equally warm, and the programme should give both sets of parents a moment to speak.
Paperwork
Decide where you will register the marriage, and check each country’s requirements if you plan to live in one and visit the other. With patience and a sense of humour, a Ghana and Nigeria wedding becomes a celebration of everything the two countries share.
Ghanaian and Nigerian wedding: common questions
Whose customs come first at a Ghanaian and Nigerian wedding?
Traditionally the rites follow the bride’s customs at her family home, and many couples add the groom’s customs at the reception. Read about Ghana and Nigeria.
What should couples wear to a Ghanaian and Nigerian wedding?
Many wear kente or aso-oke for the ceremony and change into the other culture’s attire for the reception.
How do you handle money spraying?
Brief the MC, appoint trusted people to collect sprayed cash and explain the custom to both families.
