Planning a wedding in Ghana is really planning two or three weddings. There is the traditional engagement, which belongs to the families; the white wedding, which belongs to the church; and the reception, which belongs to everyone. Each one has its own guest list, venue, outfits and budget. A clear plan, started early, keeps the whole thing from taking over your life.
This guide assumes a year to plan. If you have less time, compress the early steps, but do not skip them.
Twelve months before: decisions
Start with three conversations. First, agree with your partner on the kind of wedding you want: a full traditional and white wedding, a traditional engagement and a court wedding, or something smaller. Second, talk to both families. In Ghana, parents and elders have strong views on the engagement, and their expectations shape the budget. Third, set a budget and decide who is paying for what.
Then choose a season. December and the Easter period are the busiest wedding seasons in Ghana, when relatives return from abroad. That makes them convenient for family but expensive and crowded for venues and vendors. Consider whether a quieter month suits you better.
Nine to twelve months before: the big bookings
Book the church and the reception venue first, since good venues fill up early for peak seasons. Then decide whether you need a wedding planner. A planner is worth the cost for large weddings, couples living abroad, and families with little time. Others manage with a strong committee of friends and relatives.
Book the photographer, videographer and MC early. These are the vendors couples most often say they wish they had chosen more carefully, and the best ones are booked months in advance.
Six to nine months before: the families and the outfits
Arrange the knocking if it has not happened. Once it is accepted, the bride’s family will give the engagement list, and the groom’s family can start buying items. Agree the date of the engagement with both families.
Choose your wedding colours and fabrics. Buy kente, lace or other cloth for the couple and decide whether family members and guests will wear a chosen cloth. Book designers for the engagement outfits and the wedding gown, and choose your bridal train.
Three to six months before: details
Book the caterer, the decorator, the cake maker, the DJ or band and the make-up artist and hairstylist. Arrange tasting sessions and see the decorator’s previous work in person if possible.
Send save-the-date messages to guests travelling from abroad or from other regions. Finalise the guest list, design the invitations and plan transport for the wedding day. Begin pre-marital counselling if your church requires it; many churches in Ghana do, and it can take several weeks.
One to three months before: final steps
Send invitations, with the dress code and colours. Buy the wedding rings and order engraving. Confirm the church programme with the minister and the reception programme with the MC. Prepare the programme booklet and confirm the names of everyone on it.
Hold fittings for all outfits and check the marriage requirements with the church or registry, including any documents needed for the marriage certificate.
The final weeks
Confirm every vendor in writing, with times, payments due and contact people for the day. Give a final head count to the caterer and the venue. Prepare an emergency kit, assign someone to handle payments and vendor questions on the day, and agree who will look after gifts and cards.
Then rest. The week of a Ghanaian wedding is busy with family arrivals, last-minute errands and visits. Couples who have planned well can spend it with the people who matter, and arrive at the engagement, the church and the reception ready to enjoy them.
