When a couple walks into their traditional wedding in matching kente, guests often comment first on the colours. Gold and green, purple and silver, blue and white: kente’s bold palette makes it the centrepiece of many Ghanaian weddings. Behind the colours are traditional meanings that some couples like to consider.
What kente is
Kente is a handwoven cloth made from narrow strips sewn together. It is woven by Asante weavers in towns such as Bonwire, near Kumasi, and by Ewe weavers in the Volta Region, including Agotime and Kpetoe.
Colour meanings
Commonly cited meanings include: gold or yellow for wealth and royalty; green for growth and harvest; red for passion, sacrifice or political struggle; blue for peace and love; black for maturity and spiritual energy; white for purity and celebration; purple for femininity; and silver for serenity and the moon.
Patterns
Kente patterns have names, often linked to proverbs, historical events or people. Some patterns were traditionally reserved for royalty. Weavers and sellers can explain the names of patterns you are considering.
Asante and Ewe kente
Asante kente is often bright, with bold geometric patterns. Ewe kente may include more figures, such as animals and symbols, and different colour combinations. Couples sometimes choose based on family heritage.
Choosing for your wedding
Consider your skin tone, the venue, the time of day and your wedding colours. Couples often coordinate kente with their family cloth or with the bridal party’s outfits.
Handwoven or printed
Genuine handwoven kente is expensive because it takes many hours to weave. Printed kente fabric is cheaper and widely used for bridesmaids or guests, but it is not the same as woven cloth.
Buy early
Order handwoven kente well in advance, especially for custom colours. Weavers need time.
Styling
Brides may wear kente as a wrapped cloth, a tailored gown or a corset and skirt. Grooms often wear it draped over the shoulder, toga-style.
Caring for kente
Store kente folded in a dry place and avoid harsh washing. Many families keep wedding kente as an heirloom.
Respect
Kente has cultural significance. Wear it with respect and ask about any pattern restrictions.
Matching families
Some families choose one kente design for the couple and a coordinated cloth for relatives.
Couples spend weeks choosing kente colours. The cloth they choose often becomes the one their children wear years later at their own weddings.
