Nigerian Weddings

In Nigeria, a trifecta of wedding celebrations unfolds: court weddings, church weddings, and traditional weddings. These events take place in distinct settings, with many couples opting for all three depending on their financial situation. Typically, the court wedding precedes the church ceremony, followed by the traditional celebration. The latter is marked by vibrant colors, lively music, and energetic dancing.

Each region in Nigeria has its unique customs surrounding traditional weddings, such as the Western parts’ engagement ceremony. Here, elders and officials gather to negotiate the bride price (dowry), comprising gifts like shoes, jewelry, bags, and textiles. Following this, a festive atmosphere ensues. In contrast, Eastern regions add their own flair, with elder representatives from both families convening to discuss dowry negotiations.

Afterward, gifts are presented to the bride’s family, followed by the presentation of the bride herself, accompanied by her entourage of girls, to the groom, his family, and the guests. As for traditional wedding attire, Nigeria boasts a stunning array of styles, with the top 5 being particularly noteworthy.

Nigerian Wedding Dresses

Aso Oke

In Nigeria’s southwestern region, the Yoruba men and women have a rich cultural heritage reflected in their traditional clothing. At the heart of this tradition is the aso oke, a woven cloth that plays a significant role in their weddings. Aso oke, which translates to ‘top cloth’, has three main types: Alaari, Sanyan, and Etu.

The distinct colors of these dresses – red for Alaari, light brown or dark blue for Sanyan and Etu respectively – serve as a visual representation of the cultural significance attached to them. In Yoruba culture, women’s traditional attire consists of four parts: the blouse-like garment called ‘buba’, the wrap skirt known as ‘iro’, the head tie referred to as ‘gele’, and the shawl or shoulder sash termed ‘iboru’ or ‘ipele’.

In contrast, men typically wear agbada, a type of dress woven by Yoruba men, along with trousers called ‘sokoto’. The importance of aso oke in their weddings cannot be overstated, as it is an integral part of the celebration. Whether for women’s traditional wedding attire or men’s formal wear, aso oke dresses are woven together to tell a story of cultural heritage and tradition.

Ankara

Ankara fabric, a traditional textile made using Indonesian batik techniques, offers an affordable and vibrant option for fashion enthusiasts. Unlike Aso Oke fabrics, which are often reserved for special occasions, Ankara is versatile enough to be worn daily. Characterized by tribal-like patterns in bold colors, this fabric has gained popularity globally, particularly among Nigerian women who incorporate it into their wedding attire as well as everyday wear.

With its unique blend of cultural heritage and modern flair, Ankara has become a staple in many fashion collections.

Aso Ebi

Aso ebi, often referred to as ‘uniformed solidarity dress,’ has been an integral part of African culture for centuries. This exquisite attire is deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition and is commonly associated with weddings and other significant events. The term ‘aso ebi’ literally translates to ‘uniformed solidarity dress,’ highlighting its purpose of promoting unity among family members and community during special occasions.

Aso ebi not only plays a crucial role in identifying the wife, groom, or celebrant’s family members but also serves as a symbol of cultural heritage and social belonging. This tradition is not limited to Nigeria alone; it is practiced across various African countries, showcasing the shared values and traditions among these nations. While weddings are indeed the primary occasion for donning aso ebi attire, its significance extends beyond this context.

It can be worn during any official or general event that requires a display of cultural pride and solidarity.

Jewel by lisa

Jewel by Lisa, a renowned luxury brand, combines modern flair with traditional elegance in their exquisite dresses. Their flagship piece, Jewel by Lisa, is a masterpiece that revolutionized the Ankara fabric by adding a touch of opulence with sequins, Swarovski crystals, and beads. This iconic dress not only showcases the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship but also highlights its attention to detail.

As a premier women’s wear and accessories collection, Jewel By Lisa has become Nigeria’s most prominent luxury brand, offering stunning pieces that can be worn on special occasions like weddings.

Bella naija

BellaNaija, a prominent online platform for Nigerian weddings, has been instrumental in adding beauty and elegance to many traditional wedding celebrations. The brand is particularly renowned for its stunning aso ebi dresses that have become a staple at numerous Nigerian weddings. In fact, BellaNaija’s collection of exquisite designs has inspired many couples to incorporate the brand into their special day.

Here are some breathtaking examples of BellaNaija dresses used in Nigerian weddings:

The ‘beauty on fleek’ wedding featured a stunning yellow-themed celebration with a beautiful aso ebi dress that caught everyone’s attention. Another noteworthy example is the ‘purple theme’ wedding, which showcased a gorgeous Violet Couture Dress.

The list goes on to include an alluring white aso ebi dress, a stylish peplum design with a cut-out detail, and a striking black shift-style dress with a bias-cut design. Additionally, there’s a lovely yellow top paired with a blue puckered skirt, a drop-waist style dress, and finally, a stunning red dress with a mermaid skirt that left everyone in awe.

These dresses, among many others, have undoubtedly made BellaNaija a go-to destination for Nigerian couples seeking inspiration for their wedding attire.