While the wedding – that is the saying of the vows and signing of the marriage certificate is romantic and all, the reception is the highlight, after the examination of the bride’s gown. If you are interested in an afro-inspired wedding, then I think you will agree with me when I say we should see how the African brides do it.
In Africa:
- Many African couples choose to exchange their vows in a church, mosque or other religious buildings. When they are done, they go to the arranged spots and spend a while posing for pictures. It is usually after that that they head to the reception location.
- As they walk up to the high table, they let loose the dance
moves, with the crowd cheering on. For some of them, it is at this point that the African traditional dancers escort them up to the table. After a few speeches (which are optional) the food is served. After eating the speeches continue. These speeches are given by friends, family and workmates who relate to the guests about how they know the couple. - It is after this that the fun (in my point of view, anyway, begins). This is because the cutting of the cake, change of attire (new gown to scrutinize!) and dancing (an African who does not like dancing is a rare sight) are all after this. The order, though, of the first two (the cutting of the cake and change of the attire) is not etched into stone: some couples prefer to change then cut the cake and all.
So, let us see, how exactly many couples do these three things:
- Changing the attire. Some choose to change into African traditional clothes while others change into clothes they are more comfortable in. though, there are brides who use this opportunity to wear that dress that is not white but is equally beautiful. This is done as fast as possible so that the guests do not get bored.
- Cutting the cake. It might not sound elaborate, but it actually is. In many African cultures, respect is shown to the parents of both the bride and groom. As a result, the newlywed couple usually carries a cake as a gift to both sets of parents as a way to show appreciation.
- The dance! It begins with the bride and groom and a pre-arranged song of their choice, which is not necessarily of African origin. After the song ends, the rest of the bridal entourage join, followed by immediate family, then everyone else. so, by 9pm the wedding has come to an end, save for the dancing.
Inco-operating this into your wedding:
As you can see, achieving that will not be so hard. Only a few things would have to be adjusted:
- You could change your attire. Whether it is to African traditional attire or not, and whether the groom should is up to your discretion.
- Why not have a couple of cakes specially for your in-laws and family and a few others? Make them feel appreciated by delivering it right to their table.
With this, you should be able to achieve the wedding you want. But as planning your wedding, whether you are an artist or not, remember the words of Eugene Delacroix:
“The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.”
For more African Wedding insights visit – http://mynigeriawedding.com
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