Afro-Centric Weddings

Our wedding theme for today is Afro-Centric Wedding Theme.

Afro-Centric Wedding Theme

African American brides who choose an Afro-centric wedding will plan to combine the western tradition with African wedding traditions. Here are some of those traditions:

The Ceremony:
African wedding traditions vary greatly depending on location.  Various tribes have unique traditions and practices.  One thing that is common to all African weddings is the importance of family.  Another common thread is the presence of bright, bold colors in the decorations.  Song and dance are also important aspects of African culture.  Though the specific songs may vary, music is a very unifying element of this culture and is used as a way to bring people together and celebrate.

Traditional African attire for a wedding involves many bright colors and patterns.

• The bride may wear a wrap skirt (iro), or a grand bou-bou – a loose-fitting skirt – with a loose blouse (buba) and shawl (iborum).
• The groom will wear slacks known as sokoto, a shirt, and a flowing jacket (agbada).  He will also wear a box like hat called a fila.
• For a more American wedding with just a touch of African culture, a more traditional wedding gown and tuxedo may be selected, but accented with purple and gold which are the colors of African royalty.

Traditions:
The most common African American wedding tradition is known as broom jumping.  This ritual actually originated in America as a way for African slaves to express their commitment to each other when marriages were forbidden.  In Africa, a wife would sweep the floor of the home with a broom as a symbol of commitment to her husband and his family.  The broom jumping ceremony begins with the bride and groom each sweeping the floor while the officiate speaks.  After he has given the couple encouragement and perhaps a blessing, they will set the broom down on the floor. The couple will then take each others hands and jump over the broom.

Menus and Reception:
African culture has many rich and delicious foods.  Some dishes that may be served at the wedding feast include puff-puff, chin-chin, fried plantain, and hot pepper soup for appetizers. The main dish will probably feature fried fish or chicken or an African stew.  Side dishes may include pounded yam and coconut rice. Drinks would include Malt drinks and palm wine.