With the diversity present in the Igbo tribe, each indigenous culture has special ways they perform their own wedding ceremonies but they all have some basic similarities.
This is a list of the events that should be in an Igbo traditional wedding programme no matter what part of Igboland you’re from.
The arrival of the groom
The groom and his friends and family arrive with music and dancing.
(Photo: Legit)
Invitation of prominent guests to the high table
The dignitaries the bride’s family has chosen for the occasion (like the chairman of the occasion, senior members of the bride and groom’s families and their family’s friends) are invited to the high table by the master of ceremonies.
Opening prayer
The opening prayer is usually said by a religious figure present.
The ceremonial breaking of the kola nut
Important occasions and visits in Igboland cannot start until the breaking of the kola nut. As the Igbo say, “he who brings kola brings life”. This is usually done by the bride’s father, who might choose to hand it over to a senior member of the family for traditional prayers to be said over the kola. After kola has been broken, the bride’s family can start serving refreshments.
(Photo: Asafinland)
Bride’s first outing
The bride makes her first official appearance accompanied by her friends. In some parts of the East, she might go around with a basket of eggs for the guests to buy. In other places, she could spray perfume or rub powder on her guests, all signifying welcome and joy as they give her gifts of money.
(Photo: Zikoko)
Search for the groom
The bride’s second outing is when she comes out to “search for her husband”. Her father hands her a glass of palm wine, and she has to dance around (while pretending not to see the groom, and trying not to be distracted by other men in the gathering) with her friends. She finally goes over to her husband, kneels and hands the cup of palm wine over to him. This signifies that she has found the person she wants to marry.
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Prayers for the couple by their parents
After the groom drinks the wine given to him by the bride (as a sign that he has accepted to marry her too), she takes his hand and leads him to her parents. The couple kneels and the parents of the bride (and groom) will pray for them and advice them on how to have a happy home together.
(Photo: Pinterest via Aisle Perfect)
Official outing as a couple
The bride and groom change into the groom’s traditional attire. They can then dance out as a married couple.
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Cutting of cake
Some people have a traditional wedding cake, and this is the time to cut it together.
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Dance! Dance!! Dance!!!
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Mood……. Beautiful @chubyzeffect George @lekrystal_georgeplace #happybride
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The couple can then dance their hearts out, surrounded by their friends and family.
Presentation of gifts to the couple
After dancing, the couple will go to sit in a special canopy made for them. T., their guests can bring them gifts and congratulate them.
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Beautiful couple…. Photo graceworlddigital #igbankwu #igbankwunigeria #9jabrides #weddingdigest #africansweetheartweddings
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Vote of thanks
The bride’s father is responsible for thanking everyone that came to celebrate the occasion with his family.
Closing prayer
An elder will pray and thank God for the success of the marriage.
Now you know what to put on your programme, go ahead and enjoy your wedding! These are the latest styles Igbo brides are wearing this wedding season.