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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZG1g_4mqks

Whoever said Nigeria is the happiest country in the world was not far from the truth. In Nigeria, there is absolutely a reason to be merry. One of such is Marriage. Wedding in Nigeria is one of the most ceremonious occasions everybody looks forward to. Unlike what we have in the west where marriages are not a big deal and can happen at any time, anywhere or with anybody, for Nigerians, it takes a whole lot to plan and prepare for either one’s traditional marriage or what we call “the white wedding”. In all, the wedding dress is the most paramount issue of all the preparations. I guess it will be right to say that in Nigeria, there is no wedding without a ‘proper ghen ghen’ wedding dress. To prove this point is the fact that wedding dresses are what most Nigerian ladies look out for in any wedding. Well, like earlier said, Nigerian weddings come in two major ways – the traditional wedding and the white wedding and for each, different wedding dresses are worn. Here are some of the indigenous wedding dresses worn in Nigerian Weddings.

The Igbo traditional wedding ceremony is usually placed higher than any contemporary weddings like church or registry weddings. In fact, it is the most important marriage rites any Igbo couple should perform. Usually, the bride and groom choose to wear the same fabric (though this is not compulsory) which is usually combined with heavy embroidery, beads and bangles.

For the bride’s first outing where she greets her in-laws and welcomes them with a dance, she is required to do the Ada Igbo dressing which signifies that she is yet to be married. She can choose to wear either a Nigerian wax fabric tank top, matching skirt, bold wrist bangle, large necklaces, waist beads (jigida), leg beads and an elegant bead crown on her hair. Alternatively, she can wear a blouse and wrappers accompanied with similar adornments around the neck, waist, ankles and wrists.

The body is adorned with white clay, waist beads (jigida), bangles, feet and wrist chains, gold, coral beads, earrings, necklace, wrist-lets. She can also wear brass leg rings with the toes painted in traditional hues depending on the colour scheme, and her hair braided or woven with a beaded crown beautifying the head.

The groom’s outfit can be made from brocade material, top quality lace or a fabric called jacquard or silk, it should complement the fabric chosen by his bride, and the groom usually puts on a large shirt which could be sown having elaborate embroidery and animal symbolism. Some brides do the wine giving in a separate attire before changing into the colour the groom is wearing.

One interesting thing about these Nigerian traditional wedding attires is that they are not only for wedding ceremonies but can be worn on a range of special occasions. Whether you are planning to attend a wedding as a guest, or a red carpet event, Sunday church services, child naming ceremony, anniversaries, galas, proms, and several other special outings, you are sure to look great and steal the look from a lot of admirers.