Ghana’s traditional weddings are known for being fun, colorful, exciting, and vibrant! Some of the things you can expect from a Ghanaian traditional wedding include traditional attire, cultural rituals, exchange of dowry, and symbolic gestures. To pull off a great traditional wedding, it’s a good idea to consult local elders and wedding experts who can tell you exactly what is expected.
First, here is a list of the commonly used Ghanaian traditional wedding terms.
- Kookoo Koo (Knocking) – This is when the groom, accompanied by his family, visits the bride’s family to officially ask for her hand in marriage.
- Dowry – This is a token of appreciation given to the bride’s family. It includes money, gifts, and other items.
- Bride Price – This refers to the payment that the groom gives the bride’s family as per the agreement made during the dowry negotiations.
- Libation – This is a traditional ritual where elders offer prayers and blessings to the ancestors seeking blessings and approval for the couple.
- Family Consent (Dipo) – Some tribes in Ghana require that the couple get consent from the elders and the family before going ahead with their marriage.
- Proverbs/ Wise Sayings (Nsuo Beto) – Elders share words of wisdom with the couple aimed at helping them navigate their marriage better.
- Naming Ceremony – In some cultures, the couple’s firstborn is celebrated at a naming ceremony called ‘outdooring’.
Top 10 Ghana Wedding Traditions
Ghanaian traditional weddings involve several traditional customs and ceremonies, including:
- Feasting and Dancing
- Ghanaian traditional weddings must come with a wide variety of Ghanaian traditional dishes and good music, including traditional dances like the Adowa and Azonto dances.
- Filing of Marriage Documents
- The signing of marriage documents usually takes place after the traditional ceremony is complete.
- Bridal Procession and Entrance
- The bridal entry is a big deal! At the beginning of the wedding ceremony, the bride makes a grand entry into the wedding venue amid color, pomp, and celebration.
- Libation Ceremony
- This is one of the top 10 Ghana wedding traditions. It involves pouring out a libation to honor ancestors and seek their favor. The actual pouring of the libation is done by a spiritual leader or elder.
- Traditional Wedding Attire
- The couple will usually dress in Ghanaian traditional wedding attire if they are having a traditional wedding. The Kente cloth is a popular choice for the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and their wedding guests.
- Symbolic Gestures
- Symbolic gestures are carried out during the wedding ceremony to cement the relationship between the two families and to remind the couple of their commitment to each other.
- Traditional Wedding Ceremony
- The traditional wedding ceremony includes traditional rituals, prayers, and other gestures that cement the relationship between the bride and groom. This ceremony usually has particular steps that must be completed before the couple can be declared man and wide.
- Exchange of Vows
- The exchange of vows is another of the top 10 Ghana wedding traditions. The couple declare their love for and commitment to one another and then seal this with a symbolic gesture like sharing a cup of palm wine.
- Dowry Payment
- Dowry payment is an essential part of any traditional wedding in Ghana. The groom gives money and gifts to the bride’s family as a sign of appreciation for her and as a commitment to take care of her.
- The Knocking Ceremony
- The groom and his family visit the bride’s house on the day of the wedding to ask for her hand in marriage. As he knocks on the door, the bride’s family ignores him and instead sings even louder so he can try again. They eventually open the door and the groom gets to see his bride.
If you attend a traditional wedding in Ghana, be sure that you will see one or two of these top 10 Ghana wedding traditions being practised!
Ghana Traditional Wedding Dress
The Ghana traditional wedding dress is vibrant and colorful, covered with intricate designs. They are usually characterized by the following:
- Kente Cloth – This brilliantly woven fabric is used for both the bride’s dress and groom’s outfit. It has vibrant colors and patterns with each pattern having a unique meaning.
- Duku – This is a wrapped-up headscarf worn by the bride. It matches the color and fabric used to make the wedding dress.
- Embroidered Fabrics – Ghana traditional wedding dresses are also made from delicately embroidered fabrics
Groom’s Attire for Ghana Traditional Weddings
The groom usually wears clothes made from the same fabric as that of the bride, in the following styles:
- Batakari – This is a broad smock worn by the men of certain ethnic groups in Ghana.
- Agbada – This is a flowing outfit that resembles a gown, worn with trousers and a matching cap.
Ghana Traditional Wedding Bridesmaids
- Bridesmaids play an important role in any wedding, as they support the bride and participate actively in all the wedding rituals. As such, they also have to look good! Below are some elements of their outfits.
- Their outfits are made from Kente cloth.
- The colors that their outfits are made from must match the overall color scheme of the wedding.
- In some cases, each bridesmaid wears a Duku (headscarf).
- The bridesmaids all wear traditional beaded jewelry matching the color scheme.
Ghana Traditional Wedding Groomsmen
- In Ghanaian traditional weddings, the groomsmen all have roles to play. Some of these include supporting the groom and participating in the rituals.
- Some characteristics of their outfits include:
- Smocks, shirts, or tunics made from Kente cloth.
- Attire that matches with what the groom is wearing.
- Hats or caps that match their outfits and bear cultural significance.
- Traditional necklaces and bracelets.
Ghana Traditional Wedding Checklist
- Everyone planning a successful Ghana traditional wedding should have a checklist they can refer to. This checklist acts as a guide for planning the wedding and making sure nothing is left out. It should include:
- Introduction and dowry negotiations
- Pre-wedding counselling
- Attire
- Selection of date and time
- Wedding invitations
- Required items for the family
- You can find a full checklist at this link – Ghana Traditional Wedding Checklist
Ghana Traditional Wedding Decoration
After you select the color scheme for your wedding, think about how you intend to decorate the venue. Here are a few things you can include in your wedding décor.
- Traditional symbols
- Kente fabric for the tables and banners
- Traditional utensils
- Ceremonial stools
- Beaded jewelry
- Cultural artifacts
- Traditional rugs or mats
- Floral arrangements
- A display of traditional outfits
- Traditional musical instruments e.g. drums
Ghana Traditional Wedding Gifts
Below is a list of Ghana traditional wedding gifts that are exchanged between the bride’s and groom’s families.
- Money – This is usually given as part of the dowry. It indicates that the groom is willing and able to take care of the bride.
- Drinks – Schnapps or other alcoholic beverages
- Cattle or livestock – These are given as another sign of the groom’s ability to care for the bride.
- Food items – These include bags of rice, yams, and sugar.
- Sweets and fruits – These are symbols of the sweetness and fertility of the union. They include fruit baskets, sweets, and chocolates.
- Cloth and textiles – These mostly include Kente cloth, traditional fabrics, and wax prints, often used to make the bride’s outfit.
- Jewelry – Gold jewelry in the form of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
- Traditional stools – These are given to the bride’s family as a sign of honor and respect.
- Cooking utensils – These also represent the groom’s ability to care for his wife’s needs.
- Religious items – These are presented based on the family’s religious beliefs.
Ghana Traditional Wedding Guest Attire
How do the wedding guests at Ghana traditional weddings dress up for the event?
Women
- Kente dresses
- Matching head wraps
- Beaded jewelry
- Aso Ebi (a specific fabric selected by the couple for all their attendees)
- Boubou dresses
Men
- Kente cloth outfits
- Agbada (a flowing 2-piece outfit)
- Dashiki (a loose-fitting tunic)
- Matching caps or hats
- Beaded necklaces
- Embroidered outfits
Ghana Traditional Wedding Program Outline
Here is a simple program for a Ghana traditional wedding that you can refer to.
- Groom’s procession
- Introduction and welcome
- Opening Prayer/ Libations
- Acknowledgements of families
- Knocking and Dowry Negotiation
- Presentation of Dowry/Gifts
- Bride’s Acceptance/ Presentation
- Traditional Marriage Ceremony – Exchange of vows and rings
- Family Blessings
- Signing of the Marriage Certificate
- Cultural Performances
- Cutting of the Wedding Cake
- Toasts and Speeches
- Reception – Dancing and Celebration
- Closing Remarks
- Closing Prayer
With this great Ghana traditional wedding guide in your hands, your wedding will surely be a success! Good luck!
Check out these links for more information.
- Top 10 Wedding Decor Providers in Accra, Ghana
- Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Ghana
