Creating Nigerian Wedding Beads: A Traditional Artistry Guide

Nigerian brides use traditional and stylish accessories to complement their wedding look. These designs are often handmade, adding a feeling of love and care to their overall aesthetic and wedding atmosphere. When it comes to Nigerian jewellery, colour is crucial. No matter how expensive the wedding dress is, it is incomplete without matching accessories.section. Coral is a popular choice as it goes well with a variety of colours, including white, dark red, gold, green, black, pink, and peach. Combinations of colours like red and gold, yellow and black, and yellow and gold are also common. Nigerian brides also wear jewellery made from different materials, including plastic, glass, pearls, crystals, and gold.

Choosing colours

Colour is an important consideration when choosing Nigerian wedding beads. While some beads are very expensive, others are more affordable. Brides typically dress up in traditional wedding dresses and then choose beads based on the colour combination selected for the wedding ceremony.

One of the most popular bead colours is coral, which goes well with white, dark red, gold, green, black, pink, and peach, among other colours. The combination of red and gold is also popular in Nigeria, symbolising a promise of a wealthy life for the newlyweds. Yellow beads can make the wearer look like a sunny princess, and combinations of yellow and black, gold, white, green, or purple are common and stylish choices.

Blue beads can make any lady look like a goddess, and they pair well with red, coral, golden, green, white, silver, and black wedding dress colours. Purple is another traditional colour for Nigerian wedding dresses and beads, adding glamour to the ceremony.

Gold beads used to be popular among modern Nigerian couples, and gold accessories are still often borrowed from friends and neighbours. Today, beads are usually more affordable than gold, and crystal beads are a modern trend, sometimes mixed with semi-precious gemstones.

Necklace length

When it comes to Nigerian wedding beads, the length of the necklace is an important consideration. The length of the necklace can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the bridal ensemble. Here are some things to keep in mind about necklace length for Nigerian traditional wedding beads:

Choker Necklace:

A choker-length Nigerian wedding bead necklace typically measures between 15 to 17 inches. This style sits snugly around the bride's neck, accentuating the elegance of the outfit. Choker necklaces are perfect for brides who want to make a bold statement with their jewellery. They pair well with off-shoulder or strapless wedding gowns, as they draw attention to the neck and shoulders.

Princess Necklace:

Princess-length necklaces are slightly longer than chokers, usually ranging from 17 to 19 inches. This length is versatile and flattering, as it sits right above the collarbone. Princess-style necklaces are a good choice for brides who want a more delicate and subtle look without compromising on the traditional aspect.

Matinee Necklace:

Matinee necklaces are longer still, typically measuring between 20 and 24 inches. This length is ideal for brides who want their necklace to be a focal point without being too overbearing. A matinee-length necklace can elegantly complement a simple wedding dress, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall ensemble.

Opera Necklace:

For an even longer option, opera-length necklaces range from 34 to 37 inches. This dramatic length is perfect for brides who want to make a statement with their jewellery. Opera-length necklaces can be worn with a variety of necklines and are especially stunning when paired with a plunging or V-neck wedding gown.

Custom Lengths:

It's important to remember that these lengths are not set in stone, and you can always customise the length of your Nigerian wedding bead necklace to suit your personal style and preference. You can opt for a longer necklace that reaches your bust or even a shorter choker-style necklace with a pendant that sits just below the collarbone.

When choosing the length of your Nigerian traditional wedding bead necklace, consider the neckline of your wedding dress, your face shape, and the overall style you want to achieve. The right necklace length will enhance your bridal look, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Bead materials

Nigerian brides wear jewellery made from a variety of materials on their wedding day. Some of the most common materials used to make Nigerian wedding beads include:

• Plastic: While it may seem surprising, plastic beads are a common choice for African jewellery and can be quite stylish.
• Glass: Glass beads are a more natural-looking option and are often chosen for Nigerian weddings.
• Pearls: Pearls are a more expensive option that makes the bride look stunning on her special day.
• Crystals: Crystals give the bride a stylish and youthful appearance.
• Gold: Gold beads used to be very popular for Nigerian weddings, as they were seen as a symbol of wealth and status. While they may not be as common today, they are still a traditional choice for bridal jewellery.
• Gemstones: A modern trend is to mix crystal beads with semi-precious gemstones for a unique and elegant look.

Matching with attire

• Colour Coordination: Colour plays a crucial role in Nigerian jewellery. Choose bead colours that complement your wedding dress. For example, coral beads go well with white, dark red, gold, green, black, pink, and peach. The combination of red and gold is also popular and symbolic of a wealthy life for the newlyweds. Yellow beads with black, gold, white, green, or purple outfits can make you look like a stylish princess. Blue beads add a touch of shine and go well with red, coral, golden, green, white, silver, or black outfits.
• Traditional Colours: Purple is a traditional colour for Nigerian wedding dresses and beads. This colour is often passed down through generations and adds glamour to the wedding ceremony.
• Fabric and Style: When creating your wedding look, consider the fabric and style of your outfit. The most popular ethnic fabrics in Nigeria include laces, Ankara prints, and George. Add a beaded necklace of the appropriate colour, shape, style, and length to elevate your look.
• Necklace Length: Pay attention to the length of your necklace. Common lengths include choker (15-17 inches), princess (17-19 inches), matinee (20-24 inches), and opera (34-37 inches). Choose a length that flatters your neckline and complements your outfit.
• Gold Accessories: Gold accessories, such as gold-toned beads or jewellery, can add a touch of elegance and royalty to your wedding look. Gold was once a must-have for Nigerian brides, symbolizing wealth and status.
• Modern Trends: If you want to follow the latest bridal trends, consider beads made of crystals and gemstones. Mix crystal beads with semi-precious gemstones for a modern and elegant look. You can also decorate your beads with a brooch for an astonishing impression.

Jewellery sets

Nigerian wedding beads are a significant part of the African culture and play an essential role in creating female looks. The appearance of the woman is the basis which is complemented by a specific colour, fabric, and style.

When it comes to Nigerian jewellery sets, colour plays a crucial role. No matter how expensive the wedding dress is, it is not complete without a piece of matching jewellery. One of the most popular bead colours is coral, which goes well with white, dark red, gold, green, black, pink, and peach, among others. The combination of red and gold is also popular in Nigeria, promising a wealthy life for the newlyweds.

Another popular combination is yellow and black, gold, white, green, and purple. Yellow will make the bride look like a sunny princess, while shades of blue can make any lady look like a goddess. Blue beads look amazing with red, coral, golden, green, white, silver, black, and other colours.

Purple is also a traditional colour for Nigerian wedding dresses and beads. This tradition of wearing purple beads incorporated into the wedding colour scheme has been passed down through generations, adding glamour to every wedding ceremony in Nigeria and beyond.

On the wedding day, Nigerian brides wear jewellery made of different materials. Some of the materials used include plastic, glass, pearls, crystals, and gold. Nigerian bridal beads are famous for their versatile designs, including floral and geometrical patterns, but they most often come in the shape of pearls.

• Coral bead set with a necklace, earrings, and bracelet.
• Gold African beads jewellery set with a necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
• Nigerian wedding African beads jewellery set with a simulated pearl necklace and earrings.
• Nigerian wedding African beads jewellery set with an imitation coral bead and gold necklace, earrings, and bracelet.

Frequently asked questions