Planning A Traditional Ghanaian Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ghana has a unique culture, with numerous languages and customs. Despite the diversity of the area, weddings have generally remained the same over the years, with a few modern touches. A traditional Ghanaian wedding is an extremely exciting occasion, with catchy music, beautiful clothing, and a happy gathering of family members. Planning a wedding can be a lot of work, but there are some simple options to make sure the ceremony lingers in the minds of your guests.

Choosing a date

Firstly, the groom must propose to the bride. In Ghana, this usually happens after two to three dates, as any longer would be considered "taking advantage of the friendship". Once the couple is engaged, the traditional pre-wedding events can begin. This includes the "knocking" ceremony, also called "Opon-akyi bo" or "kokooko". This is when the groom's family approaches the bride's family to let them know their son wants to marry their daughter. It is a means of introducing the two families.

Once the marriage proposal has been accepted, the couple can decide on a date for the wedding. However, this is not the end of the process. The groom's family must present the bride's family with a marriage or engagement list, which includes items such as dowry/bride price, African print pieces, jewellery, a Bible, rings, money for the bride's parents, and gifts for her siblings. The groom is expected to fulfil all items on the list on the day of the marriage.

If you are planning a Ghanaian traditional wedding, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a wedding planner. This could be a professional or someone in your contacts list who has experience organising events. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Wedding planner

Planning a wedding is a big task, but with the right approach, you can create a memorable celebration that reflects the unique traditions of Ghana. Here are some key steps to help you plan a traditional Ghanaian wedding:

Understand the Traditions

Before you begin planning, it's essential to understand the cultural significance and traditions of a Ghanaian wedding. Ghanaian weddings are steeped in rich customs and rituals that set them apart. For instance, the "knocking" ceremony, where the groom's family formally introduces themselves to the bride's family, is an integral part of the process. This ceremony serves as an opportunity for both families to come together and celebrate the union of their children.

Choose a Wedding Planner

Consider hiring a wedding planner, especially if you're on a budget. A good wedding planner will help you navigate the complexities of planning a traditional Ghanaian wedding and ensure that no detail is overlooked. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to make your vision a reality.

Set a Date and Create a Timeline

Selecting a wedding date can be challenging, but it's crucial to start planning early. Work with the couple and their families to find a date that aligns with everyone's schedules and preferences. Once the date is set, create a detailed timeline for the wedding preparations. This timeline will help you stay organised and ensure that tasks are completed on time.

Incorporate Traditional Elements

A traditional Ghanaian wedding is a vibrant and joyous affair, with colourful clothing, lively music, and energetic dancing. Encourage the couple and their guests to wear traditional attire, such as the kente cloth for the bride, which holds significant cultural value. Drumming and dancing are integral to Ghanaian culture, so ensure you have talented drummers and encourage guests to join in the festivities.

Plan the Ceremonies

A traditional Ghanaian wedding typically consists of two ceremonies: the engagement ceremony and the "white wedding." The engagement ceremony is a colourful and festive event where the couple wears traditional clothing. It is also customary for the couple to receive blessings and advice from elders, who offer their wisdom and well-wishes for a harmonious marriage.

Finalise the Details

As your planning progresses, pay attention to the small details that will make the wedding memorable. From the choice of music to the wedding attire, ensure that everything aligns with the couple's vision and cultural expectations. If you're working with a limited budget, consider renting traditional wedding gowns or sourcing decorations and props from local businesses to create an authentic Ghanaian atmosphere.

Remember, planning a traditional Ghanaian wedding is a unique and exciting journey. By embracing the cultural richness of Ghana and staying organised, you can create a wedding that will be cherished by the couple and their loved ones for years to come.

Budgeting

There are many costs to consider when planning a wedding. The bride price is a minimum of 5,000ghc, but this can vary depending on the family. You should also budget for gifts for guests, which could be around 20ghc per head. Decor can be expensive, but you can save money by renting a pre-decorated hall. Food is another big cost, with a modest buffet costing around 50ghc per head. You'll also need to think about photography, videography, and the wedding dress. You can save money on the dress by renting one, and you can also bargain to get a good deal.

Traditions

Ghana is a highly diverse nation with people from different ethnicities and cultures, so wedding traditions differ from tribe to tribe. However, there are some traditions that are common across Ghana.

The first step in planning a Ghanaian wedding is to get a wedding planner. This could be a friend or family member who is good at organising events.

The "Knocking on the Door" ceremony or "Opon-akyi bo" is arguably the most famous ritual in Ghana and is also prevalent in Nigeria, Cameroon, and other West African countries. This involves the groom, alongside senior members of his family and community, going to the bride's father's house to announce their marital intentions. This ceremony is often performed a month or two before the wedding.

In a Ghanaian traditional wedding, the couple and the wedding party dress in kente cloth to give the feeling of royalty. There is a presentation of wedding gifts to the bride and her family at the wedding venue. There is also dancing and music aplenty, as entertainment plays a big part in the celebrations. Traditional food is served buffet-style at the wedding reception party held immediately after the ceremony. This includes jollof rice, grilled fish, red bean and fish stew with fried plantains, roast goat and roast ripe plantains. They also serve wedding cake and popular Ghana desserts such as ripe plantain cakes and spiced doughnuts called bofrot.

In some Ghanaian cultures, they participate in something called the Nansiung-Iika or "Closing of the Gate or Entrance." This ritual is believed to be the most crucial, as it is said to join a man and woman together permanently until death.

Music and clothing

Ghanaian traditional weddings are vibrant, rich in cultural heritage and full of dance and music. The music at a traditional Ghanaian wedding is often provided by traditional "adowa" groups or a live band. Music accompanies every aspect of the wedding, from the groom's family bringing the bride's gifts to the bride's grand entry. You can also expect to hear gospel songs and Afro beats.

The clothing at a traditional Ghanaian wedding is beautiful and bright. The bride and groom will wear traditional clothing, with the bride wearing a brightly coloured kente cloth, a type of fabric made from interwoven silk and cotton. The groom may also wear a kente suit or the couple may wear matching kente outfits. Kente is a signature of Ghanaian traditional weddings and can be blended with other fabrics, like Ankara, lace and brocade. For guests, any formal attire is appropriate, although many choose to wear kente cloth in colours that represent good tidings for the couple, or other brightly coloured and ornately designed outfits.

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