If you are planning for an exotic African-inspired theme wedding, then it’s imperative to know the age-old rituals and symbols that are commonly used in a traditional African weddi8ng ceremony. Planning to integrate African wedding traditions naturally requires you to have an in depth understanding on the culture to help you carefully select every single element to incorporate on your wedding to make it as wonderful memory to last a lifetime.

Africa can be aptly described as one of the oldest civilization that ever trudged on the face of the earth and has a highly colorful diversity that can be reflected in the African wedding traditions. One of the most notable elements is its emphasis on the importance of family, and thus, the union of two couples is always considered an important affair. However, since the land covers vast regions along with over a thousand cultural units, every tribe has its own distinct traditions for African weddings. For Northern Africans, many of the influence of its wedding rituals can be mainly attributed to the Muslims, while the Southern African wedding traditions are interspersed with Jewish, Christianity and Hindu cultures. However, the common denominator for African wedding traditions is the fact that the ceremonies are extremely elaborate that are said to last for several days. In some parts of Sudan, the groom is even asked to pay for the value of his future wife since marriage in the family would generally mean a loss of labor. The usual value of a bride is around 40 cattle heads. In Somalia, a man is allowed to take on as many as four wives, provided that he can comfortably support all of them and women are encouraged to marry at the early age of 13-15 years old.

Of course, African wedding rituals are considered a festive affair complete with songs and dances and music has always been considered an important element in many ceremonies. Traditionally, African brides wear the red, green and gold colors that are skillfully incorporated in their gowns and women are required to wear headpieces and a loose fitting wrap skirt. A lot of people who prefer the African-inspired wedding usually choose to adapt The Yoruba traditional that features spiritual services that basically reflects the African way of sharing gift as well as love. Grooms usually bring gifts to the family of the bride that he can indeed support his future wife and are accepted by the woman’s father. Other important elements of the ceremony would include the tasting of spices and explanation of its symbolisms, exchange of rings and prayers. During the exchange of marriage vows, a unity candle is often lit. There are actually 12 important symbols that are typically sued in many African weddings, which includes wheat, wine, bitter herbs, salt, water, a bro0o, pot and spoon, shield and spear, honey and a copy of the Holy Bible or a Koran. A great feast soon follows and all guests would enjoy flowing supply of wine and food to celebrate the union of two individuals that are bounded by love.

The sanctity of marriage is given real importance in the African communities and accounts of divorces are really quite rare. Family members of both sides of the family often discuss marital problems and solutions are presented to help save the marriage. It is also quite common for families to invite the rest of the community in discussions should there be a couple who are undergoing marital troubles. This alone provides you with a better understanding on the importance and gravity of marriage among the African community.

So if you are entertaining the idea of having that African wedding, make sure that you will not only incorporate key elements of their wedding traditions but also look forward to solemnly keeping the marital vows as a lifetime commitment to your partner.