How to Include African Culture in a Wedding
Let this brief guide serve as a jumping off point to weaving traditional African elements into your special day. Whether you are planning a lavish wedding, or hosting a small, intimate gathering of family and close friends, you can easily add the culture of Africa to your event.
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Instructions
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Dress up. All eyes will be on the bride and groom, wedding party and special guests. So if you are serious about creating an African motif, or simply want to add some accents to wedding party attire, clothing can create an immediate African atmosphere. African threads contain bold, rich earth tones, as well as unique patterns both large and small. Traditional African wedding attire may be long flowing robe-like gowns or caftans, which can be accessorized with a belt, scarf or authentic African jewelry. Can you imagine rich golds, reds, rusts and browns in the color scheme? If so, then you will easily be able to search the Internet for traditional imported clothing to suit your tastes. If it is just a touch of Africa you desire, think about African jewelry, whether metals or natural wood pieces, that can adorn wrists, ear or even hair (see Resources below).
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Bring in African décor elements. These can be as simple or complex, depending on whether you would like just a hint of Africa, or plan to re-create an an actual African setting. Remember that the colors of Africa are not baby blues, pinks or other pastels–they are rich earth tones, especially reds, oranges, yellows and browns. If you are being married outside, the sky is the limit–you’ll have plenty of natural light to counteract the darker reds and browns you may use. If your ceremony and reception are indoors, think about lighting–it will be important if you are planning to use dark or richly colored tablecloths and linens. Outside or in, things like table runners and flowers can add the majestic colors of Africa without making things too dark. Traditional, imported African fabric can be obtained via the Internet, or visit garment districts of your nearest large city to obtain items firsthand and really get a feel for them. Don’t forget that guest favors, when displayed at each table setting, is also a way to incorporate an African theme into your event: miniature African masks made from a stiff art paper and hand-decorated or professionally printed with guest names could make an unusual take-home remembrance of your day. Bookmarks or small scarves made from rich African fabric is another option.
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Any event is made even more memorable with interesting and mouth-watering delicacies. In this case, bringing Africa to your wedding table means bringing the flavor of curries, coconut, stewed vegetables and meats, savory flatbreads and so much more. In fact, if you really want to dive into an Ethiopian-themed menu, for example, you’ll offer your guests Injera–a soft, pliable flatbread that is used in place of utensils to scoop up savory meat-based and vegetarian stews. Even desserts, such as Liberian Coconut Bread, which actually resembles a cake-like pie and can be served like pie, is an easy addition and happens to be hassle free as far as refrigeration and storage goes. Specialty African drinks consist of pineapple and coconut-based recipes, like Pineapple Spice Drink (cloves and ginger), and foamy and slightly spicy Ginger Beer.
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Get a true feel for what an African-themed wedding might look and sound like. Check out movies about Africa and find the look that seems right for you. African wedding customs vary widely from country to country, and a simple search on the Internet will produce dozens of ideas regarding vows, rituals and readings (see Resources below). Keep in mind that African weddings center on the concept of not just two people coming together, but two families becoming one. Dig deep in your research and you will likely find just the right combination of decorating ideas, recipes and clothing to fulfill your dream of an Africa-inspired wedding.
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Tips & Warnings
Begin planning early, just in case you need to import an item from Africa.
Find a caterer well in advance, and be sure she is comfortable cooking with the spices and foods of Africa.
Don't forget the music: listen to free audio clips online, before buying; scour your local phone books for musicians who can bring the sounds of Africa to your event in person.
