How to Select African Fabric for Wedding Garb
Selecting colorful African fabric for your wedding garb can help you create a dramatic and beautiful event.
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric Samples
- Sewing Patterns
- Wedding Invitations
- Fabric Chalks
- Fabrics
- Wedding Bands
- Wedding Licenses
Instructions
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Match the color and print of the bride's and groom's outfits, although you may wear different styles.
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Select clothing for bridesmaids and groomsmen that complements your look.
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Review all of your options. There are numerous textures, patterns and designs from which to choose.
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Allow plenty of time to have clothing made to your specifications by a seamstress if you can't find ready-made styles you like.
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Visit ethnic clothing shops and fabric stores for ideas.
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Consider using brocade, which is heavy cotton fabric with an interwoven design of objects such as stars, moons, flowers or other symbols.
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Search for waxed fabric, which can be identified by its characteristic sheen on one side of the cloth. This protects the color and pattern.
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Consider ashoke, or aso oke fabric, which is an expensive Nigerian heavy cotton blend. It often has eyelet holes with brightly colored embroidery.
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Compare traditional ashoke, which has a flat finish, to the newer version, which has a metallic sheen, to see which you prefer.
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Check the fabric's selvage, or manufactured edge, for clues to its quality. If it has seven or more stars, this is a sign it is well-made. In addition, quality waxed fabric has a white selvage.
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Consider Kente cloth, which is a very popular West African fabric. The fabric has a host of designs and symbols that have a wide range of meanings.
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Look for symbols that interest you. For instance, Adinkra symbols have different spiritual meanings, such as unity and strength.
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Tips & Warnings
African fabric often comes from European countries. England and Switzerland are known for their high quality waxed fabric.
African fabrics need special care. Find a dry cleaner that is equipped to work with them.
Repeat a few symbols from your wedding fabric in your rings and invitations to carry the theme through.
