Being a bride is a cherished affair in this country known for coffee beans. It’s an experience. And to stand and stick out like a sore thumb on the big day, with all the attention focused and zeroed-in on you, is every bride’s dream. But there are dos and don’ts, tips that can see the bride make the best of the day and seem like she has stepped out from everyone’s (African) dream.
6. As a couple, getting a venue fit for your wedding is one thing and ensuring arrangements are done to your specification is totally another thing on the whole. Whether it’s in a Synagogue, a Church or any other location of your choice; a bride, should at least arrive at the wedding site two days prior to the wedding and on the eve. This is to be done in a bid to avoid last minute arrangements, be they minor or major on her big day.
5. In a traditional Christian Ethiopian wedding setting, finalizing the date of the actual wedding would, in a way, depend on the parents of the would-be newly weds and traditions that mar the entire dowry negotiations; as they’re responsible for setting a wedding date upon agreement on both sides of the families. But it’s a different affair altogether for the modern setting that incorporates wedding planners who do such arrangements at a fee, between the couples and them. It’s important however as a bride to check with the planner earlier.
4. In Africa as a whole, a traditional wedding is open to all and sundry; no one is prejudiced to attend. But it’s a different scene with urban weddings that have embraced modernity; as coming up with a guest list that covers names only found in the latest dictionary of today’s who’s who, is a widely accepted norm. The bride must then finalize the guest list prior to the wedding day to avoid any hitches.
3. A bride knows all too well that nothing takes the Oscar home like a well finished wedding dress that has an enchanting flair attached to it. It defines her new status to all her guests. With that in mind, the bride must go on a dress search as soon as the engagement ceremony is done. This will give sufficient time to get an appropriate one. And if you choose to go the traditional way, choose a designer with an Afro-centric theme in mind; a native preferably.
2. Master the art of timing, it’s of the essence. As a soon-to-be bride, this should be part of the laws that govern you to getting that dream wedding that you have so desired. Planning with all the intricate details considered; from colour theme, music, wedding venue to maids attires, is what a bride should do if she’s to get that ring around her finger. If it’s a traditional wedding, be part of the arrangement. After all, without you the bride there’s no wedding. You call the tune. The buck automatically stops with you.
1. A bride and an African at that, is mainly given the utmost focus as she’s the defacto home-maker; one who preserves the sanctity of the family unit. Families in Africa are tight and close knit governed mostly by traditions. With that some culture quarters of many African marriages demand for a marriage tutorial for the bride; tidbits of sorts, on how to make a home. But with modern advancements and adoption of western cultures in regards to marriages, much focus however is least given to the