5 Tips to Select African Wedding Guest Dresses

Today we will be giving you 5 tips to guide you on how to select what to wear to a traditional African wedding.

So it will be great for you to hang out with us for the next few minutes and gain new information on what is appropriate to wear to an African traditional wedding.

• What do you wear to a Traditional African Wedding?
• What colors are not appropriate to wear to a wedding?
• Are maxi dresses appropriate for weddings?
• Is it rude to wear black to a wedding?

When invited to attend a traditional wedding it is important to have some idea about the culture of the people so what you wear and how you behave would not be disrespectful.

1. Long dresses or skirts

These are always the safest wear to a traditional wedding. Short dresses, skirts or shorts are inappropriate and may seem disrespectful.

For men, the traditionally made shirts and trousers are fine.

2. Doeks, Geles or Head ties

These are a common accessory to clothing. It’s like how the English adorn their hats. There is a kind of elegance that a head gear gives to outfits.

3. Must you wear Traditional Outfits to a wedding?

You really don’t have to wear Traditional African clothing if you don’t have any. But if you are adventurous or would like to blend in then it would not be a bad idea to get an African attire.

African print dresses or clothing are the usual styles you’ll see at weddings.

4. Can I wear black?

Black is a colour usually avoided in Traditional African Weddings. Lighter colours like blue, green, brown, cream, pink are more like it.

For weddings in Nigeria, the bride and groom usually have their wedding colours and inform their family and friends about the dress code. Sometimes a particular fabric is bought by a particular group of people who then get tailors to make different custom styles for them.

This is what is called “Asoebi”.

5. Jewelry

Jewelry is very important when it comes to special occasions and events, but be careful not to overdo it.

If you’re going to wear colourful beads, like a beaded cape or bib, ensure your outfit is plain or with almost invisible patterns.

Be careful not to outshine the bride, as some jewelry styles are reserved for the bride.

Some styles of body beads and coral beads, for example, are usually worn by the bride and groom only.The Xhosa groom usually wears body beads, so if you’re a make guest you should avoid that piece of jewelry.

Photo:@jessicaseth_

On Clipkulture you have access to thousands of Traditional African clothing styles for guys and ladies that you can choose from. If you need the services of a dressmaker or clothing designer or would like to sell your wedding dress do contact us.

Please feel free to visit our contact page to send in questions that you would have us answer.