Weddings are one of those events common to all cultures and tribes. It’s a time when a man and a woman are legally joined as one and declared husband and wife amid witnesses. However, wedding procedures and requirements vary from one tribe to another, this is what makes it unique. Perhaps, you’ve heard about the Igala ethnic groups, and you’re curious about how Igala weddings are being conducted, or you may be interested in marrying an Igala lady and need to know what you are signing in for. Sit back and relax as this article will cover everything you need to know about Igala weddings.
Furthermore, people often ask how do I approach an Igala lady, declare my intentions and get to meet her parents? Also, do igala parents collect dowry and how much does it cost? In addition, do I have to speak Igala before her parents accept me? All these questions and many more will be answered in the course of this article.
What You Should Know About Igala Ladies
Igala ladies just as any other tribe are well cultured and mannered having received proper training and advice from their parents— This begins from childhood until the marriageable stage. Oftentimes, Igala ladies are so attached to their moms and will eventually display whatever traits exhibited by their mothers, either good or bad. But, not to worry as Igala parents never fail at giving valuable advice needed by daughters intending to get married.
Talking to an Igala Lady
The First step common to all igala weddings is the agreement between a man and a woman who desire to get married. However, interested suitors are scared of being rejected so there is a dilemma on what step to take.
Interestingly, it’s easy to approach an Igala lady as long as you’re polite but declaring your intentions at the very first meeting may not be a good idea and is one of those things you should never say on a first date. In contrast, learn about those fun things to do on a first date which in turn establish a mutual friendship. Once this is achieved it’s best you let the cat out of the bag.
Furthermore, you don’t have to be afraid of being rejected as Igala ladies are good at turning down requests politely without being rude. In addition, you can use an intermediary if you feel uncomfortable about going in person, although this is not compulsory. I tell you it shows you’re competent when you go in person and she would appreciate that.
Talking to an Igala Lady’s Parents About Your Intentions
This stage comes in two phases and is also called the introduction phase of igala weddings. So, after the lady agrees to your proposal it’s time to step up the relationship by meeting her parents. However, don’t try pretending to be who you’re not to please her parents. This might turn out bad and you will eventually lose your chances of getting married to her.
Interestingly, Igala parents excel more at background checks about whoever their child is getting married to. Unknown to the couple in question, both Igala families, that’s if they are both Igala, dig more into the family history of whoever their son or daughter intend to marry. This is because they believe that every unpleasant trait found can be transferred.
Pre Introduction Phase of Igala Weddings
This phase is when the lady takes her man to see her parents alone. In other words, he goes to introduce himself to her parents without anyone accompanying him. This is where his fate is decided as he gets to know if he is accepted or not. It’s advisable he goes with gifts for her parents and also her siblings if she has any. The success of this stage determines the next.
Introduction Phase of Igala Weddings
This is the time when the man comes with his family members to declare his intentions properly to the woman’s family. Also, some members of the woman’s family are invited to witness this event, although it isn’t something elaborate as only few persons get to attend.
The man is expected to come along with two plates of kola nuts, with a reasonable sum of money placed on each plate, alongside four crates of acceptable drinks that will be presented to the woman’s parents. In addition, he will be asked to bring money that will be used to cook and entertain all those who will attend the introduction including his own family.
Furthermore, the male family is expected to come with a mediator who will introduce them and also declare the reason for their visit. Afterward, the lady is asked if she accepts their proposal, once she gives her consent, prayers are made and the gifts brought are presented to her parents.
Afterward, both couples are expected to introduce their spouse to their family members occupying sensitive positions in the family.
Igala Fixing of Wedding Date and Courtship
This stage is often the easiest to cross so long as both parents are in support of the union. However, once you’ve carried out the two introduction phases and have gotten her parents acceptance, you should tie the knot as soon as possible— Delay might be dangerous except there are still some background checks yet to be carried out. Hence, a favorable date for both families is fixed and invitations are being sent.
How is Igala Traditional Marriage Done?
This can also be referred to as engagement day. According to Igala weddings tradition, the man will come to collect a bill which contains the amount of money needed to cook and entertain invited guest. Furthermore, he buys two mats and two wrappers that are to be used on the wedding day. In addition, he brings two plates of kola nuts, with a reasonable sum of money on them, 4 crates of drinks as was brought during the introduction phase.
On the day of the traditional wedding, the mats and wrappers bought will be spread on the floor, one for the bride and the other for the groom. Next comes the bride dancing to the music being played with her friends, while this is done money is sprayed on her as she greets both families. She goes back and changes her attire and comes out for the second time with her friends dancing, greets as money is sprayed on them.
The bride goes back again and changes her attire for the third time, this time she comes out with two of her best friends dancing as she goes to sit on the mat, with both friends sitting one to her left and the other to her right. Oftentimes, she may refuse to sit, but in order to make her sit, the groom’s family will continue spraying money until she feels like sitting.
Next, comes in the groom with two of his friends, dancing in once, oftentimes no money is sprayed except his family wants to. They get to sit on the second mat, with the same sitting arrangements as the bride. Most importantly, the groom and the bride are expected to put on the same attire on that day.
Afterward, the groom’s spokesman will speak and present the gifts brought to the parents of the bride and request that they give their son their daughter hand in marriage. The bride is asked if she accepts their proposal, she agrees and the couple is declared husband and wife amidst witnesses.
Subsequently, the groom will be asked to take proper care of their daughter, love her, and fulfill his duty as a man. That’s why it’s important that as a couple intending to get married you learn about those marriage preparation tips for every intending couple.
After this stage of the event, the floor is open to those who want to advise the couple or may want to present gifts to them. Following this comes celebration—dancing and eating and your bride is yours!
Do Igala Parents Collect Bride Price?
No, 95% of Igala parents don’t collect bride price on their daughter and this is one trait that makes igala weddings unique. All that’s required are those gifts to be brought along during introduction and money to cook and entertain the guest on the introduction day and even on the traditional marriage day.
What are Igala Traditional Marriage Requirements?
As we have earlier established only specific gifts will be requested and money to ensure the wedding turns out well. However, items like yam, red oil, meat e.t.c needed for cooking might be brought by the man. This is usually optional as he may decide to bring money for those items to be bought.
Conclusion
Igala weddings are an interesting event to witness and one of the stress-free processes to go through as a couple. Therefore, if you’re a man still unsure about speaking to an Igala lady, brace up and make your intentions known as there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The entire process is doable and trust me igala families are welcoming.
Finally, have you had any experience with igala weddings?
When it comes to weddings, guests look forward to food, dress, venue and of course those wedding souvenirs they’ll be taking home. I know I do. So what are those wedding souvenirs ideas your guests will love in Nigeria? I’ll tell you in a minute. But first…
What is A Souvenir?
A wedding souvenir is an item or a gift that holds sentimental value to remember and eventually by. This act of giving makes your guest feel loved, appreciated and you keep your wedding memory fresh and alive in their homes.
Souvenirs are important, no matter how little when it comes to weddings. The wedding souvenir ideas in Nigeria you should give out should be functional, beautiful and unique in their way. You don’t want to give out gifts your guest will leave lying around the house eating up space or even thrown away. Rather, you want them to use what you give, you want to keep your wedding memorable to them.
Do you want to give out a memorable yet functional souvenir to your guests? That’s where I hope this article comes in handy. I’ll be sharing wedding souvenirs ideas in Nigeria I believe to be memorable, practical and functional as well. Remember, wedding souvenirs depends on the couple’s taste, preferences and above all, budgets.
Wedding Souvenirs Ideas in Nigeria
1. Household Items
kitchen utensils
If your Mom is into weddings, you’d know this is very important cause never do they go to a wedding without coming back with such items.
And guess what?! There are tons to choose from among household items from the kitchen to bathroom and living room. It could be bathing and cooking bowls, a set of cutleries, a toothbrush holder, a rice strainer, even coloured cups. You won’t have your kids giving you a headache over who took each other’s cup as they will each have to pick their own favourite colours.
These items are indeed used daily in a typical Nigerian household and guests will definitely love and appreciate this. It’s like an old tradition that has stayed the longest among wedding souvenirs ideas in Nigeria. So, yes household items and you can find them on Amazon
2. Wall Clocks
Wall clock
There are adorable wall clocks you can use as souvenirs. Have it personalized with you and your spouse’s name written in it and the day you both got married.
They even make up for great decorations in your guest’s home. Purchase on Amazon at $14.88
3. Jotters/Notepads
Notepad
Your guests will find this useful as they have to write/jot a few things – it could be a to-do list, daily reminders, quotes of personal reflection and many more.
Be sure to make a beautiful cover of you and your spouse, write vows if you both choose to. Have stickers to secure the front and back pages of the notepad if you can. These wedding souvenir ideas are loved in Nigeria. View on Amazon at $9.99
4. Mini Laundry baskets
Laundry basket
This is the most thoughtful, functional and memorable gift of all time. I remember attending a wedding with my Mom in Jos 2019 and this was handed out to us. Mom still has 2 of them and one is still serving both me and my sister.
This basket could be used for clothes or even underwear. Guests will appreciate this and you’ll be keeping your wedding memories fresh and alive in their homes. You can buy mini- laundry baskets on amazon at $19.99
5. Mini – Umbrellas
Umbrella
These are small and of course, they come in handy as they are carriable. These are gifts you want to give out as guests will appreciate and find this useful when nature pours or hits. You know, rainfall and the scorching sun. View on Amazon at $9.99
6. Towels
Towel
I remember seeing a white towel in my Mom’s wardrobe and I asked where it’s from. She went ahead to tell me about the wedding she attended and that was a souvenir she got from the couple. You see right there, these couples have made their wedding memorable just by that. If you’re wondering about the towel, she didn’t give it to me, she eventually used it herself.
Giving out towels as wedding souvenirs ideas in Nigeria is thoughtful and of course functional – an everyday use.
You can find affordable Towels on amazon at $19.99
7. Scented Candles
Scented Candles
This is something new and trending. I saw this in an Arewa wedding post. You know how Arewa are when it comes to their scent, incense and how they love to smell nice and have their home smell nice, lovely and welcoming.
These wedding souvenirs ideas in Nigeria will have your guests feeling loved, appreciated and of course, they will have their home smelling just as great as yours.
Another thing is, your guests can also have or create romantic moments anytime, anywhere with these scented candles. And of course, guests will keep the container as a keepsake. View on amazon at $21.99
8. Mugs
Mugs
This makes a statement in keeping your special day alive.
They are perfect for wedding souvenir ideas in Nigeria as they are readily available if you’re not customizing and are always useful.
They could be personalized with you and your spouse’s name and the date you got married. Customized mugs available on Amazon at $19.95
9. Hand Fans
Hand fan
This idea could be taken up a notch, instead of rubber hand fans, why not try those China fans? Cute hand fans are a thing now!
This adds an extra touch to weddings. Have you and your spouse’s name written on it, it keeps the memories alive and longer.
10. Keyholders
Keyholder
This is simple and yet thoughtful. Remember, little things count, they really do.
Engrave you and your spouse’s name on it, the date of the wedding and add pictures if you can, a lovely one. Guests will love this and it will indeed stay with them for a long time. view on Amazon for
11. Mason Jar Treats
Mason Jars
Focus on extra-sweetness souvenir ideas. This is something new and indeed thoughtful as guests could give this to their kids or indulge themselves in something sweet and savoury.
You can have mini-cookies, fruit jam, chocolates, anything in particular in the mason jar and give them out as souvenirs. Make sure to have a cute package by tying a bow using yarn or jute rope and have a label with you and your spouse’s name.
Guests can reuse these jars to store spices. With $24 You can purchase it on Amazon
12. Bottle Opener/Magnetic Bottle Opener
wine opener
This will be useful in any home. Engrave your and your spouse’s name, the date of the wedding and choose colours you both will like.
With a high budget, hit a combo by handing out a magnetic bottle opener. This way, your guests will have decorations on their fridges. Extra thoughtful I tell you!
Creativity should speak here! Pick colours that match the event, personalize a durable, crafty one and don’t forget to write your and your spouse’s name and of course, the date of the memorable event. You can find affordable carrier bags at Amazon for only
14. Toaster
Toaster
Where are the bread lovers at? This is a wedding souvenir that will have your guests surprised, loved and appreciated. A toaster makes bread taste way better and there are lots of things your guests could do with a toaster, bread sandwich for an instant.
Have your guests feeling happy and loved as you hand out these to them in a carrier bag. View on Amazon at $29.99
15. Blender
Blender
This is another wedding souvenir idea in Nigeria that will leave your guests both shocked and excited. This serves as a dual purpose in the kitchen either in blending tomatoes or blending soup seeds like Egusi, Ogbono etc.
People also use this to blend medicinal herbs for health issues. So, what are you waiting for? Hand these nice and warm gestures to your guests, be sure to personalize them with the date of your special day. view on amazon at $52
16. Fragrance
Fragrance
Be it perfume or an air freshener, hand them out to guests as they will love and appreciate this wedding souvenir idea in Nigeria. They can use it at home, in their cars, toilets and closets, even on the body depends on which you’re handing out. View on Amazon at $11.99
17. Herbal Tea Bags
Tea Bags
Teabags are believed to help with soothing and give relief. Handing out these to guests is thoughtful. You could try chai tea, chamomile tea, and what you desire is fine as long as it gives relief and calmness to your guests. Buy on Amazon
18. Local Handmade Soap
Handmade Soap
Hand these out to guests to show appreciation towards them for honouring your special day. They can use it to simply wash dishes at home and be reminded of you. Keep your day alive and fresh in their hearts and home. View on Amazon
19. Handkerchiefs
Handkerchief
These are sentimental keepsakes that guests will appreciate these wedding souvenir ideas in Nigeria. Customize it with the date of the wedding and your spouse’s name. View on Amazon at $8-$11
20. Trays
Tray
These are sometimes paired with cups, plates, spoons or sometimes on their own. Guest will love and find this very useful in the kitchen and for serving visitors at home.
Personalize this with labels and designs with your spouse’s name and of course the date of the special day. View on Amazon at $24.99
21. Chopping Boards
Chopping board
Another kitchen tool you can never go wrong when it comes to wedding souvenir ideas in Nigeria.
This will be mostly used in the home of your guests and you keep your special day alive with them. You can purchase it on Amazon at $16.99
22. Electric Hand Fan
Electric Hand fan
Remember the China hand fan, well this is more advanced, thanks to technology. Your guests can even use this at the wedding cause of how cute and useful they really are.
Give your guests this and have them leaving with smiling faces, don’t forget item 7 too. View on Amazon at $11.98
23. Torch/Flashlight
Torchlight
This is another helpful gadget you can easily handle out to guests as a wedding souvenir idea in Nigeria. This will be helpful to them at home or even used by their kids at home. Purchase on Amazon at $9.99
24. Personalized Wine Bottle/Cups
Wine cups
Cheers to a fun and memorable celebration! There are dinner nights in weddings now and sometimes, couples throw a party. This is where you come in by having personalized cups with you and your spouse’s name on them, of course, remember the date of the wedding. Always!
Enjoy the party as guests will love the gesture. You could give out the cups in a carrier bag to your guests as a keepsake.
Wedding souvenirs ideas in Nigeria should include Ankara if you’re able to. Guests will love and appreciate this as you’re being thoughtful towards their wardrobe. It is a great idea to show them you appreciate the time they took to come through for you. You can buy it on amazon at $15
Giving out unique souvenirs as I’ve listed will show appreciation towards them and remind them of your special day – keep it alive and fresh in the little way you can.
Conclusion
Remember, when you give out souvenirs, you’re saying “Thank you” to your guests in your own unique way and wedding souvenirs all depends on the couple’s taste, preferences and budgets.
My most preferred wedding souvenir ideas in Nigeria will be the laundry basket, towel, fragrance (I mean, we all have to smile, don’t cha?), mugs, blender and jar treats. I mean those are treats, I love anything sweet. The reason why I chose these out of the 25 weddings souvenir ideas is that they are versatile, durable and above all, it serves purposes at home and that’s what all guest look forward to – gifts that will be used and not tossed in the store or even thrown away.
Now that’s what we call “financial capacity” while giving out other items that are affordable and not extremely extravagant and freaking expensive to your guests tells you to have the strength to appreciate them but not the capacity.
Both gifts are thoughtful and guests will be gratified but go out gifts you can afford and stay out of debt. There are a lot of wedding souvenir ideas in Nigeria, comment below if you think I missed any. Thank you!
