“I’d only been to one Nigerian wedding before ours,” says Jeanne. She is American, and her husband, Folarin, is British Nigerian. Portugal appeared to be an ideal gathering place for attendees coming from various continents, and the couple orchestrated a large, vivid wedding with numerous speeches and plenty of dancing. Below, they guide us through the occasion, with photos by Jimena San Miguel…
Jeanne: Initially, I wanted a small wedding, but Folarin was like, ‘I want it to be like the best party we’ve ever attended!’ and our parents shared that sentiment. I warmed up to the concept of a larger wedding, but by Nigerian standards, ours was still notably small.
Folarin: I’ve attended numerous weddings with over 1,000 guests. My ideal number might have been around 500, whereas Jeanne wanted fewer than 50. We settled on approximately 200 attendees.
Jeanne: My gown was relatively simple for a Nigerian bride, but I am not someone who enjoys excessive embellishments. I aimed for something that represented me.
Folarin: Attire for the bride and groom is crafted from a unique fabric that is handwoven in rural Nigerian areas. No one warned us how heavy these fabrics are. We tied the knot outdoors in July, and I was wearing around 10 yards of material!
Folarin: Many events unfold at the wedding before the couple even arrives. Once the guests are seated, the groom’s family enters first, followed by the bride’s family, then the groom, and ultimately the bride.
Jeanne: I spent two hours with my bridesmaids after the ceremony had begun!
Folarin: You don’t enter the ceremony on foot; instead, you dance through the attendees to reach the stage. A Nigerian wedding is incredibly festive and noisy.
Jeanne: Historically, it’s also immensely transactional. There’s a bride price and all of that. We adhered to many Nigerian wedding traditions, but for us, it was more about uniting the families.
Folarin: A significant aspect of the ceremony is this very tangible display of respect. The groom lies down on the floor before both sets of parents as a gesture of gratitude. My mum was adorned in orange. My dad’s brother and my grandma are seated on either side of her.
Folarin: I was overcome with emotion while expressing gratitude to my family.
Folarin: On the left is my grandmother, and on the right is her sister. Nigerian weddings are exuberant. You’re free to wear all your ornate jewelry, vibrant colors, even a gold dress, and you’ll fit right in — everyone is doing it.
Jeanne: I’m not a confident dancer, but dancing into the ceremony was extremely enjoyable. The person who wrapped my hair taught me three fundamental dance moves, and they saw me through. Before heading out, I practiced in the mirror with my bridesmaids — and had a bit of tequila!
Folarin: Observing Jeanne really embrace that space, even though she’s not Nigerian and doesn’t usually appreciate dancing, was incredibly special.
Jeanne: Between the daytime and the evening occasions, we had a peaceful moment to ourselves. It was lovely to unwind and connect.
Jeanne: And eat! I hadn’t eaten all day.
Folarin: We located a Nigerian caterer, but he had difficulties delivering. A few of my mum’s friends stepped in to assist and make sure everything was completed. There was jollof rice, plantains, and customary stews.
Folarin: After dinner, the remaining highlights were to cut the cake and then dance, dance, dance. We shared the playlist with our guests.
Folarin: Throwing money during the wedding is symbolic of wealth and good fortune, and the money provides the couple with a start.
Jeanne: The following day, we held a traditional American ceremony with a white dress, a priest, and the Black American custom of jumping the broom. Both wedding days were tremendously enjoyable. But, honestly, my family is still discussing the Nigerian wedding day. They adored it.
Thank you for sharing your wedding with us, Jeanne and Folarin!
P.S. More weddings, like would you consider a short wedding dress and how would you make your nuptials reflect your true self?
(Photos by Jimena San Miguel of Volvoreta.)
Title: A Lively Wedding Bash Brimming with Endless Dancing A wedding is a noteworthy event, a celebration of love and togetherness that unites family and friends in joyous revelry. Among the various components that render a wedding unforgettable, dancing shines as a universal expression of happiness and festivity. A lively wedding brimming with endless dancing not only boosts the ambiance but also forges indelible memories for all present. **Creating the Perfect Dance Setting** The wedding atmosphere is key in shaping the tone for the celebration. A vivacious wedding typically starts with a thoughtfully selected venue that features a spacious dance area. Whether it’s a classy ballroom, a rustic barn, or a scenic outdoor location, the site must entice guests to let loose and revel in the music. Lighting plays a significant part in crafting an alluring dance setting. Soft, colorful lights, twinkling fairy lights, or even a glitzy disco ball can transform the area into a dance paradise. **The Essence of Music** Music pulsates as the heart of any wedding celebration, and choosing the right playlist or hiring a gifted DJ or live band is vital. A lively wedding includes a broad array of music that appeals to all ages and preferences, inviting everyone to hit the dance floor. From timeless love ballads and lively pop tunes to cultural traditional music and contemporary chart-toppers, the music should echo the couple’s personality and their guests’ diverse cultures. **Infusing Cultural Dances and Traditions** Adding cultural dances and traditions imparts a distinctive flair to the wedding festivities. Whether it’s the Hora at a Jewish wedding, the animated Bhangra at an Indian wedding, or the customary Greek dance, these cultural inclusions convey a sense of heritage and community. Guests often relish partaking in these dances, mastering new moves, and experiencing the wealth of various cultures. **The Highlight of the First Dance and Special Acts** The first dance marks a key moment of the wedding reception, exemplifying the couple’s initial steps together as a wedded pair. This moment is often rehearsed and choreographed, enabling the couple to highlight their unique style and union. Furthermore, special acts performed by family or friends, such as an unexpected flash mob or a heartfelt dance for the couple, contribute an added layer of thrill and sentiment to the event. **Encouraging Guest Involvement** To keep the dance floor active throughout the night, couples can blend in interactive elements that invite guest participation. Dance contests, group dances like the Electric Slide or the Cha-Cha Slide, and even dance challenges with small rewards can spur guests to join the excitement. Providing props like glow sticks, hats, or feather boas can introduce an element of fun and spontaneity. **Cherishing the Memories** A vibrant wedding teeming with dancing is a trove of photo and video chances. Engaging a skilled photographer and videographer ensures these energetic glimpses are preserved for eternity. Candid shots of guests laughing, dancing, and celebrating weave a visual story of the joy and love that permeates the event. **Conclusion** A spirited wedding celebration bursting with dancing is a testament to the joy and unity that weddings epitomize. It’s a moment for releasing inhibitions, uniting people in the universal celebration of dance as a token of love. By crafting an inviting ambiance, picking the right music, weaving in cultural touches, and promoting engagement, couples can guarantee their wedding is a vibrant and unforgettable experience for everyone.
