Wedding Inspiration from Africa
Are you looking for a way to create a unique and experiential wedding? The continent of Africa has long been a source of inspiration. The following African-themed tips are great ways to add some flare to your big day!
Beauty: From skincare to makeup and hair, beauty is one of the biggest components of an African wedding. The brides go through many beauty rituals in order to have that magic glow on their special day. These beauty treatments can include henna, various forms of waxing, and body scrubs.
Food: African culinary art consists of a wide variety of food options rooted in generations of heritage and culture. Typically the food reflects to the guests how much thought went into the wedding planning, ensuring that they enjoy the wedding celebration as much as the bride and groom.
Dress: Vibrant and unique attire is one of the most important aspects of an African wedding. African wedding dresses come in a variety of styles and colors. For each of the multiple phases of traditional ceremonies, there is a different dress required and most are custom-made. Typically vibrant colored Ankara fabric is used to make most wedding outfits including that of the bride, mothers, and the bridesmaids. Even the bride and groom sometimes wear matching outfits of the same fabric as to not confuse who the “happy couple” is.
Traditional Dance: There are a variety of African dances and rituals with as many rhythms and instruments as the cultures that make up this beautiful continent. Most of the traditional African dances are very joyous and done on happy occasions. Depending on the country, there are bridal dances, groom’s dances, and dances for the parents and bridal party. Traditional African dance is an exciting experience to witness.
Music: Music is a huge part of African weddings. It’s hard to do much dancing without the accompanying musical celebration. From the sanza and talking drum to the djeme and doumbek drums, these are just a few instruments that are key to African weddings. Along with instruments, singing is also a powerful tool that creates a melodious occasion.
For a truly unique and enjoyable wedding, incorporate one or two of the African elements above to ensure your wedding is memorable.
Aprelle Duany describes herself as a nerd who adores fashion.
After years of climbing the corporate ladder, Duany became detached from calculating billable hours and chasing corporate clients. She longed to reconnect with her creative gifts. Upon graduating as Summa Cum Laude at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Duany was excited about the opportunities that lay ahead of her, designing at top fashion houses. Little did she know her life would take a drastic turn.
That same year, she married her college sweetheart, Kueth Duany. Longing to help redevelop his home country, the two journeyed nearly 7,000 miles from NYC to the newest country on Earth, South Sudan. Landing in South Sudan was a shock! Transitioning from the 24/7 life of NYC to a place with no electricity, no plumbing, and no roads was unimaginable.
Although the challenge of a lifetime, Duany began to uncover the mystery of this new world. Her discovery was a result of appreciating the simplicities of life. Eventually, she realized the beauty which became the inspiration to create a luxury lifestyle brand, APRELLEDUANY, that would offer others exclusive access to the true African experience.
She currently resides in Nairobi, Kenya with her husband and two daughters. Duany loves to write about fashion, accessories, luxury brands, IT, travel, and the beauty of Africa.
Favorite quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau
