What to Wear to a Nigerian Wedding (Guests' Guide)

Nigerian weddings are famous for their colour, energy and fashion. Guests dress up, and outfits are part of the celebration. Whether you're Nigerian and need ideas or you're a friend, colleague or partner attending your first one, here's what to wear.

First, which event are you attending?

Many Nigerian couples have more than one ceremony:

• Traditional wedding / engagement: the cultural ceremony (for example a Yoruba engagement, an Igbo "igba nkwu", or a Hausa "fatiha"). Guests wear traditional attire, and this is where aso-ebi shines.
• White wedding: the church or court ceremony, more like a Western wedding.
• Reception: often straight after the white wedding; dress is formal and colourful.

Check the invitation; it often states the dress code and the aso-ebi colours.

Wearing aso-ebi

If the couple's family has announced aso-ebi and you're close to them, buying it is the best choice. You'll match the family and friends' group in photos. You choose your own style; only the fabric is set.

What women wear

• Traditional ceremonies: lace or Ankara gowns, buba and iro (blouse and wrapper), or skirt-and-blouse sets, usually with a gele (head tie).
• White wedding: an elegant dress or a modern native gown; avoid all-white outfits.
• Accessories: statement earrings, beads, a clutch bag and comfortable heels. You'll be dancing.

What men wear

• Traditional ceremonies: agbada (flowing robe), senator suits, kaftans, or buba and sokoto with a cap (fila). Igbo guests may wear an isiagu top with a red cap; Hausa guests a babban riga. See Nigerian traditional wear for men.
• White wedding: a suit, or a smart native outfit.

Tips for non-Nigerian guests

• Ask your host whether they'd like you in aso-ebi; many love it when non-Nigerian friends join in.
• Get help with the gele or cap; they're harder to tie than they look.
• Bring cash for "spraying" if you'd like to join in; guests often shower the couple with money on the dance floor.
• Expect a long, fun day with plenty of food and dancing. Wear shoes you can stand in.

Where to get your outfit

Fabric and ready-made outfits are much cheaper in Lagos markets than in African fabric shops abroad. In Lagos, Tejuosho Market has lace, shoes, bags and jewellery under one roof. Abroad, you can buy from a Lagos trader and ship the fabric or a ready-sewn outfit; see buying aso-ebi from abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Can a non-Nigerian wear Nigerian traditional attire to a wedding?

Yes. Most Nigerian hosts are delighted when guests wear traditional attire or the aso-ebi. Ask the couple or a Nigerian friend for advice on style and colour.

What colours should I avoid at a Nigerian wedding?

Avoid wearing the exact aso-ebi colours unless you bought the aso-ebi, and avoid outfits that could upstage the bride, such as an all-white gown at the white wedding.

What do men wear to a Nigerian wedding?

Men often wear agbada, senator or kaftan outfits, or a buba and sokoto with a cap, to traditional ceremonies, and a suit or native wear to the white wedding and reception.