Bride and Groom Attire
[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] In a typical Yoruba marriage, Aso-Oke is fabric of choice. It is the Yoruba ceremonial cloth. It is considered the pinnacle of all fabrics for Yoruba people on occasions like weddings, birthdays, celebrations of life of deceased parents, chieftaincy title ceremonies, and any other important commemorations.[/dropcap]
This Aso-Oke is hand woven with special thread that has been soaked in home-made dye. That was before this age of new technology. The three main colours of Aso-Oke fabrics are:
- Al’aari: rich maroon
- Etu: navy blue
- Sanyan: very light brown with strips of cream
Nowadays, there are different colours of thread used. You can decide to have it customized to suite your taste, either the colour or design.
The other fabric option to wear is embroidery lace or any beautifully-coloured fabric that is within your budget to make the four-piece outfit for the ceremony.
The groom wears:
- Agbada: a two layered material of heavy dimensions like the aso oke, it might be cotton, and damask or he might wear lace, wax fabric (Ankara). Its usually a large flowing gown that covers from the neck to ankle and from the left wrist to the right wrist. The nice colour combination complements and reflect the colour the brides family has chosen.
- Buba: this is a loose and roomy top that is shorter and smaller than the agbada and falls to the knees. It has long sleeves extending to the wrists.
- Sokoto: a roomy garment like a pair of pants with an elastic band or string to tie it at the waist.
- Fila: the wedding outfit is not complete without this hat.
The bride wears:
- Iro: a wrap-around garment to be worn at the waist which is a large material tied round her waist and is ankle length
- Buba: a wide, long-sleeved blouse
- Gele: a head tie or scarf
- Iborun or ipele: a shawl or shoulder sash
- Ileke (beads) or gold: necklace, earrings, and bracelets that take current trends into consideration. You can choose the color of beads to match your fabrics. You can even design your own pattern and have the bead-set made for you at a bead shop.
