Nigerian Wedding (Video)

So I've been told that Nigerians generally hold two different types of weddings: a traditional Nigerian wedding (usually held in the villages) and a "white," i.e. Western-style, wedding. The wedding reception I went to would fall in the latter category. Though many couples hold both types of weddings (on different dates, of course), I hear that it's been a growing trend to opt for just one of the two types of weddings, out of financial concerns. Obviously, it would be quite a drain to have to hold two weddings.

Though I didn't have the chance to see a traditional wedding, the customs involved with Nigerian weddings were very interesting to learn about. First, the groom must travel to the bride's village to formally ask the bride's parents for her hand in marriage, usually bringing presents and food with him. If the bride's family accepts his proposal (which could take days to weeks), then an elaborate ceremony, involving lots of food, music, and dancing, is held in the village before the groom departs with his bride. There's even a sort of "game" that is played during the ceremony in which the bride must "find" her groom, who usually hides among the male wedding guests, by bringing a cup of wine to him. (Imagine what might happen if the bride brings the cup to the wrong person!)