Wearing black to wedding is sign of disapproval

Elizabeth Badejo

In view of modern exposure and influences of the western fashion evolution as dictated by our foreign trendsetters and wedding blogs, black has continued to emerge as a choice colour for brides in the western world and their wedding guests are not left out of the current fashion evolution too. On the other hand, in the bid to identify with them, many wedding guests at home have adopted the colour ‘BLACK’, currently trending amongst young and matured wedding guests in Nigeria.

I was a guest at a wedding reception last Saturday in Lagos and was astounded to see a group of about eight middle aged ladies all dressed in black traditional attires abruptly walking into the grand wedding venue while the couple were performing their first dance, your guess is as good as mine. They made their way quickly to their seating area and I couldn’t help but wonder how they made it through the gazing eyes of astonished wedding guests.

Family sentiments

The importance of the Nigerian wedding principles and respect for the marrying couple and their respective families are sometimes completely disregarded by wedding guests who have replaced our values by western deficiencies in the name of fashion. Wearing black to a wedding is a sign of disapproval. Weddings are a family occasion involving children and elderly members of the families, as much as wedding guests are entitled to dress well, you are also expected to dress appropriately without attracting undue attention from other guests especially children and the conservative elders who often feel strongly about their family values and traditions.

Black is sorrowful

Why would anyone want to represent sorrow on another person’s special day? Turning up at your friend’s wedding in black can definitely send a negative signal to the couple. There is a difference between turning up at your best friend’s wedding in funeral clothing and wearing a beautiful aso ebi fabric or other attires. Every family has its beliefs just as much as an added value to the cultural beliefs of their different ethnic groups. For example, the Chinese culture also frowns at guests who wear black to weddings.                                                                                                                                        A touch instead

On a more pleasant note, female wedding guests who absolutely love black must aim to complement their outfits with other vibrant colours. If you must wear a black dress, pick one with some personality such as different colour details in embroidery, trimmings or mesh overlays as long as it’s appropriate for the occasion.

Black is also popular with men in suit. Do not pair your black suit with a black shirt and black tie and black shoes. Try to add a little splash of colour to your outfit and make it come alive for the wedding, avoid looking too formal. Colorful socks and pocket handkerchief can also liven up your total look.