Somali weddings

Let's start with the truth. Going to a Somali wedding is like going to a festival! For one, there are at least 200 guests at the average wedding. But it's not uncommon for 400 or 500 guest weddings. And Somalis don't care about the capacity of the wedding venue; everyone turns up. In other words, family, friends, neighbours, neighbour's family, someone you said 'Hi' to once about 20 years ago, everyone!

Somali weddings, whether traditional or modern, are often fun, crazy and eventful. Weddings are always in the evenings, so even if the invitation card says 7:00pm, expect the bride and groom to come between 10:00-11:00pm, and by that time, the guests are starving but only refreshments are served until they arrive. Many weddings are mixed (both men and women attend), but some weddings are separate so that the men have their venue and party, and the woman their own.

Somalis generally spend a lot of money on weddings, so depending on the man's financial situation (it's always the men who pay for all expenses to do with the wedding, the house etc), it can be from $5000 to $60,000. If you haven't been to a Somali wedding, it's worth experiencing once because you (and depending on your sense of adventure and laid back attitude) you will either be extremely bored or have a blast! Here are photos of traditional and modern Somali style weddings.

1. Very traditional

Guntiino iyo macawus (Another traditional attire)

2. Traditional

The bride, in the green, and her bridesmaids wear dirac, traditional and very popular Somali dress. Lots of gold is a must with this kind of traditional attire!

3. Western style

Wedding details

Henna or body art (temporary of course!)

Guests: Women usually wear a mixture of Somali and modern dresses. If the wedding is traditional, the men tend to dress like this:

Lots of dancing and entertainment!

Food

Food is either buffet style that is Somali or Indian food, and lots of dessert!

Finally... no wedding is complete without cuties :)

Image source:1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

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