From classic rock to bumpin' new pop songs, here's a curated list of crowd-pleasers.
Updated Mar 06, 2025Everything You Need to Know About Nigerian Wedding Attire, According to Experts
Plus, where to buy Nigerian wedding attire online.
Illustration by Chi Nwosu for The Knot
Whether you're attending a Nigerian wedding as a guest or the guests of honor, you've probably spent a good deal of time wondering what to wear. Picking out an outfit can be tricky since Nigerian wedding attire varies between regions and tribes. According to wedding photographer Chi-Chi Ari, "most Nigerian weddings are high fashion affairs, and people show up like it's a red carpet." No pressure, right?
To help you prepare for your upcoming Nigerian wedding, we sat down with industry experts to get the ins and outs of Nigerian traditional wedding attire. Below, we're breaking down everything we learned. Keep scrolling to find out what to wear to a Nigerian wedding. Then, shop for Nigerian wedding outfits from one of the retailers listed below.
In this article: What Is Nigerian Wedding Attire? | Traditional Attire 101 | For Couples | For Guests | Outfit Inspiration | Where to Buy
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
What Is Nigerian Wedding Attire?
There are an estimated 371 tribes in Nigeria, each with different customs and traditions. This means that Nigerian traditional wedding attire looks a bit different for every couple depending on their background. Many tribes, however, take part in the Yoruba practice of wearing Aso-ebi, or "family clothes." According to Ari, Aso-ebi is a chosen fabric that's sent to relatives, close friends and members of the wedding party. "Everyone creates their own unique look from the same material, which adds to the beauty and unity of the day," she explains.
Guests who are not given Aso-ebi may be invited to take part in something called the "color of the day." According to Feyisola Ogunfemi, event planner and owner of Statuesque Events, the color of the day can help guests decide what to wear to a Nigerian wedding. "During an introduction or traditional marriage, where the families are not considered joined just yet, there generally is a different color decided for the family of the bride and the family of the groom. Those who opt for a Western celebration with a religious ceremony and reception might choose just one color of the day to show unity between the families," she explains.
Igbo Traditional Wedding Attire
"As an Igbo woman who had a traditional wedding, I can say that choosing attire was one of my favorite parts of the celebration," says Ari. Igbo traditional wedding clothes for brides usually includes two to three outfit changes throughout the day. "We often start in a blouse made from traditional fabric, called George, which is styled with Nigerian wedding jewelry like coral beads. Later in the day, the outfit may evolve into a more contemporary style designed with lace fabric and a regal gele (head wrap) that is perfectly sculpted—still rooted in culture but showing off the bride's personal style," she says.
In terms of men's Nigerian wedding attire, Ari reveals that the groom typically begins the day wearing an isi agu top, which is a richly patterned shirt featuring lion head motifs. "It's a symbol of strength, pride and nobility, and is often worn with a red cap (okpu agu) and accessorized with a walking stick or beads." Later in the day, he might change into a more formal kaftan or Igbo wedding attire in a color that complements the bride's outfit.
Yoruba Traditional Wedding Attire
"Yoruba traditional weddings are known for their richness and detail, and as a former Yoruba bride, I can attest to this," says Dami of By Dami Studios. "When sporting traditional Yoruba wedding attire, brides wear a buba (blouse), iro (wrapper), gele (head tie) and ipele (a sash draped across the shoulder), all cut from aso-oke, which is a traditionally woven fabric. Grooms wear agbada—a grand, flowing robe—with a fila (cap). Everything is color-coordinated and soaked in tradition and elegance," she explains.
Hausa Traditional Wedding Attire
According to Dami, Hausa couples are the most grounded in tradition, so their attire hasn't changed much over the years. Hausa traditional wedding attire usually features intricate embroidery and detail. "Brides typically wear beautifully tailored dresses with matching gele-style head wraps, and they sometimes incorporate henna designs on their hands and feet," she explains. Grooms go for traditional baban riga (a flowing robe) with a cap called hula," she says. Because Hausa wedding ceremonies focus on refined beauty, the couple and their guests will usually wear soft colors.
Traditional Nigerian Wedding Attire 101
If you've never attended a Nigerian wedding, deciding on an outfit might seem like a daunting task (especially if the dress code includes terms you're unfamiliar with). Here, we're breaking down everything you need to know about Naija traditional wedding attire including the names of Nigerian wedding accessories and garments, plus the fabrics they're made from.
Nigerian Wedding Clothes to Know
While shopping for Nigerian wedding attire, here's some key pieces of clothing you'll want to keep an eye out for:
- Aso-Ebi: A uniform dress or fabric worn by all members of a family at a Nigerian wedding or event
- Aso Oke: A hand-woven cloth worn over the top of traditional Nigerian wedding attire
- Buba: A loose-fitting blouse that serves as a base layer for traditional Nigerian wedding attire
- Iro: A fabric wrap worn over the top of a buba
- Gele: A headwrap worn by Nigerian women during weddings
- Agabada: A ceremonial robe worn by Nigerian men during Yoruba wedding ceremonies
- Fila: A soft, hand-woven hat worn by Nigerian men during Yoruba wedding ceremonies
- Baban Riga: A ceremonial robe worn by Nigerian men during Hausa wedding ceremonies
- Coral Beads: Traditional Nigerian jewelry worn by the bride and groom
- Akpu Agu: A traditional hat worn by Nigerian men during Igbo wedding ceremonies
Fabrics
"Nigeria has a wide range of rich, elegant fabrics—like lace, Aso Oke, George, damask, tulle, silk and sequins—and weddings are where they truly shine," Ari explains. "It's a full display of artistry, culture and personal flair." If you're shopping for Nigerian wedding attire online, keep an eye out for the fabrics listed above.
Accessories
"Nigerians love pomp and circumstance," Dami explains. If you're attending a traditional Nigerian wedding, you can expect to see statement jewelry, traditional Nigerian wedding beads, hand fans and headdresses. "Men might carry walking sticks and wear beaded necklaces and embroidered caps," she adds.
Modern vs. Traditional
According to Ogunfemi, not every couple sticks to their tribe's customary clothing. Some couples opt for more modern interpretations of Nigerian traditional wedding outfits, while others skip traditional garments altogether. Multicultural weddings, on the other hand, may fuse elements of Nigerian wedding attire with that of another culture. "While we all have our traditional roots, we also love to celebrate and embrace other cultures' fashions," says Ogunfemi. If you're attending a modern Nigerian wedding that doesn't require you to wear traditional attire, Ari's advice is to dress to the nines. "The more effort you put into your look, the more you'll fit right in."
Nigerian Wedding Attire for Couples
According to Dami, couples at traditional Nigerian weddings will usually make several outfit changes throughout the event. "For the traditional ceremony, they'll wear the cultural attire of their specific tribe or ethnic group, then for the white wedding, you'll see the bride in a gown and the groom in a tux, just like in Western weddings," she explains. "It's like a fashion show and a love story all at once."
Nigerian Wedding Guest Attire
"Nigerians love fashion and we don't hold back for weddings," says Ari. "You'll see people show up in both traditional wear and formal English wear, always styled to perfection." According to Ari, Nigerian wedding guest outfits continue to evolve. "Each year brings bolder choices, fresh silhouettes and new ways to interpret tradition," she explains.
Wedding guests who are not given a traditional Aso-ebi are encouraged to take part in the color of the day. While it isn't required by any means, it's a great way to honor the couple's heritage (and avoid sticking out among other guests). Consider wearing an evening gown or a tuxedo in a color that the couple requests. Remember, when it comes to Nigerian weddings, you can never be overdressed. So, in addition to not wearing white (which is reserved for the bride), you should also avoid wearing anything too casual.
Nigerian Wedding Outfit Inspiration
Where to Buy Nigerian Wedding Clothes
"Nigerian wedding attire is generally made to order and not sold ready to wear," Ogunfemi explains. That said, there are plenty of small businesses on Etsy that can help you dress for your upcoming event. Below are a few of the highest-rated options that ship directly to the United States.
Tolu Collections
Photo: Tolu Collections
This highly-rated Etsy shop specializes in Nigerian wedding attire for ladies and men. They carry a wide variety of attire and accessory options, all made and shipped directly from Nigeria.
Cute and Cozy Fashions
Photo: Cute and Cozy Fashions
Have questions about Nigerian wedding attire? This Etsy shop is known for providing quick responses to customers. They also let you bundle your Nigerian wedding attire for men and women together for a seamless shopping experience.
African Ensembles
Photo: African Ensembles
When it comes to Women's Nigerian wedding attire, African Ensembles has everything you need. This Etsy shop fuses elements of couture fashion into each of their eye-catching designs in order to create unforgettable wedding looks.
Fizzy Clothing Store
Photo: Fizzy Clothing Store
This Etsy shop specializes in Men's Nigerian wedding attire and accessories. Whether you're looking for Nigerian traditional wedding beads or a full ensemble, they've got you covered.
