WEEDDING BELLS: RMD'S SON KOME SET TO MARRY HIS YORUBA LOVE

The famous veteran Nollywood actor and Delta State commissioner for culture and tourism Richard Mofe Damijo AKA RMD, has cordially informed and booked his close pals via an sms of the up-coming wedding ceremony of his first son Kome. Below is his message;
“Pls save 12th & 14th Dec in ur diary for the union of our son Kome & his love Eniola, pls keep them in your prayer and more updates to come later. Warm Regards…JMD & RMD.”

Kome is a  a graduate of the London School of Business & Finance; Eniola Abiodun currently lives in Winnepeg, Mannitoba. It seems he like wearing eye specs...pretty girl he's got too.


Congratulations to them in advance!

Just like the Big Bros had said, remember them in your prayers. I'll begin the prayer, say Amen.

I pray that all plans and preparation will turn out successful and that this union will bring great joy to both families. In Jesus name. Amen

IGBO TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE LIST (IGBA NWKU)

 

Just like every other traditional marriage in Nigeria, The Igbo traditional paying of dowry is very important and the process/lists differs from state to state or clan to clan. During the introduction stage, after both families have come to an agreement and the date for the traditional marriage is fixed, the intending groom is official handed a list of items to present on the agreed date of the marriage. It is an obligatory part of completing the Igba Nkwu (traditional marriage) as the items on the list are said to be symbolic, covering different part of the marriage. Like I always say the list can be modified depending on the family of the bride, i.e. the bride to be can negotiate on behalf of the groom's family so that the list is trimmed. 

Typical Igbo Traditional List for the Groom also applicable of Mbaise of Imo state.

Section A: UMUADA (All Kindred Daughters) 

- Wrappers and Blouses (Nigerian Wax/Hollandis or George)

- Jewelry (Gold plated earrings, necklaces)

- Head ties and Shoes (a pair each, different colours.)

- Hand bags and wrist watches (Different types and colours)

- Toiletries (Body creams, bathing soaps, detergents, etc.)

- Beverages and food items

- Cash gift (not specific) 

- Ogwe ego Drinks (Malt & Minerals)

Section B: NMANYA UKWU (Big Wine) UMUNNA (Kinsmen)

The items in this category will be shared amongst the heads of the extended family of the bride to be. 

- Bottles of Seamans Schnapps (millennium brand)

- Kola nuts

- Gallons of Palm wine

- Cartons of Beer, 

- Malt and Mineral drinks

- Heads of Tobacco with potash

- Rolls of cigarettes

- 1 goat

- Cash gift (not specific) Ego Umuna

NB: Items in Section A&B are usually in 3 pieces or in cartons, can not be negotiated by the grooms family except the bride's family is lenient enough to cut down the items, or the numbers of items to be presented in these sections.

Other cash gifts that may be demanded during the course of the ceremony Ego nfotu iteö 

(cash to bring down symbolic cooking pot)  - 1,000  

- Ncha kishi udu  (Toasting of wine) = 1,000  

- Ego Ogo cherem  (money for the in laws) =  50,000  

- Ego maternity  (money for future maternity) =  1,000  

- Ego Onye Eze  (money for village chief) = 1,500  

- Ogwe Ego  (lump sum) = 5,000

 Section C: NMEPE UZO (General list/Opening of Gate) 

- 30 tubers of Yam

- 2 bags of Rice

- 2 bags of Salt

- 2 cartons of Star Beer

- 2 cartons of Guinness Stout

- 2 cartons of Maltina

- 6 crates of Minerals

- 3 bottles of Seamans Schnapps (millennium brand)

- 30 bulbs of onions

- 1 gallon of red Palm oil (10 -25 litres)

- 1 gallon of Groundnut oil (25 litres)

- A basin of Okporoko (Stockfish)

- 2 pieces of Goat leg (Ukwu Anu ewu)

- 25 loaves of Bread

- 1 carton of Tin Tomatoes

- 1 carton of Tin Milk

-1 carton of Tablet soap

- 20 Pieces of canned facial powder

-1 gallon of Kerosene

- 20 heads of Tobacco

- 10 packets of cigarettes

- 5 pieces of George/Hollandis/Nigerian Wax

- 3 pieces of Umbrella

- 1 Big Box (Apati)

- 2 Big Basins

- 2 pieces of Igbo Blouse

- 2 pieces of Headties

- Gold necklaces and Wrist watches (minimum of 2 pieces)

- 1 piece of Lantern/LampôIkpo

- Onu Aku Nwayi (Bride price) Nonnegotiable, though some families makes it very minimal and almost insignificant. (reason being that they are not selling their daughter).

Hmmmmm! God bless our brothers o. Things we do for love. Are you still interested in her?

MAKE THE BRIDAL SHOWER FUN-FULL

 
         bridal shower pics of former Miss Ada Osuala now Mrs Ada Osuala Siekpe

What makes it interesting for all?

Location: It could be in a fine restaurant, bar, club, at the beach, flower or vine garden etc. It should be taken outside of the home, not the regulars.  For creativity it could be held around an activity like a spa weekend or movie weekend. If time and chance permits it can even be a weekend away trip with the ladies at a beach house or country side.

Activity: Bridal shower is still a girl gab-fest but it’s even more fun with some extra activity. For some people the extra activity is calling a male stripper but aside that you can learn something new, like getting a pro to tutor the ladies on a topic of common interest, a chef to teach them a quick meal, small chops, shawarma or any other appetizers. And of course an old aunt or friend who is experienced and successful in marriage to advice the ladies.

Games: There are so many games you can play together, you can also create your own games, brain twisting scrambles, putting someone in the spot, card games etc but it must be interesting and everyone must be carried along.

Don’t forget the Gifts: It must not be a really expensive item but do show your love with a gift to the bride to-be. And also add to your contacts, meet someone new, share contacts, and make friends.

Jumping over the Broom: At the end of the party the bride to-be jumps over a broom, which symbolizes stepping out of spinsterhood to marriage life.

COUPLES BRIDAL SHOWER
Some couples like to do everything together including the shower. It’s more like an engagement party, or a barbecue party to a cocktail or a get together of friends and relatives  males) at your favourite spot. The party still revolves around bridal shower gifts (cash, home stuff, guys’ friendly gadgets etc) but they are presented to bride and the groom. Games involving everyone is also played, the bride and the groom are also put on the spot (like how well do you know your spouse game) etc. generally everyone   has a good time.

Which do you prefer a separate shower or joined? For me i chose separate, because there will be lots of party to celebrate together in the future.

SURPRISE THE BRIDE TO-BE (In: BRIDAL SHOWER PHOTOS OF NKECHI ONWODI)

Bridal shower it’s simply a party organized in honour of the bride-to-be by her female friends and her loved ones. Traditionally it’s a gift giving party held to celebrate the bride-to-be’s spinsterhood as she transcends to become a wife.  The bride is usually distinguished from the other ladies with a coronet and a sash.

The custom originated in the 1890s, most common in the United States, Canada and by North American influence in Australia. However overtime it has spread to other countries even in Africa. It was originally arranged to present gifts to the bride with the notion that they commonly took care of the household deeds but however in modern times the bridal shower has been commonly dedicated towards giving of lingerie as well as small utility household gifts.

Now what makes it interesting for the bride?

1. It should come in a way of surprise; she must have no knowledge of the plans until she gets to the venue to see the surprise party.
2. Invite people really dear to her, like her old school female closest friends from another city, her female siblings from another city.
3. Ensure her favourite songs are played, if possible get her favourite artiste to come and perform the song.
4. The Questions and Answers section must put her on the spot and there can be some penalty for failure
5. And of course present those gift items to her

 Below is a bridal shower party pictures of one of Royalty's bride; Miss Nkechi Onwodi, who is getting married on Saturday 24th of August to Eseosa Osaikhuiwu at Christ Embassy, Kudirat Abiola way, Oregun Lagos.

  
Congratulations to her!

(Need a wedding planner in Nigeria write to royaltyweddingjamboree@gmail.comor call  0814 047 7444 –mtn , 0808 692 0788 -airtel, 0818 623 5305-etisalat)

MY YORUBA BRIDE 2 (NOW THE MONEY MATTER)

From our previous edition we looked out the items on the list as part of the dowry in marraying a yoruba girl, that the groom will present at the traditional marriage of a Yoruba bride. In the course of the negotiation and agreement between both families, some money will have to represent and make things move faster, which is in accordance to the Yoruba traditional marriage, lets take a peep:

• Dowry – N20,000
• Owo isigba (money to commence proper) – N1000
• Owo omo ile okunrin (money for the male younger siblings) –N2000
• Owo omo ile obinrin (money for the female younger siblings) – N2000
• Owo iyawo ile (money for the family wives) – N1000
• Owo baba gbo (money for older men in the family) – N2000
• Owo Iya gbo (money for the older women in the family) – N2000
• Owo Ijoko Agba (money for seated head of family) – N1000
• Owo Ikanlekun (money to open the door for the in law) – N1000
• Owo Plane (money for transporting the wife) – N1000
• Owo Isiju Iyawo (money to unveil the bride) – N1000
• Reading of letter – N1000

Hey! Did I catch you punching you calculator… *smiles* Nah! dis is very cool wait till you see that of the easterners and kalabaris (coming soon). I guess you now have an idea of what it will cost to make that girl your iya'wo.

Written by Royal David

(Need a wedding planner or wedding vendors in Nigeria, contact: royaltyokasions@gmail.com 

MY YORUBA BRIDE 1

written by Royal David

In Africa precisely, a traditional marriage is one that is highly respected by the families of the couples and as such cannot be done without. It’s also known in some places as the Native Law and custom.

We have different cultures and ethnic groups in Nigeria but today we’ll be looking at the Western part. I wouldn’t want to bore you with all the details of the Yoruba traditional wedding but will simply give you an idea of the things you’ll need to come with to ask for the hand of your Yoruba bride.

Below is a sample of an engagement list (it’s open to change depending on the family of the bride)

• 2 decanter bottles
• 2 bottles of honey
• 4 cartons of assorted juice
• 4 cartons of canned drinks
• 2 cartons or packs of bottled water
• 1 bag of salt
• 1 bag of rice
• 1 keg of groundnut oil/palm oil
• 1 roll of sugar in packs
• Salt in bowl
• Aadun in bowl
• 42 tubers of yam
• 42 ataare
• 42 eja osan
• 42 obi ajoopa
• 42 orogbo
• 1 she goat
• Baskets of mixed fruits
• A Box
• 2 set of shoes and bags
• 2 set of lace and gele
• Set of jewelries
• 2 set of Ankara
• Holy bible (for Christians)
• Holy quran, prayer mat, white hijab, muslim rosary, and praying kettle (Muslims)

Hmmmmm! what a list, did you see that of Davido's elder sister in previous post, na wa o!

Next time we’ll be looking at the Dowry and monetary aspect.

(Need a wedding planner or wedding vendors in Nigeria, contact: royaltyokasion@gmail.com

PHOTOS OF DAVIDO'S SIS. TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

Photos of talented Nigeria music star Davido at elder sister's traditional marriage; Sharon Adeleke to her sugarplum Yomi Ademefun which held on Thursday the 15th August, at the Ark, in Oniru Lagos. The likes of Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savag, Tee Billz, Bizzle, Emma Nyra, Eniola Badmus etc were in attendance. White wedding comes up 1st September in Miami.*Nice*

                                                                                 The Adeleke Family, bride in middle
.

                                                                                                Toolz & Tiwa

                                                                              The couples



It was indeed a colourful and flamboyant wedding. Wish them a happy union.

ONE THING NEEDFUL

Written by Royal David

 Good morning! Alas! today is your wedding. Its going to be a long day but very meaningful to you and your spouse, something you both have been looking forward to all along.  Now, you are going to have to make up your mind to be happy and to enjoy every beat of the day. Do not let anything get you upset, trust me there will be stuff to want to upset you…like; your special cuff-links getting damaged in the process of dressing up, or one of the ladies on your train is running late, or the media team failing to record or take a photo of your dressing section, for one reason or the other. 

Promise yourself to get rid of any form of anger and remain happy.

Now this one thing is needful before you head for church or the venue. Okay take a guess? No, No Nah! you’re close, yes that’s it. (oh i see you got it from the opening pics, smart one). It very important, and that’s why am writing to you about this one needful thing you must do. Ensure you have a light breakfast before you go for the ceremony proper and lots of fluid. That light breakfast will be your standby through out the day because you may not have the time to eat or may be overwhelmed with joy and excitement to eat. So remember One thing needful on the morning of your wedding.*winks*

(For inquiries on wedding tips, good wedding vendors in Nigeria or you need an excellent wedding planner that can give you the best with your budget, contact us on royaltyokasions@gmail.com