Go BIG or Go HOME- How Zimbabweans tie the knot
ln my last post I explored the traditional marriage process in Zimbabwe, giving a detailed account of the Lobola process. However, the story doesn't end there, a mega celebration follows in the form a wedding. The truth of the matter is, Zimbabweans go all out for weddings in the quest to impress family members, friends, enemies (those who had vowed you will never succeed) but above all, to impress the one you will spend the rest of your life with. Wedding ceremonies serve several purposes and they are often a cherished moment in a couple's history. A wedding ceremony is often utilized as a public display of marriage vows and of the couple entering into a marital contract. For many couples, the focus of the wedding ceremony is on their commitment and love for each other. Long back in the Zimbabwean culture, weddings used to be publicized and everyone who knew the bride and groom could come and cherish this day with the couple. However recent trends show a move towards smaller, intimate and elegant weddings. "Strictly by invite" is a common term now being found on wedding invites strictly reminding the invitee that "thou shall not bring any plus ones" as they are termed. Is this fair? well, I don't think so, is this cost effective? definitely, cuts unnecessary costs of hosting and feeding some community members and their cats and dogs you never knew of. When one decides to have a wedding the motto is "Go big or Go home", everything should be perfect to the last detail. Now let us look at the most important aspects of a wedding, what creates a lasting memory for the bride and groom and those they decide to invite.
The Wedding Venue
Let me say it this way, whenever you receive a wedding invite in the Zimbabwean culture, the venue ultimately determines what dress and heels you will rock for the ceremony, the type of hairdo and the type of cologne you put on for the ceremony. The venue is the most important determinate of elegance, class, and sophistication. If you are going for a wedding that will be the talk of the town for the next 10 years, choose a beautiful venue and you are on your way to the top rated weddings list. The most beautiful wedding venues in Zimbabwe include Pabani Lodge, Wild Geese lodge, Zimbali Gardens, Bliss Gardens, Nesbitt Castle (Bulawayo), Stephen Margolis Resort, my favorite Dunhu Ramambo, the list is endless. However, the venue on it's on just does not do the job, it has to be accompanied by the high-class decor, the one that just leaves your guests in awe. Less is more when it comes to decor, to get it right, keep it simple but classic.
The Wedding Attire
In the Zimbabwean culture, the attire of the bride and groom and their entourage is very important. The attire is chosen according to the wedding theme and colors. Brides go all out with their dresses, the recent trend is having 3 wedding dresses, one for Church, another for the reception and one for the after party. Personally, my highlight of any wedding is the bride's dress and shoes, get these right and you would have impressed me. Wedding attires are very expensive in Zimbabwe so the bride and groom decide on a certain attire then their entourage purchase that specific design and color.
The Food
The type and amount of food served at any wedding in Zimbabwe is very important. The most popular foods served at weddings include stewed beef, rice, chicken, coleslaw, pap "sadza", and greek salads. It's not a wedding in Zimbabwe without one of these dishes, you can serve many more dishes but the traditional rice, chicken, and coleslaw should never be left out.The cake is also very important at any Zimbabwean wedding. Guests are given small pieces from the main cake but a more recent trend is to give guests cupcakes. Full cakes are only given to the brides and grooms family, with one cake being left for the couple's first child.
The wedding dance
The following videos show one of the best Zimbabwean wedding steps.
Image sources
http://www.bluebridesmaiddresses.com.au/tag/midnight-blue-wedding/
http://people.com/style/rich-kids-of-beverly-hills-star-morgan-stewarts-two-piece-wedding-dress-was-an-accident-find-out-all-of-the-details/
http://www.dhgate.com/store/product/2016-new-south-african-mermaid-bridesmaid/372336671.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/popular/african-bridesmaids-dresses.html
great job there , uum i missed the part of presenting gifts otherwise you touched on everything i suggest a like button bc this i like
ReplyDeleteyes sadly forgot the gifts part!thats a major highlight of a Zimbabwean wedding
Delete#GBGH
ReplyDeleteGreat job Rue!!😌 very detailed. Remember guests shower the bride and groom with money when they ask them to dance. I think you'd make a great wedding planner
ReplyDeleteIkr! and people will always pay for another kiss
DeleteThe Critical part is there (rice, chicken and coleslaw) lol! just thought of the typical characters at Zimbabwean weddings (the ever dancing on fire couple, either the bride or groom's chilled upclass parents, that one guest with the outstanding outfit, the outspoken tete what note)
ReplyDelete