5 Ways to Add an Afrocentric Accent to Your Wedding Plans

The season is here...wedding season, that is!

After nearly two years of delayed engagements and weddings (thanks, COVID!), 2022 is expected to be a blockbuster year for weddings. Bigger, badder and of course better - with so much to look forward to heading up to the big day, there are a gazillion decisions to make: food, clothing, decor and so much more. Every couple wants to put their own personal stamp on their big day - and for those with ties to the African diaspora, a wedding is a wonderful opportunity to add some cultural touches to your special day. Read on for a little inspiration on how to add a little Afrocentric accent when you are getting ready to say 'I do'!

5 WAYS TO ADD A TOUCH OF THE DIASPORA TO WEDDINGS THIS SEASON

1. WEDDING PARTY PROPOSAL BOXES

Photo by Ralph Raphael; Planning & Design by KA Mariage; From Real Wedding: Spring Hotel Wedding with Soft, Pastel Color Palette in Florida

Gone are the days of a simple phone call or even text message asking your BFF to stand up in your wedding. These days, bridal party proposal boxes are all the rage and some are nearly as elaborate as the proposal itself! A quick way to level up your bridal party proposal is with personalized boxes or tote bags.

You can even fill the totes with goodies that match the preferences of your attendants:

• Foodie faves - artisanal condiments and beverages from the diaspora
• Spa and body - help your bridal party relax before the main event with aromatherapy-infused products like these shower steamers, body butters and body oils

2. WEDDING FAVOURS
Of course you can't leave out your guests! They've come for a night to remember and should leave with a fitting souvenir of the event. The Wedding Favour is a no-fuss way to add a memorable end to the evening.

Personalized Candles - set the mood and create a beautiful ambience with candles that commemorate the special day. These can be part of your table centerpiece, or you can gift them as a unique wedding favour that your guests can take home Personalized beverages - add a personalized label to your favourite bottle of wine or to a bottle of Baccanalle's craft hibiscus beverage (non-alcoholic)

3. MENU

Bring on the food! If you have roots in the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, you know that the food you serve can make or break your wedding story! Serving up that special menu is one key way to personalize your wedding and connect with your guests-even more so with your cultural foods. Finding a caterer who is familiar with or comfortable cooking these foods can be quite an undertaking so we asked Chef Resa, our co-founder and owner at Baccanalle Lifestyle Foods in Ottawa for a few tips:

1. Ask the Chef about their experience with cooking or eating foods from your culture
2. Share some of your favourite dishes and flavours with them for inspiration
3. Make them aware of any allergies or special requirements
4. Taste! And use the opportunity wisely - don’t be afraid to give honest feedback. Your Chef is there to create something that you love!

4. TABLE DECOR
Uplift your table decor with some simple accents that have high impact.

• Head Table/Sweetheart Table - For the couple, swap out basic chairs with your own (or borrowed) dining chairs or even a loveseat. Add some accent cushions like these to give it that pop of colour
• Guest tables - Chair sashes and table runners in bold prints like kente and ankara wax fabric will liven up the tablescape by providing some contrast to the standard white cloth

5. CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Clothing and accessories are one place you can really hit a high note! Liven up your basic tuxedo or monochrome outfit with these pieces:

Hair - Make it colourful with an Ankara wax fabric headband, or go more ornamental with something like a cowrie shell headband from Accented Glory (pictured here) Suit accessories - set that tuxedo or suit off with an African printed bowtie, cummerbund or pocket square. Check out these bowties by Redsau for some great looks!

We've only touched on a few ways for adding that special cultural touch to your nuptials, and whether you're the happy couple or an invited guest, whatever you do to put your stamp on the day is sure to put a smile on the ancestors' faces.

Tell us some of your suggestions in the comments below!

Cheers!