Weddings days are for the celebration of love and togetherness but in Ghana, it’s also a celebration of culture. A marriage is incomplete without the traditional wedding (engagement). The traditional wedding ceremony is necessary as it’s often characterized most importantly by the payment of bride price. There is also the display of culture and turning heads Kente styles. These styles are often worn by the bride and groom, family and guests. In this blog post, we will be exploring the engagement Kente styles for traditional marriage. These styles were worn by brides which showcases vibrant colors, trending outfits will suit any bride’s taste.
The Symbolism of Kente.
Kente is a hand woven fabric associated with Ghanaians. It is made from Silk and Cotton and woven into strips and patterns. In the olden days, it was mainly worn by royals, kings and people of affluence and influence but in current times, it has become a fashionable choice for many due to its colorful and vibrant designs and brides and grooms aren’t exempted.
Every Kente designed pattern has a meaning and carries a message. It isn’t just another piece of cloth, its a symbol of heritage and a representation of values that’s why when choosing one for your wedding engagement ceremony, you need to make an excellent choice.
Apart from the patterns, each Kente color have significant symbolism. These are what the popular Kente colors symbolizes:
- Green : Fertility, Growth, Renewal, Fresh Beginning
- Blue : Love, Peace, Harmony
- Yellow : Royalty, Fertility, Prosperity
- White : Purity, Spirituality, Harmony
- Red : Passion, Energy, Spiritual Connection
- Gold : Royalty, Wealth, Glory
- Purple : Royalty, Sophistication, Wealth
- Pink : Love, Compassion, Playfulness
Choosing The Right Engagement Kente Styles.
Your engagement day is a day of celebration, joy and new beginnings, as a result choosing a Kente should come with a great style and a sense of personal flair. Before choosing a Kente fabric for your ceremony, these are a few factors to consider.
1. Understand The Kente Pattern and Design.
Every Kente pattern and design has a meaning. It tells a story. It conveys a message. Therefore, understand the pattern of the fabric and choose one that resounds with you and your partner’s love journey together.
2. Consider Your Personal Style
Are you a bold or minimalistic bride? Do you love reserved or subdued colors? There are fabric pattern s and Kente styles for everyone. There is always a style for everyone no matter your taste or budget.
3. Co-ordinate With Your Partner.
Whilst selecting your engagement Kente fabric, its is advisable to coordinate with the groom in order to decide the choice of Kente pattern, matching colors or complementary fabrics. A unified look between couple always adds a special touch to the ceremony.
Trending Engagement Kente Styles.
Two – Piece Kaba Engagement Kente Styles
The two piece features a Kaba-and-Slit like look. It is made up of a beautifully tailored blouse and skirt. In recent times, most of the blouse tops used for engagements are beaded and corseted. Take a scroll down these collections put together for you, which one is your favorite.
Royal Kente Engagement Dresses
This type of style brings out simplicity and sophistication. It features a full length dress and can either be a flowing, straight or an A-line. The necklines and shoulders come in different forms – can be cape, off-shoulders, long sleeves, short sleeves etc. Take your time and gently scroll through this collection.
Kente Drape / Dansinkra Regal Look
The Dansinkran look is the Ghanaian traditional way of wrapping the Kente cloth for a special occasion. The Dansinkran look is made of three parts. The first has to do with the hairstyling, the second part known as “Atete” has to do with covering the upper part of the body. It is often the white cloth or lace worn and the last part known as the “Ngusuo” is the Kente cloth visibly seen. The Dansinkra look is often accessorized with the “Ahenema” slippers and beads. Check out these collection of Dansinkra styles put together for you.
Ombre Kente Elegance
The Ombre Kente is the newest and trending Kente cloth making waves. Having found its way into the market in 2023, its the choice for many brides now. The Ombre Kente can either be a patterned Kente with Ombre plain to match or a monochrome plain Ombre. The Ombre Kente can be made into a dress or a two piece yet. Check out the Ombre inspired Kente outfits. You can view the different types of Ombre Kente for brides Here.
Engagement Kente Styles Without Beads
Beaded Kente dresses, blouses or corsets have been associated with Ghanaian engagement styles this past decade but not every bride is a fan of beads or can afford the cost of Kente dress beading. The collection below are Kente styles without beads.
View Full Details of the Most Expensive Wedding in the History of Ghana Here.
How To Incorporate Your Engagement Kente Style Into The Ceremony.
1. Accessories
One way to incorporate your chosen engagement Kente fabric is into your accessories like bridal fan or Ahenema slippers if you are choosing the Dasinkra look.
2. Groom’s Attire
As stated earlier on, a unified couple look just adds a special touch to the ceremony. The groom can either use the same Kente fabric or a complementary fabric to ensure unity.
3. Bridal Party Attire
Have you seen bridesmaids and groomsmen in Kente before? Its simply beautiful and royal. The bridal team can also incorporate the engagement Kente style fabric into their outfits.
Every Kente patterned fabric is beautiful, but choosing the right engagement engagement Kente style can be a daunting task. So, whether you are a bold or minimalistic bride, embrace a style that tells your story and let your chosen style become a meaningful part of your big day.
Credits : Jema Studios, Keak Studios, Cliqkofi Photography, Kingkwekuananse Photography, Pistis Ghana, Motion and Stills, Skelaw Photography, Mpanyisem Photography, K.K.Ultimate Creations.
Want more kenta style for fat Lady’s
Sure, we will be posting some before the end of this week. Do stay in touch for it.