Twist in wedding traditions

Change is inevitable. Change is constant. Benjamin Disraeli

Change is a constant in life and the earlier you embrace it, the better. Trends, fashion, traditions and cultures change too. Taking a walk down memory lane, you will definitely notice the change in weddings and events leading to it. Not forgetting the way the role of service providers has evolved over time and how they have delivered over the years. The current COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed a fair share to doing weddings differently, and only time will tell if couples will want to go back to holding big weddings or if this new trend of small weddings will continue after people start getting the vaccine.

However, looking 30 years back, gone are the days when weddings were simple; in Uganda, decoration of the wedding venue consisted mainly of green toilet paper while the wedding meal was simply a paper bag of goodies (popcorn, piece of meat and samosa) plus one soda. Over the years, it got a little evolved, guests are now treated to a buffet and lots of drinks; water, soda, “bushera”, beers, wines and spirits. The decoration is over the top and quite expensive. Today, weddings are more personalised to the couples taste. People are doing more destination weddings which was uncommon back in the day for the religious people who had to wed in a church or mosque and over the weekend.

Kudos to the service providers that have been able to up their game and add lots of spice to weddings.

Bridesmaids had to wear matching dresses but now, there is a mix in colour, different designs, at times different shoes and even jewellery. The bridesmaids are now given a chance to choose what works for each individual unlike in the past. Some, however, out of choice, still stick to the traditions gone by, and are still fashionable.

At my parents’ wedding, the church band also provided the music and entertainment (You might be wondering how I know this and Noo! I didn’t attend but I watched their wedding tape over and over, feels like I attended). Over the years, performing artists, musicians and traditional dancers have taken over the wedding arena.

Engagements and bridal showers have become more common and fancy especially with social media and the new trends. A party will be planned with friends and family to have a surprise engagement party and later a surprise bridal shower organised by a bride’s sisters and girlfriends to usher her into marriage, offering counsel and gifts that she will use in her new home. Before, one would get engaged during the traditional wedding or even have no engagement party at all.



Let us know in the comment section what other traditions you find different from the years past.