Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Family Welcome (Opening of Sara)

12:00 am - 5:00 pm

Traditional Attire

Sara Ritual Begins: The Sara symbolises the transition from maidenhood to womanhood, honour, and feminine power. The elders (mothers, grandmothers, aunties) welcome her with prayer and blessings. The bride is now “under Sara” no longer involved in public events until the wedding. Private Celebrations Begin: Singing, pampering, wisdom-sharing, beautification rituals, and celebration of the bride’s journey. Traditional meals will be served to throughout the day by women of the family.

Day 2 - Sara

12:00 am - 5:00 am

Traditional Attire

The bride remains under Sara, continuing to receive blessings, protection, and spiritual preparation. While she remains in a space of ritual care, family, friends, and guests are welcome to visit but tradition requires them to pay tribute before entering her room. The day is festive, full of food, music, and sacred ceremonies. The Sara Continues: The bride remains in her Sara Room, dressed in elegant traditional attire, surrounded by elder women and chosen sisters and friends. She receives blessings, gifts, and guidance "Paying Tribute" to Enter the Bride’s Room: All visitors including the groom must offer a token or payment before entering the bride’s space. This can be cash placed in a basket at the entrance, a symbolic item or a blessed offering. This honours the value of the bride, the sacredness of her space, and the tradition of shielding her. All-Day Celebration: Food, drinks and live drummers playing traditional rhythms throughout the day.

Day 3: Cabaz

12:00 am - 10:00 pm

Traditional Attire

Location: Bride’s grandparents’ home The groom’s family brings the “Cabaz” (a beautifully arranged gift basket with symbolic items) to the bride’s family. This is a moment of respect, unity, and symbolic agreement between families. Features of the Day - Arrival of the Groom’s Family: The groom’s family arrives with the Cabaz that will be traditionally carried by a respected family member (will be accompanied by cultural procession). Formal Presentation: The cabaz is presented to the bride’s father in front of both families. A designated speaker from the groom’s family (an elder) explains the offering and intentions. Reading of the Letter: A formal letter written by the groom is read aloud or handed directly to the bride’s father. The letter should express: His intentions to marry the bride His respect for the family His request for their blessing

Day 4: Bride Emerges

12:00 am - 5:00 pm

Traditional Attire

After days of being spiritually prepared and protected under Sara, the bride emerges to the public for the first time radiant, honoured, and ready to unite with her husband. The day is filled with ritual, joy, music, food, and most importantly the celebration of their sacred union. Features of the day - The bride comes forth: The bride emerges from her Sara room/home, accompanied by music, drumming, and ululation, escorted by her mother, aunties, or elder women. Public blessings: Elders from both families come forward to bless the bride and groom individually or as a couple, as well as the union of two souls and two families. This can include spoken prayers, sprinkling water, or giving symbolic gifts or cloths. The Cubanba Ritual: The bride and groom eat Cubanba together a traditional dish symbolizing unity, trust, and shared life.

Reception

4:30 pm - 11:45 pm

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate our special day with us! On November 30th, 2026, we will be honoring our union with a full traditional Nigerian Igbo wedding, graciously hosted by the groom’s family. This beautiful cultural celebration will be filled with vibrant traditions, joyful music, and meaningful ceremonies that reflect our heritage. We are so excited to share this unforgettable experience with our family and friends, and we look forward to celebrating together in love and unity.