Typical events at Nigerian wedding parties that will interest you 💕

Saturdays in Nigeria are generally for party occasions, and they're popularly called "owanbe", meaning Nigerian party. Today's no exception for me, as I have to attend a friend's wedding today, Dere Mariam, whom I've known since 2015 during the course of my student union while in college.

There are some spectacular things common in Nigeria, and I'll be taking you through some of them. Enjoy the ride.

A. Starting late: This is a common malady where a scheduled event commences about one to two hours later than the stipulated time. Today, I got here some minutes past 12 for a wedding scheduled for 11 a.m., and of course, they had not started, just entertainment by the disc jockey (DJ). So, if it's not a church program, I usually give an allowance of one or two hours before arriving.

B. Sitting position: This cannot be underrated, as you need to strategize your sitting position to both be entertained and fed. Despite some strategic seating, you can miss being served food even at the center of the event. If you come late, there's a high tendency that you won't have a front seat, or any at all. Today, I had to drag a chair from somewhere to a table and fix myself, which of course gives me higher chances of being fed 😂. Thank God I got a seat, and I can see some people standing, and, I'm not going to stand up for any gender 🤣.

C. Entertainment: Your sitting position determines if you'll be seeing the grand entry of the parents of the couple and the couples. This is where you will see some people who will block your view when you just want to sit and observe. There's a chance you may not know the spouse of your friend, and this entry is a good time to see the face. Unfortunately, I got to sit at a distance, which is far from the front, but there are some cultural dancers doing some entertainment. It is not impossible to see some people dancing solo, in twos, or in threes. Most of the time, they're good dancers.

D. Games: Yeah, various games are played during weddings, usually anchored by the master of ceremonies. This game can be played between couples where questions are asked or in mild competition. The game can also be conducted for friends of the couple, where the groomsmen and bridal train usually engage in competitions to amuse the crowd. Last year, I had to run to the crowd to hunt for an ATM, an earring, a shoe, and even a woman's scarf (😂).

E. Food: Yes, my good people, this is a controversial part. Owanbe food tastes different, and it's usually gladdening to eat it. First, there's a chance to see the food pass you by, especially when the caterers or servers are being directed by some tough-looking fat or thin women who want to satisfy the clique they emanate from. You could actually eat with your eyes and not your mouth. This is common when the crowd at the reception is large. And yes, food doesn't get served early, but once it's served and I'm sure the couple or spouse I know has seen my face, I'm game to step out. Different dishes get served at Owanbes, which could range from rice (party jollof or fried), swallows such as wheat, and pounded yam. I prefer rice and its supporters, where I do not have to step out to wash my hands. It's usually good to go in a group and have someone fight for the food to be served. Another thing you can see at the reception is people eating more than a plate of food or even pouring some food into a nylon bag to take home (most likely for some people at home). It is usually painful when you have to travel a distance and not get to eat food. This is where I prefer an owanbe with not too many people, where food can go around.

F. Beautifully attired people: You can tell people who are adorned in majesty and beauty by the clothes they wear. Some fashion designers use this opportunity to take pictures of designs they love so they can reproduce them. For some singles, it is an opportunity to catch some up-and-coming guys and girls who are most likely friends with the couple.

G. Random pictures and taxes: It is not unusual to see some random photographers take your snapshots and get your picture ready before the end of the event. You could also see some people apply stickers to your clothes to help beautify what you're wearing. They're mostly unnecessary and expensive, but you can appreciate their efforts with some money (even though some will put costs up and want to bill you for what you did not bargain for). And you may not miss out on the uninvited traditional drummers who would follow you with drums, especially when you're in a clique of friends.

H. Couple activities: The couples engage in several activities such as games, dancing, and feeding each other, and we'll wishers tend to enjoy the show while some get to spray couples with money (especially minted money). There are those of us that come to the bureau de change of money so we can have something to spray. It's usually exciting to see the couple engage in some kissing action, which the audience usually gives applause to, especially for couples that do it passionately and for a longer time than necessary.

I. Keep your properties safe: It is not impossible to have your items stolen at a wedding. There are many people with ingenuity ready to whisk away your belongings. Phones can go missing, among other things.

J. Bad Disc Jockey (DJ): One of the worst things to experience is a bad DJ. The DJ can be bad if he has bad music combinations or does not seem to know the right songs for the right section of the event. It can be frustrating. I've told myself I'll take my time to screen all the songs prior to that day. I choose not to be caught unawares 😂. Today, the DJ played indian song 😂😀😂

I hope I have been able to capture a few of the things that happen at the regular Nigerian wedding owanbe party 🎉

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.

NB: ALL IMAGES ARE MINE