Planning a Ghanaian traditional marriage is a joyous event, deeply rooted in cultural significance and vibrant traditions. At the heart of this celebration is the dowry / engagement dowry wrapping for most if not all Ghanaian traditional marriages.

The engagement dowry consists of wrapped gifts presented by the groom’s family to the bride’s family, symbolizing appreciation, respect, and the union of the two families. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the 7 Must-Have Items in Your Engagement Dowry wrapping for a Ghanaian Traditional Marriage, ensuring you have everything you need to honor this cherished tradition.

1. The Bride Price (Tiri Nsa)

The Bride Price, or Tiri Nsa, is one of the most crucial items and most important in the engagement dowry wrapping for a Ghanaian Traditional Marriage. It’s a symbolic payment made by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. 

While the exact amount varies depending on the family and region, it’s often presented as money wrapped in beautiful cloth or placed in a special container. 

This is a must-have item as it signifies the groom’s commitment and the value he places on his bride. Without this, the couple is not married.

2. Drinks and Spirits

In many Ghanaian cultures, presenting drinks and spirits is an essential part of the engagement dowry. 

These beverages, often including bottles of schnapps, gin, or palm wine, are wrapped and presented as a gesture of goodwill. 

The drinks are used during the traditional marriage ceremony for blessings and celebrations, making them a must-have in your engagement dowry wrapping for a Ghanaian Traditional Marriage.

3. Jewelry

Jewelry is another key component of the Engagement Dowry wrapping for a Ghanaian Traditional Marriage. 

The groom and his family typically present the bride with gold or beaded jewelry, symbolizing wealth, beauty, and a prosperous future together. 

The jewelry is often wrapped in an elegant box and is a cherished gift that the bride can wear during the traditional marriage ceremony and beyond.

4. Traditional Cloth.

No Ghanaian traditional marriage is truly complete without the vibrant and symbolic presentation of traditional cloth. Imagine the beauty and significance of gifts like Kente, Wooden, Hollandaise cloth or Fugu, woven with detailing, patterns and rich colors. 

   

These cloths are more than just fabric; they are a celebration of Ghanaian heritage and a symbol of cultural pride.

Traditional cloth is also something the bride can use in her new home, whether for special occasions or everyday elegance. It’s a beautiful reminder of her heritage and the love and respect of her new family. 

Including traditional cloth in your engagement dowry wrapping for a Ghanaian Traditional Marriage is a heartfelt gesture that honors both families’ roots and keeps the beautiful tapestry of Ghanaian culture alive.

5. A Bible or Holy Book

For many Ghanaian families, faith plays an important role in marriage. Including a Bible or Holy Book in your engagement dowry wrapping for your Traditional Marriage is a way to bless the union with spiritual guidance.

This gift is often beautifully wrapped and presented during the engagement ceremony, symbolizing the couple’s commitment to building their life together on a foundation of faith, on God and on the principles in the Bible.

6. Headgear and Underwear

Headgear, such as Gele (a head wrap), “dasubor” and other beautiful headwear, is another must-have in your Engagement wrapping for your Traditional Marriage. 

These items are presented to the bride as a symbol of elegance and cultural identity. They are often wrapped in decorative packaging, adding to the beauty of the dowry presentation. The bride can wear these head wraps during the ceremony or on other special occasions.

But let’s not forget about underwear, an important part of the dowry. It is a must for most cultures and tribes in Ghana. 

High-quality, elegant underwear can be a practical and thoughtful gift that adds to the comfort and joy of the bride as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. 

It’s all about thoughtful touches that show you care about her well-being and style.

7. Cooking Utensils, Home Essentials, and Traveling Bags

When it comes to the engagement dowry wrapping for a Ghanaian Traditional Marriage, practical gifts like cooking utensils, home essentials, and traveling bags should be in there.

These thoughtful items aren’t just about functionality, they symbolize the groom’s sincere commitment to building a comfortable home and starting a new life together.

These items are more than just tools; they’re a promise of shared meals, laughter, and cooking adventures to come. Every time the bride uses that gleaming pot or pan, she’ll be reminded of the love and effort that went into preparing this special dowry.

And let’s not forget the traveling bags! Whether it’s for their honeymoon or future trips, these bags are perfect for setting off on new adventures. They’re practical and stylish, and they’ll come in handy for those exciting journeys they’ll embark on as a couple. 

For many Ghanaian homes, the idea is that the bride would keep her new clothes, or valuable fabrics, kente etc in there. Stored away safely.

So, when you’re preparing your Engagement Dowry for your Ghanaian bride make sure to include these practical yet meaningful gifts. 

They’ll not only delight the bride and her family but also set the stage for a happy and well-provided life together.

Conclusion

As you prepare for your Ghanaian traditional marriage, ensuring that you have the right items in your engagement dowry is essential. 

These 7 Must-Have Items in Your engagement dowry wrapping for your traditional marriage will help you honor tradition, show respect to the bride’s family, and set the stage for a joyful and blessed union. 

Remember, the engagement dowry is more than just a list of items—it’s a reflection of love, commitment, and the beautiful cultural heritage that unites two families.

For more tips, services, and wedding vendors to make your Ghanaian traditional marriage unforgettable, visit Weddors today. We’ve got everything you need to plan your perfect day!