It was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives, but the wedding didn’t happen.”
What went wrong? The couple had everything planned down to the finest detail—the venue, the flowers, the outfits—but one key element was overlooked: the family’s involvement.

In fact, there are countless stories of weddings postponed—or even canceled—because one family couldn’t come to an agreement on key issues.

The truth is, in our Ghanaian culture, planning a perfect wedding isn’t just about two people in love—it’s a union of two families. Without the family’s blessing and support, no matter how much the couple is in love, the wedding might never take place.

A decision by either side of the family can halt months of preparation if they feel excluded or disrespected in the process. 

This story is a stark reminder of how deeply intertwined families are in the planning process in Ghana and why couples must include them in every step, from the initial dowry negotiations to the final guest list.

This article from Weddors highlights the critical roles that families play in wedding planning and why their participation is essential in crafting a truly meaningful and successful celebration.

output:Understanding Family’s Cultural Role in Ghanaian Weddings

In our Ghanaian culture, the family is the cornerstone of society. Marriages are personal commitments between two people; however, that is not the case here in our family systems; they are collective agreements that unite entire families. 

Our traditional understanding is that when two individuals come together in marriage, they bring their families and communities with them, creating new bonds and strengthening old ones, and that is why it is important to acknowledge their involvement in marriages.

Family participation is more than a courtesy; it reflects the value system in our country, where unity, respect for elders, and the continuity of heritage are cherished. 

This involvement is seen as a way to reinforce social bonds between clans and celebrate the continuation of generations. Weddings are thus not just about celebrating love but ensuring the seamless connection of both families.

How are Families Involved in the Planning of a Perfect Marriage?

In planning a perfect wedding in Ghana, family members—especially elders—play the most significant role as advisors and mediators. 

From the onset, they are involved in every important decision, offering guidance on culturally significant practices and ensuring that the values of both families are honored.

Moreover, family approval guarantees the smooth running of the wedding. Without their involvement, important elements may be overlooked, leading to potential discord between the families, and that is what is mostly called in Akan as “Nkwasia Buo.” 

This is particularly significant in our local communities in Ghana, where weddings are not just about the couple but about forming a new relationship between two families.

In some instances, weddings have even been postponed or canceled because of a family’s disapproval. By involving families from the start, couples can avoid such setbacks and create a more cohesive planning experience.

Families contribute invaluable insights into traditional practices, and their approval ensures a joyful celebration that is embraced by both sides.

This is why it is very important as a nation to involve families in these major steps of a couple’s life, because without family involvement, even the most meticulously planned wedding can come to a halt, and understanding the importance of family in planning a wedding in Ghana is key to ensuring a joyful, harmonious, and successful celebration of love.

At Weddors, we understand the value of family in the Ghanaian wedding experience, which is why we hold families in high esteem as a wedding planning app. 

We believe that involving families in every decision, from dowry negotiations to selecting vendors, enhances the beauty and harmony of the celebration. 

With deep respect for our country’s traditions, we encourage couples to embrace their families’ involvement at every stage, ensuring that the entire process is a reflection of love, respect, and unity.

Major Situations that Mostly Involve Families in Planning a Wedding in Ghana

Dowry Negotiations

The dowry, also known as “bride price,” is one of the most critical stages of the marriage process. Family members, particularly elders, handle the dowry discussions, ensuring that each family’s traditions and customs are respected. 

This is typically not a formal ceremony but rather an intimate family gathering between both parties. During this meeting, the man (or male partner) formally informs the woman’s family of his intention to marry their daughter. 

In response, the woman’s family sets a future date for the man’s family to return and collect a list of items that must be presented before the engagement ceremony.

Family representatives play a vital role, ensuring that the customs and expectations of both sides are respected. 

This negotiation is more than a financial transaction; it is a cultural practice that symbolizes mutual respect between the families. 

Wedding Preparations

Another significant instance in which we get to see the involvement of families is the wedding preparation. 

After the marriage list has been given with the said date to present the list on the sheets, the family does not leave the young couple hanging; they guide the couple on selecting appropriate ceremonial practices, clothing, and venues that reflect their heritage. 

Elders are also responsible for ensuring that traditional rituals are properly observed, which adds cultural depth to the celebration.

Dispute Mediation

Should any disagreements arise between the couple or their families during wedding planning, elders of both families always step in to mediate and resolve the conflicts before they escalate. This highlights the role of families in planning a perfect wedding in Ghana, as their wisdom and experience ensure that decisions are made with respect for both parties’ values and traditions, preventing disputes from escalating and potentially halting the wedding preparations.

Their involvement in the resolution of disputes not only safeguards the wedding plans but also strengthens the bonds between the families, making their ties grow stronger and tighter.

The Engagement or Wedding

This is a moment steeped in tradition, where both families come together to accept the dowry from the man’s family. Some of the items that are mostly present—schnapps, jewelry, and even livestock—might be part of the bride price.

The role of families in planning a perfect wedding in Ghana is especially evident during this phase. As wedding plans unfold, both families actively collaborate on specific details. For example, the bride’s family may insist on holding the ceremony in a particular venue tied to family heritage or choose specific traditional attire, such as Kente cloth, representing their ethnic background.

In some regions, like among the Ga people, families are also involved in organizing large processions and leading songs that celebrate the couple’s new life together. This demonstrates how integral family participation is in ensuring the success and cultural authenticity of the event.

Conclusion

Planning a perfect wedding in Ghana is not just about the union of two individuals but the coming together of two families to celebrate love, culture, and unity. The role of families in planning a perfect wedding in Ghana cannot be overstated—it is deeply rooted in our traditions and values. Their involvement, from dowry negotiations to dispute mediation and the engagement ceremony, ensures that every aspect of the wedding honors the customs, heritage, and unity of both families.

By embracing the participation of family members, couples can enjoy a harmonious planning experience, avoiding unnecessary conflicts and ensuring a joyful celebration that will be remembered for generations. Families bring wisdom, cultural depth, and emotional support, making the journey to the altar a meaningful and memorable one.

At Weddors, we understand and cherish the role of families in planning a perfect wedding in Ghana. That’s why our all-inclusive wedding planning platform is designed to make every step of your journey seamless and stress-free. Start your wedding planning journey today with Weddors, and experience the joy of a celebration that unites love, family, and culture. Visit our website at www.weddors.com to begin crafting the perfect wedding that reflects the beauty of your traditions and the support of your loved ones.