You don't need to be told an African American wedding if you see any because it will be obvious.

If you have ever attended an African American wedding, you will understand what I'm talking about. You will notice some traditions and cultures such as tying the knot, jumping the broom, tasting the four elements, and of course the dresses worn to the occasion.

Which is very different from what you see at American weddings. This is a way of paying homage to the African custom.

If you are planning on having an African American wedding and you don't know how to go about it. You're in the right place.

We have put together a list of traditions you can imbibe at your wedding. You can also get inspiration from the list for your wedding, then twerk it your way.

All of these traditions may not be suitable for your wedding because these traditions are a blend of different African cultures.

Whichever tradition you choose to go with, ensure that you bring them to life. To name a few of these traditions;

Jumping the broom is one of the most popularly known African American wedding traditions. Over the years, most couples have adopted the practice because to them it is a way of connecting them to their roots.

The jumping of the broom in unison signifies the start of new things and also the great achievements that are ahead of them as a couple. It could also mean sweeping away the past life and stepping into the future as a couple.

This tradition is typical of an African culture most especially among people in Nigeria, Togo, and Benin.

Tasting the four elements during the wedding involves the couple tasting four flavors of drinks. This is symbolic of the distinct stages of marriage: honey for sweetness, cayenne for spiciness, lemon for sourness, and vinegar for bitterness.

The specific items used for the elements vary by culture but the purpose of it is to remind the couple that their marriage won't always be perfect.

By their attires, you shall know them. Another tradition of African American weddings is their attire. For each African culture, the attire worn is different which is symbolic.

While some wear beads and tie wrappers around their chest others wear traditional blouse and skirt made from native fabrics and tie a “gele” on their heads. The family of the celebrants is also not left out of the traditional attires.

However, for the white wedding, the mother of the bride dresses can be a sophisticated wear based on the theme of the wedding.

You cannot miss the traditional cuisines in a typical African American wedding. The moment you step into the wedding reception venue, it is the aroma of the dishes that welcomes you. The type of cuisine however depends on the ancestral home of the celebrants. Ensure you hire a good caterer to take charge of the traditional cuisines so that the food doesn't ruin the day for your wedding guests. Food is life!

Although this is not common to all African weddings, a few African cultures, like some West African countries incorporate money dance into their ceremonies.

Money dance songs will be played while the couple dance to the songs. Family and friends of the celebrants will take turns to spray money on them. This is however a common practice at wedding receptions.

The purpose of the money spray is different for every culture. In Nigeria, for example, it is to celebrate their fortune and bestow blessings on the couple.

If you're an African American couple looking forward to incorporating culturally important traditions into your weddings. To honor the legacies of those who came before you and pay homage to your heritage. You can get inspiration from the few traditions listed above as it applies to you.

If you're looking for mother-of-the-bride dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and bridal dresses for your wedding, Chicsew has you covered. I do hope that you find this article helpful for your African American wedding.

Let us know what stood out for you in the comment section. We're always rooting for you!