An all 'girl' affair

Bridal showers are gradually finding its way into the Ghanaian culture and it seems to be patronized by most ladies lately. It is the opposite of the bachelor’s party which is normally organised by the friends of the groom. This celebration, are the first step to the all ‘girl’ affair. This offers ladies the opportunity to spend more time with the bride in sharing their last moments of singlehood.

Some married young ladies who experienced a bridal showers shares their experience with Pulse Ghana.

“My girlfriends threw a bridal shower for me exactly three weeks to my wedding. Though I had no idea of their plans, I realized how much my friends and family loved me because it was a beautiful experience I will not forget.

“A room filled with just ladies, with good food, a few advice, lots of laughter, more gifts than I ever will be able to repay and only a little amount of affectionate embarrassment. I got to sit in the middle of the room with a group of women watching my every move and reaction.around me and to see how much joy marriage has brought to my friends and how excited they are to see the changes it will make in my life also.

“My favorite pieces of advice however came from my sister from another mother (best friend) who told me that I should always remember to be myself and never be afraid to voice my opinion on issue,”Gloria Marfo now Mrs. Gloria Marfo Bimpong recounted.

“My fiancé now my husband and my best friend play a prank on me a week to my wedding. He told me to prepare for an all-white party which I did. When we got to East Legon I saw almost all my Junior High School classmate even those who lives in Kumasi and the Northern region at the venue. Out of curiosity I asked them what they were doing in Accra and at that particular party since my husband told me it was a business party.

“They smiles and walked away. Later my husband took me to a dark room. At that point I became very confused and started to nag but he ignored me. I had no idea what was going on at the time until the lights were switched on and I saw the ladies with their melodious voices shouting surprise. I was so surprise that I literally urinated on myself. I rushed to the bathroom and by the time I returned I was told my husband had dashes out of the supposed party premises.

“I was left alone in the room with my girlfriends who were all dressed in blue jean shorts and white blouse holding g-strings, night wears, lip sticks and other funny things. They presented a “crazy” designed cake (cake with a buttocks of a woman wearing G-string). It was an amazingly fun especially have the presence of my friend who had had a baby a week ago. I felt loved, cared for and very excited. It was a great time with my girlfriends on that faithful day all thanks to my husband and my best friend,” Mrs. Atiku also narrated.

Bridal shower as the name depicts comes as a surprise to the bride a couple of weeks to their wedding day. It is often spontaneous, casual and an all-girl affair and best held in the evenings. Invitations may be issued informally, by telephone, e-mail or by word of mouth. They are mostly organised by close friends of the bride, often one or more of the bridesmaids, family members, and “girl” organisations. The number of guests and their relationship to the bride varies widely. The purpose of this occasion is for the bride to be ushered into a new stage of life and say goodbye to single life. The bride is expected to have fun with her female friends and be happy during the period.

One would be wondering the history behind bridal shower and its significance.

History has it that this ritual began in the 16 century with a poor young couple in Holland whose family and friends showered them with gifts to ease their marital burden. This practice have been adopted and modernized and is today practiced by people all over the world.

Since bridal showers are clearly a gift-giving occasion, everyone who attends the this celebration is expected to bring a small gift however persons who decline the invitation for any reason are not expected to send a gift or join in the party. Foods like rice, gizzard, sausage, and other light meals and treats such as cake and sweets can be served to the guest.

Can Ghana as a country considering the various cultures adopt to this new addition and for how long can stay.

Has bridal shower come to stay or is would be a nine day wonder?

There are ten regions in Ghana with each region practicing a different type of culture when it comes to marriage. Normally a man who finds a bride in another family is expected to visit the family of the said bride with a knocking fee or drink. This knocking fee is usually accepted by the family head or the father in the absence of the family head then the consent of the lady in question is sorted. If the answer is a positive, a date is set for the traditional wedding some days later. This procedure may vary by tribe but the most important thing is both families coming together to agree on a date for the traditional wedding.

Friends of the bride are expected to throw this celebration for her and also treat her with lots of gifts, advice and love but with the recent busy schedule due to work and other activities, can girlfriends get the luxury of planning and executing such an important celebration?

How exciting it would be for girl friends to treat their girlfriends with all the gifts and love they have before their weddings.

Bridal showers give family and friends the opportunity to offer their wishes of happiness for the future Mrs. In her marriage life.