6 Black American Wedding Traditions to Include in Your Celebration

Most Black Americans, like myself, are unaware of our specific ethnic origins. While we know we are part of the African diaspora, we don’t know what tribe or region connects us to the continent. However, despite what we lost during our enslavement, we developed and have passed down new traditions that are relevant, beautiful, and worth celebrating, particularly at a wedding.

“There is a specialness about Black weddings,” says Ashleigh Coffie, host of the wedding podcast Hue I Do. “We all just want to celebrate the love and our family and our friends pretty much in the ways that fit and are special to us as a couple.”

For Black American couples looking to incorporate culturally significant traditions into their weddings, there are many ways to honor the legacies of those who came before them as they step into their own future. As Coffie explains, “There are moments where we’re eager to incorporate some of these traditions as it makes sense to us and as it makes sense to our guests that we’re going to have there.” With that being said, Coffie always encourages couples to only choose traditions that feel authentic to them, saying, “For example, I didn’t jump the [broom]. Though [my husband and I] knew and understood the symbolism behind it and the history behind it, we didn’t feel that that was necessary for us. I think it really just depends on the couple, the people themselves. Does this speak to [you]? Yes or no? And for some it does. And for some it doesn’t.”

As you start planning your own special day, take some time to first learn about the history, meaning, and significance of a few common Black American wedding traditions.