African-American Wedding Traditions

The Libation Ceremony

“To celebrate their African ancestry,” says Michelle Flores, founder of Floré Events, “we orchestrated a libation ceremony for one of our bridal couples. In this tradition, holy water or alcohol is poured out in each of the cardinal directions — north, south, east, and west — while prayers are recited and the names of those who recently passed away are called out.” Michelle and her team researched libation prayers, got the ornate vessels needed for the sacred ceremony, and then worked closely with the officiant to coordinate the ritual within the wedding ceremony.

“We always urge couples to involve friends and family members in the traditions of their culture,” says Claudia Charles, senior wedding specialist at Floré Events. “For example, in this ceremony, you can invite friends and family to explain the tradition and to call out the names of those who have passed, as well as to read prayers.” Others could be asked to carry and present the libation vessels, providing additional opportunities for those who could not be in the bridal party to still play a special role in the wedding.

One, Two, Three, Jump!

“Jumping the broom represents the symbolic sweeping away of all past problems,” says Michelle. “During the days of slavery, African-Americans were forbidden to marry and live together, so jumping over a broom, an item in every dwelling, was a way for them to publicly declare their union. We’ve helped many couples incorporate this  poignant tradition into their wedding day.” 

To honor the authenticity of this tradition, Floré Events worked with a designer to create a specially handcrafted broom for one recent wedding couple who jumped the broom into their lives as husband and wife. “We were also on hand during their wedding rehearsal to direct the placement of the broom for the ceremony and to ease the couple’s nervousness about the jump.

“The jump was a moving conclusion to the ceremony,” says Claudia, “and many of the guests and the couple themselves were left in a deeply reflective mood.”

Claudia encourages couples to bring personal elements into their own cultural traditions, whatever their culture might be. “For example, in an African-American wedding where they will jump the broom, I often suggest that, upon arriving at the ceremony, guests write their best wishes on colorful slips of paper.” Each slip is attached to a ring and then placed around the broom handle.

“Adding wishes from friends and family to the broom makes the jump even more symbolic. The slips of paper represent the love and support of those dearest to the couple.”