Whether you're planning a kente-filled traditional ceremony, a church or garden white wedding, or both, here's a realistic and culturally relevant timeline to guide your planning from start to finish:
Confirm the wedding date with both families. Choose a date that works for key elders and avoid major festivals or funeral clashes.
Decide on wedding type(s) – Will you have both traditional and white weddings? Which comes first?
Choose your location(s) – Home compound, church, beach, garden, or event centre? Book early, especially for weekends.
Start conversations with a wedding planner (if needed) – They can help with vendor sourcing, budgeting, and coordination, especially if you’re planning a large or blended event.
Start setting your budget – Include everything: attire, food, venue, photography, gifts, décor, etc.
Choose attire for both ceremonies – Think kente or lace for the traditional wedding, and gowns/suits for the white wedding. Don’t forget shoes, accessories, and gele/headpieces!
Confirm tailors or designers early – Ghanaian tailors can get booked quickly, especially in busy seasons.
Hire your DJ or live band – Music is a must! Decide if you'll need traditional drummers, highlife band, or a DJ for the reception.
Book your photographer and/or videographer – Choose someone who understands your culture and can cover both traditional rites and white wedding moments.
Start planning your guest list – Ghanaian weddings can grow fast. Decide if you're going intimate or large-scale.
Design and print invitations – Include directions, dress code (if any), and clearly state which event (traditional or white) the invite is for.
Arrange logistics – This includes:
Chairs, tables, and tents (especially for outdoor or home weddings)
Sound system and microphones
Canopies or fans if your wedding is during a hot season
Portable toilets (if venue requires it)
Meet with caterers – Confirm your menu for both ceremonies (e.g. jollof, waakye, fufu, local drinks, cake, etc.)
Buy wedding decorations – Order flowers, centrepieces, backdrops, aisle décor, etc. Confirm with your decorator if using one.
Purchase and wrap gifts – For the bridal party, your parents, and helpers (like planners or MCs).
Get your wedding favors ready – Souvenirs like hand fans, mugs, keyholders, or custom items with your names/date.
Confirm attendance of all vendors – Finalize with your photographer, caterer, DJ, MC, etc.
Rehearse with your bridal party – Practice entrances, walking down the aisle, and any cultural or family traditions.
