By Osarennoma Ogbeide
I once read an article that dissected how much females spend on preparing for Owambes, starting from their hair, down to their shoes. I found it intriguing seeing how particular women were just for a one or two day event. Personally, I haven’t been to many weddings or other functions but I’ve only been on the bridal train for a couple of weddings. One thing I must say is time has changed because the way weddings were planned and done some years back is definitely different from the story now.
The main day is always colourful and filled with different Asoebi styles here and there, some of which serve as potential styles for other people. There is the conspicuous Geles and jaw dropping embroidery, let’s not forget the creativity employed into the sharp Agbadas of our young men. It is no longer just the women’s show; the men also storm the day with their styles. Did I mention the shoes? They are specifically bought and launched on this particular day. There’s even the good, the bad and the ugly! It is for this reason that many have taken it upon themselves to become fashion police, where they scrutinize every and any look at weddings. The funny thing is with the glitz and the glam and some may not even know the couple! If you know someone that knows another someone who was actually invited, then you’re good to go.
Behind the big day, there is a lot that goes on in planning for the event itself. One worthy of note is the wedding train. The groom’s men may not have it complicated in picking their styles and making arrangements but our dear beautiful bridesmaids have things planned out more differently. It takes weeks to find the perfect style after skimming through Pintrest, Instagram and magazines. Thereafter there are several fittings with the tailor and high hopes that they don’t have to tell a story of ‘what I wanted versus what I got’. Depending on the budget, there may need to be a saving plan developed months before the big day to be able to afford all the luxuries required to slay the day, shoes that would outshine Cinderella’s, lush hair, face beat ,nails to die for and accessories that shine brighter than the sun.
Over the years, the Owambe trend has changed. With the little that I know and have seen, I’m definitely open to experiencing more Owambe vibes as I can clearly hear them calling my name. In the meantime, I’ve begun my painstaking search for styles because there’s no time to waste time and I have to slay!
