Marriage Etiquette

Boys and girls are educated together, and early relationships develop between them. Informal dating is acceptable in cities, but not in villages. More Westernized Sierra Leoneans choose their own marriage partners, though they are frequently influenced by their families. In villages, a marriage can be arranged at any age, but it does not take place until the girl reaches puberty.

Sierra Leone wedding traditions vary according to tribe. Regardless of their wedding traditions, a wedding begins when a man gathers enough bride price (often a combination of money and other gifts) to give to the prospective bride and her family. A bride price is negotiated by the prospective groom, and in some cases, other villagers contribute to it.

The traditional wedding of Sierra Leone is as unique as each tribe that makes up Sierra Leone. There is no specific dress style in Sierra Leone for an exclusive traditional wedding dress. Some couples may prefer the Ghanaian Kente style, the Nigerian Aso Oke style, or another African fabric that best suits their taste and balance. When a woman marries, she moves in with her husband's family. Polygamy is common among men.