Many Nigerian couples now hold two weddings: a traditional wedding with both families, and a white wedding with a church service and reception. Both are celebrations, but they are very different events, and the drinks should be different too.
At a traditional wedding, some drinks carry real meaning and may be named on the list from the bride’s family. At a white wedding, the drinks are about hospitality, the toast and keeping guests happy through a long reception. Getting this right saves money and avoids awkward moments with the elders.
Here is what to serve at each, and how to plan if you are hosting both.
Traditional vs White Wedding Drinks at a Glance
| Â | Traditional wedding | White wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Role of drinks | Part of the rites and customs, plus hospitality | Hospitality and celebration |
| Key drinks | Palm wine, schnapps, non-alcoholic wine, soft drinks and malt | Champagne or sparkling wine, wine, spirits, beer, mocktails |
| Who decides | Often the bride’s family, through the marriage list | The couple |
| The big drink moment | The bride presenting palm wine to the groom (in Igbo tradition) | The champagne toast |
| Guests | Family, elders, community | Friends, colleagues, church members |
Drinks for a Traditional Wedding
The most important rule: follow the list from the bride’s family. Customs vary between ethnic groups, towns and even families. What follows is a general guide, not a replacement for the list you are given.
1. Palm wine
Palm wine is at the heart of many traditional weddings. In the Igbo Igba Nkwu (wine carrying), the bride’s father pours her a cup of palm wine. She carries it through the crowd to find the groom, kneels and hands it to him. When he drinks, the crowd knows they are married. Palm wine also appears on many Yoruba engagement lists.
Buy it fresh from a trusted tapper close to the date, as palm wine ferments quickly and gets stronger and sourer by the day.
2. Schnapps
In many Nigerian and West African cultures, schnapps is used for prayers and libation, when elders call on blessings for the couple. It is a standard item at marriage rites among the Urhobo and many other groups. Popular choices include Elders Aromatic Schnapps (₦3,500), Eagle Schnapps (₦5,000) and Seaman’s Schnapps (₦5,000).
To understand why schnapps carries so much meaning, read our guide to the traditional uses of schnapps in celebrations.
3. Non-alcoholic wine
Non-alcoholic wine often appears on engagement lists, and it is useful for elders and guests who don’t drink. Toma Toma Classic (₦5,500) and Veleta (₦2,700 for 37.5cl) are good options.
4. Soft drinks, malt, juice and water
Cartons of soft drinks, malt drinks and juice are common items on traditional lists, for entertaining guests on the day. Traditional weddings are often held outdoors in the daytime, so plan for plenty of cold water too.
5. Beer and spirits for guests
Beyond the list, many families serve beer, stout and a few spirits such as whisky or brandy for guests. Keep this simple: a couple of well-known beers and one or two spirits are enough.
A note on alcohol-free ceremonies: many Muslim families, and some Christian families, keep their ceremonies completely alcohol-free. If you are not sure, ask before buying anything alcoholic.
Drinks for a White Wedding
The white wedding reception is where the couple has the most freedom. The aim is a well-stocked bar that keeps every guest happy from the toast to the last dance.
1. Champagne or sparkling wine for the toast
The toast is the big drinks moment of a white wedding. Champagne such as Moët & Chandon Brut (₦116,500) is the classic choice for the high table. For a large guest list, a quality sparkling wine like Martini Prosecco (₦15,500) gives everyone a glass at a fraction of the cost.
2. Wine with the meal
Sweet red wine is a reliable crowd-pleaser at Nigerian receptions. Asconi Agor Sweet Red (₦9,000) is one of our most popular choices. Add a white or rosé for variety.
3. Spirits for the evening
Whisky, cognac, tequila and vodka keep the party going after dinner. Pick two or three that your guests know, and buy mixers to go with them.
4. Beer
Beer is essential for most Nigerian receptions: easy to serve, affordable and popular with a large crowd.
5. Mocktails and non-alcoholic options
A colourful mocktail station or non-alcoholic wine makes sure guests who don’t drink feel just as included at the toast. Pour the non-alcoholic option at the same time as the champagne.
For a deeper look at the reception bar, see our guide to the best drinks for wedding receptions.
Hosting Both? How to Plan Your Drinks
- Get the traditional list first. Buy the listed drinks exactly as asked, because these are not the place to improvise.
- Make separate guest counts. The two events often have different guests, so plan quantities for each. Our guide on how many drinks you need for a Nigerian party helps you work out numbers.
- Buy spirits and wine together. Leftover sealed spirits and wine from the traditional wedding can go straight to the white wedding bar. Palm wine cannot, so buy that separately for the day.
- Order early and confirm delivery dates. Wedding season and December are the busiest times for drinks orders.
For bigger celebrations, a ready-made bundle saves a lot of planning. The Wendy Wedding Bundle (₦500,000) covers 50 bottles of wines and spirits, 70 cans of beer, 100 soft drinks and 100 bottles of water, with drinkware and free delivery in Lagos. See all our event bundles.
Wrapping Up
A traditional wedding and a white wedding call for different drinks. At the traditional wedding, follow the family’s list and respect the drinks that carry meaning, like palm wine and schnapps. At the white wedding, focus on a great toast, a balanced bar and good options for non-drinkers.
Get Your Wedding Drinks From Right Drinks
Right Drinks stocks original schnapps, wines, champagnes, spirits, beers and non-alcoholic drinks for both ceremonies, plus ready-made wedding bundles. Order online for same-day delivery in Lagos and shipping across Nigeria.
Explore our wedding and event bundles today.
FAQs
1. What drinks are needed for a Nigerian traditional wedding?
It depends on the family and culture, so always follow the list from the bride’s family. Common items include palm wine, schnapps, non-alcoholic wine, and cartons of soft drinks, malt and juice.
2. Why is schnapps used at traditional weddings?
In many Nigerian and West African cultures, schnapps is used by elders for prayers and libation, asking for blessings on the couple and their families.
3. What is the role of palm wine in an Igbo traditional wedding?
During the Igba Nkwu (wine carrying), the bride carries a cup of palm wine through the crowd to find the groom. When she kneels and he drinks from it, it shows everyone they are married.
4. What drinks should I serve at a white wedding reception?
Champagne or sparkling wine for the toast, wine with the meal, two or three spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic options such as mocktails or non-alcoholic wine.
5. Can I use the same drinks for both weddings?
Sealed spirits and wine can be shared between both events, which helps your budget. Palm wine should be bought fresh for the traditional wedding, and the listed items should be bought exactly as the family asks.
