A review and cost of paying bride price and dowry in Edo State
In Edo land, particularly among the Bini (Benin) people, the cost of bride price and dowry can vary significantly depending on the family's customs, social standing, and the scale of the wedding. Traditionally, marriage in Edo culture is a highly important event, and the costs associated with it can be substantial.
In Edo land, the bride price is an essential part of the marriage process but is usually not exorbitant when compared to the other associated costs. The bride price typically ranges between N50,000 to N150,000 ($100 to $300), although this amount can vary depending on the family's financial status and the specific agreements made between the families.
Other Costs Involved in an Edo Traditional Wedding:
The dowry in Edo culture is often far more significant than the bride price itself. This includes a series of gifts and offerings that the groom presents to the bride’s family. These can include money, jewelry, clothes, food, and items of value for the bride and her family. The gifts can range from N200,000 to N2,000,000 ($400 to $4,000) depending on the family’s status and the region.
Bride’s Traditional Attire: A significant part of the wedding involves the bride’s attire, which may include multiple traditional dresses (especially the "Aso-ebi" for family and friends). The cost for these can be N50,000 to N300,000 ($100 to $600).
Groom’s Attire: The groom also has to dress in traditional outfits, which may cost N50,000 to N150,000 ($100 to $300).
Food and Drinks for Guests: Edo weddings are often large social events with many guests. The cost of food, drinks, and refreshments for the wedding can be substantial, often ranging between N300,000 to N3,000,000 ($600 to $6,000), depending on the number of guests and the luxury of the event.
Event Planning and Entertainment: The couple may hire an event planner, musicians, or even a traditional priest for rituals and blessings. These costs can vary widely, ranging from N200,000 to N1,000,000 ($400 to $2,000).
In addition to the bride price and dowry, Edo marriages involve various traditional and spiritual rites that the couple must perform. This may include blessings from elders, rituals to honor ancestors, and spiritual consultations. These rites often come with associated fees, which can range from N50,000 to N500,000 ($100 to $1,000).
Bride Price (Mahr): N50,000 to N150,000 ($100 to $300)
Dowry (Gifts and Rituals): N200,000 to N2,000,000 ($400 to $4,000)
Traditional Wedding Ceremony (food, outfits, entertainment): N500,000 to N3,000,000 ($1,000 to $6,000)
Other Expenses (cultural rites, event planning): N100,000 to N1,000,000 ($200 to $2,000)
The total cost of a traditional Edo wedding, including the bride price, dowry, wedding ceremony, and other associated costs, can range from around N800,000 to N6,000,000 ($1,500 to $12,000), depending on the scale of the wedding and the families involved.
These are rough estimates, and the actual cost can vary based on personal preferences, the number of guests, the family's social status, and the specific expectations for the wedding ceremony.
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