How to wear coral beads to a Nigerian wedding (without overthinking it)

If you've been invited to a Nigerian wedding, somebody has probably already told you the aso ebi colour. What they usually don't tell you is what to do about beads. Here's the short version.

Coral beads belong to the traditional ceremony

Coral is the traditional statement piece, and it does the most work at the traditional ceremony rather than the white wedding. For brides, a full coral set – necklace, bracelet and earrings together – is the classic move. The deeper orange-red tones photograph beautifully against ivory, gold and green fabrics, which is most of what you'll be standing next to.

Guests: one strong piece beats three competing ones

A single coral necklace over a plain neckline says you understood the assignment. If your outfit already carries heavy embroidery, keep the beads to your wrist or ears instead. The fabric and the beads should not fight each other.

Men wear beads too

A single strand over an agbada or dashiki is traditional and increasingly common at Lagos and diaspora weddings alike. Keep it simple: one strand, chest length.

Two practical notes

First, real coral is heavy. If you'll wear the set through a six-hour ceremony, check the weight before the day rather than at the reception.

Second, sets in the $57 to $130 range cover almost every occasion. You do not need museum-grade coral to look right.

Where to start

We stock full bridal sets and single statement pieces at ARINZE, quality-checked with 30-day returns, shipped anywhere in the US from New York.