Pic Source: weddingdigestnaija.com
The Fulani bride is a work of art. Everything about her is distinct; from her usually easy-to-recognise physical features - high cheekbones, flawless complexion - to the actual art that adorns her body.
The Fulani people are estimated to number forty-five million across a whopping thirty countries. They can be found mostly in West Africa, but are also spread across Central Africa and almost as far in North Africa as the desert.
Some of the Fulani have settled within communities they migrated to, while others are wholly nomadic. The nomadic types still largely practice core Fulani wedding practices and tradition. The bride wears a white cotton 2-piece attire with brightly-coloured accents; and lovely, colourful, beaded bangles, earrings, and headbands around her neatly-braided hair. She may even wear very large, gold jewellery and artsy headpieces.
For those who settled amongst the Hausa and Kanuri, there is now some culture overlap in the brides’ dressing, as the fulanis are quite warm, and welcoming of cultures where they settle. They and other Northern brides sometimes even choose to incorporate aspects of other far-off cultures, such as the Yoruba bridal attire.
In any case, one constant is the beautiful lalle or henna design that intricately decorates her arms and legs; an ode to her heritage.
Let us look at fifteen Fulani brides that served tons of style.
Beautiful in blue, we love her multi-layered jewellery, very traditional hairstyle and elaborate henna.
Pic Source: weddingdigestnaija.com
Look at that unique neckpiece; we have never seen anything like it. Isn’t her hair just #goals?
Pic Source: weddingdigestnaija.comUpdate: It has been brought to our attention that this is a traditional Kanuri, not Fulani, bride. We appreciate the clarification and will continue to celebrate all our various African cultures in all their splendor.
A vision in gold! While this is not traditional Fulani bridal wear, this bride’s style is stunning, and her lovely henna gives it the stamp of her roots.
Pic Source: Instagram /@atilarystudio
A sharp contrast from our modern bride above, this bride is a picture of the proud and breathtaking ancient history of the Fulani people.
Pic Source: thatcreativefeeling.com
What a work of art. Face beat to flawlessness; but the colourful, geometric patterns of her accessories steal the show. They are literally the crown on this Fulani Queen’s head.
Pic Source: Instagram / @mysignaturewedding
This bride is positively glowing. The peach and gold of her attire wonderfully complement her stunning skin.
Pic Source: Instagram / @naijamakeovers
Another stunning bride in gold. She adds some more Northern flavour with the veil over her gele, as well as distinct red henna in combination with the black.
Pic Source: Instagram / @stephannbeauty
We are here for this bride and everything she represents. She is unapologetically Fulani and slaying.
Pic Source: Instagram / @echoweddings
Pure white; fitting for a beauty so pure, she turns your head and your heart.
Pic Source: Instagram / @marshimagery
We want this picture framed in our living room- from her truly traditional attire to her deep soul-searching eyes. We love it.
Pic Source: igrooveradio.com
So precious. White, gold, henna, red lipstick. We are taking notes from this radiant bride.
Pic Source: Instagram / @georgeokor
Amazing. Need we say more?
Pic Source: Instagram / @mamzabeaty
This bride’s attire shows just how diverse the Fulani culture can be.
Pic Source: Instagram / @divine_
Our final Fulani bride leaves us speechless in all her glittery glory...
Pic Source: Instagram / @mamzabeaty