Menu Ideas-Nigerian AfAm Wedding

kojuno0511

Well, I'm at the point of planning meals for my wedding. My FI is Nigerian and I'm African American. However, I know that our guests will be about 3/5 Nigerian and 2/5 African American. So, I want to have a mix of Nigerian cuisines as well as some "soul food". In addition, I want to offer a few alcoholic beverages without making my mother and grandparents go insane. Any ideas on how to offer a few select alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks into the reception?

flawlessfay

  Hey, I am Nigerian (Yoruba) and my Fiancé is African American. Are his family members very particular about alcohol not been served? If you and the hubby will have a signature drink, maybe you should have a sign for the drink and state that it can be made with alcohol or no alcohol.  We are having the traditional Yoruba wedding on 6/10/2011 and then having the regular wedding on 6/11/2011 so it will be a 2 day event. Are you having yours combined?

kojuno0511

No I'm not having a combined wedding but would like to though (my FI says it'll be difficult since we're in the US...but that's a continuous argument). My fiance is having a few close relatives but a lot of friends so I don't think they'll mind the alcohol. I do like the idea of a signature drink though. That sounds like a good idea.

wheatney22

Welcome! Haven't seen you around. I'm also Nigerian. Also yoruba like flawlessfay.
I know Nigerians LOVE malt beverage (I forget the brand but its the one with the yellow tag on th ebottle). And you'd think they have shares in the company that makes Guinness. So perhaps those are 2 beverages you could have. The type of malt I am referring to is typically non-alcoholic. Heinekan is another one they like.

As for food, jollof rice is typically a constant. But I would say find someone who knows how to make it cause oftentimes, I have tasted it and it doesnt' taste too good. I see you're in Baltimore. Have you been to the Nigerian restaurant in Silver Spring or Adams Morgan (DC)? Perhaps you can get some ideas there.

I'm also having 2 ceremonies and we'll be doing all Nigerian foods at the traditional  nigerian wedding then all american/italian dishes at the other one since FI is part Italian.

PM me if you have questions. I might be able to give you some pointers.

sadou02

For the alcohol. My parents are set against it but about 50% of my guest would like the alcohol.  They have a fear of people over drinking.  FI was not having the dry wedding idea.  So the compromise I came up with was having an open bar for the first 2 hours and then it will be a cash bar afterwards. That way they dont have to worry about being responsible for those wanting to drink the entire night.

kojuno0511

Yeah that's another good idea or to have malt beverages. Thanks ladies.

KnaijaQueen

YAY!!! Naija girls unite!

I'm an American born Nigerian (Igbo) and we basically are thinking of doing the signature drink route. There is still debate about including Heinekan or Guiness, but we'll definitely have the malt beverage (Tri-malta).

Unfortunately, we're not going to have a 2 day event like most. Our traditional wedding will be in April, then the white wedding in October. Have to blame that one on my parents who are being unreasonable to say the least.

hatroopes

Hi Ladies,

Its nice to see some Naijas on here as well  

We got engaged in May 2010 and set our W-date for 10/22/11. I live in Atlanta, and I'm currently searching for a Nigerian caterer. We want the regular naija stuff - jollof/fried rice, dodo, pounded yam with efo riro/egusi, meatpie, puff puff etc. Our venue insists they have to be licensed and insured. I know a couple, but they are not licensed. Anyone have any ideas or know any caterers in the Atlanta area? 

kojuno0511 - in reply to your question - my dad doesnt drink,  but I want my guests to have fun (I personally hate non-alcoholic weddings), so I understand your dilemma. We will purchase some non-alcoholic drinks and serve alcohol for maybe 2-3 hours., or maybe only serve alcohol during cocktail hour (if you're having one) - this will help keep costs down as well. I also love the idea of having a signature drink!!!

KnaijaQueen

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_menu-ideas-nigerian-afam-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:6d549226-5e0c-42bb-8385-bc5cf7b5ce1bPost:e54a20dd-bedc-41e6-8daa-f4fb3d992506">Re: Menu Ideas-Nigerian AfAm Wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi Ladies, Its nice to see some Naijas on here as well :)  We got engaged in May 2010 and set our W-date for 10/22/11. I live in Atlanta, and I'm currently searching for a Nigerian caterer. We want the regular naija stuff - jollof/fried rice, dodo, pounded yam with efo riro/egusi, meatpie, puff puff etc. Our venue insists they have to be licensed and insured. I know a couple, but they are not licensed. <strong>Anyone have any ideas or know any caterers in the Atlanta area?</strong>  kojuno0511  - in reply to your question - my dad doesnt drink,  but I want my guests to have fun (I personally hate non-alcoholic weddings), so I understand your dilemma. We will purchase some non-alcoholic drinks and serve alcohol for maybe 2-3 hours., or maybe only serve alcohol during cocktail hour (if you're having one) - this will help keep costs down as well. I also love the idea of having a signature drink!!!
Posted by hatroopes[/QUOTE]

Some popular caterers in the area that I know are licensed are
Destiny Catering: <a href="http://www.africanrestaurantusa.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.africanrestaurantusa.com/</a>
Taste of Africa: (770) 808-8770 (they don't have a website that I know of)

And pretty much any African restaurant, depending on how much service you want. Hope this helps!!

hatroopes

I will follow-up wit your recommendations. Thanks!

charlesandjonelle

Hi. My fi is igbo And I am African American. We are looking for drummers and caterers in North Carolina. Any suggestions?