Every year, we have the privilege of bringing to you, the most beautiful couples in their traditional attires, proudly owning their ethnicities and showing it off on their wedding days. The traditional wedding, is one of the greatest avenues to show case one’s culture and roots. Every week and day that holds these events, gets to experience its display of beauty in the most alluring and spectacular way. We are proud to present some of our beautiful couples in 2025.IniAbasi; Photo: Abayomi AkinainaIniAbasi; Photo: Abayomi Akinaina
Akwa Ibom and Cross River traditional weddings showcased distinct and opulent styles, reflecting the Efik and Ibibio cultures. The elegant and regal Efik Onyonyo dresses stood out, alongside the rich double-wrapper outfits of Akwa Ibom and other Cross River tribes.
Akwa Ibom and Ibibio couplesThe Ibibio ethnic group, prominent in Akwa Ibom, featured weddings that blended tradition with modern aesthetics in 2025. The brideThe double wrapper (Ndod Iba): The signature Ibibio look features a bride in a magnificent double-wrapped George or velvet fabric. In 2025, many modern brides styled this with a fitted blouse or recreated the look as a flowing gown.Accessories: The look is completed with a gele (headscarf) tied in an elaborate style, a hand fan, and a purse. The bride’s jewelry is typically minimalist, consisting of simple beads or other ornaments. The groomThe outfit: Ibibio grooms typically wore a wrapper (Usobo) tied over trousers, paired with an embroidered shirt that coordinated with the bride’s fabric.Accessories: The look was finished with a simple, complementing cap and sometimes a walking stick. Cross River and Efik couplesEfik couples from Cross River are known for their flamboyant, royal aesthetic, and 2025 was no exception. The brideThe Onyonyo: The hallmark of the Efik bride is the stunning, Victorian-inspired Onyonyo dress. This voluminous, floor-length ball gown is made from rich lace, silk, or velvet and often embellished with embroidery and beads.Accessories: Layered coral beads (called Ekpa ku Kpa) were worn on the neck, wrists, and as a crown-like headpiece. The bride also carried an ornamental hand fan. The traditional braided Etenge hairstyle, adorned with brass combs, was another key feature.
The groom
- The outfit: Efik grooms wore a long-sleeved, embroidered shirt or jacket over a wrapper (
Usobo) and trousers. - Accessories: The full look was accessorized with a cap, coral beads, a pocket square, and sometimes a polished walking stick.
Featured 2025 couples and trends
Wedding blogs like Ibom Weddings highlighted many stunning couples and trends from the 2025/2026 season.
- Mix-and-match: Some Akwa Ibom brides embraced the royal Efik Onyonyo look, while some Cross River tribes wore the double wrapper style, showing a beautiful mix of cultural influences.
- Featured couples: Marian and Blessing, a mixed-heritage couple and popular social media influencers, held their traditional Efik wedding in December 2025, showcasing the culture in their viral content.
- Modernization: Many 2025 couples embraced modernized versions of their traditional wear, incorporating new fabric textures, colors, and contemporary tailoring while still honoring the essence of the classic styles.
Lilian and Ubong; Photos: J_Design PhotographyLilian and Ubong; Photos: J_Design Photography
VictoriaVictoria and Henry; Photos: Diamond_Concept_PhotographyVictoria and Henry; Photos: Diamond_Concept_PhotographyAbasiama and Ralph; Photos: Frankie Frank PhotosAbasiama and Ralph; Photos: Frankie Frank PhotosBlessing and Adetunji; Photos: Kodeblacc_WeddingsBlessing and Adetunji; Photos: Kodeblacc_Weddings
We will be back with more sensational photos of the couples that graced our pages and timelines all through 2022. If you like this article, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for wedding trailer. You can also find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook