Engagement Ceremony

[Ricca711 1]

Hey all,

I just spoke with Samuel and he has explained to me that the Engagement Ceremony is a very important event to his family. I never worried about this because Samuel always seemed so non-traditional in his ways and never brought it up. I have heard you guys talk about it and now, I need to know what to do. Is there anyone who has participated in the ceremony? What am I supposed to do? What do I wear and say? Is there a book or video I can watch. He has a lot of sisters, so will they help me?

Feeling Overwhelmed

[Jesse and Hema 2]

I've never taken part in an engagement ceremony, but I'm sure his sisters will help. From what I've heard, it's similar to a wedding but less formal. It's kind of like some renewal-of-vows ceremonies. It will vary with the people and the culture, though, so best to ask his sisters for advice.

Side note, though.. I'd recommend against mentioning the ceremony to USCIS. If they confuse it with (or suspect) a wedding, you could be denied for a K-1.. (surely you already know that).

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Hi Ricca,

You might get better information on the Africa sub-forum, because engagement traditions vary from one region to the other. If this is the custom in Ghana, the embassy is very aware of regional customs so don't worry about it. For example, in my country, it's not either common or rare, varies from one family to the other. We chose to have an engagement party because most of my friends and family would not be able to attend the wedding in the US so it gave us a chance to share with them. I wore a pink dress, and we had some food and drinks at my house Simple, and everyone had a great time

Jesse, I think you might be thingking about people that choose to have a religous, non-legal-binding ceremony while on a K1 visa, which those can cause trouble (they might think you were actually legally married) but an engagement party, I don't think they'll have any problems

Saludos,

Caro

[Ricca711 1]

Thanks for the info!

[Zee Bee 61]

Hi Erika

I think an engagement ceremony in Ghana is a family thing. We did not have one. But I have heard of couples doing them. As far as I know, its basically an opportunity for the family to meet you, eat, drink and be merry. You can make it as formal or as casual as you want.

If Samuel's family has done one beofre maybe you can get some ideas from them. On the same note, you can decide what you want the ceremony to include. Maybe his tribe has specific things that are done at an engagement ceremony. His sisters would be a good source of information for this.

[Ricca711 1]

Thanks Zee,

I was in a panic for nothing. A lot of his family is here in Boston and will be in Ghana in December 2009. He wants me and my family to prepare to be there then for the ceremony. Now, I just have to figure out how to get me, my son, my mother and probably half of the rest of my family to Ghana! I guess one day I will look back on this and say it was all worth it.

Thanks again,

Hi Erika

I think an engagement ceremony in Ghana is a family thing. We did not have one. But I have heard of couples doing them. As far as I know, its basically an opportunity for the family to meet you, eat, drink and be merry. You can make it as formal or as casual as you want.

If Samuel's family has done one beofre maybe you can get some ideas from them. On the same note, you can decide what you want the ceremony to include. Maybe his tribe has specific things that are done at an engagement ceremony. His sisters would be a good source of information for this.