Wedding traditions of Gaborone
A planned capital where the patlo, the formal asking, and the bogadi, the bride wealth, shape a Tswana marriage.
A Tswana marriage starts with the patlo, when the groom's uncles visit to ask for the bride. The bogadi, a bride wealth in cattle or money, is agreed through formal speeches. Many couples marry in a church or at the court registry and then hold a traditional ceremony.
A wedding here
The uncles of each family act as speakers and the negotiations are formal. The bride's family hosts a meal of seswaa, pounded meat, and bogobe, porridge. The couple is given advice by elders at the party.
Law and change
Botswana's Marriage Act of 2001 set 18 as the minimum age. Customary and civil marriages are both recognised.
Wedding customs of Gaborone
Also part of it, and being written: Tswana people (The community.), Bogadi (The bride wealth.), Seswaa (The festive meat dish.), Setswana (The language.).
A wedding trail idea for Gaborone
- Main Mall A shopping centre.
- Three Dikgosi Monument A monument to the chiefs.
- Gaborone Dam A reservoir.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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