Ethiopian Wedding Checklist

Select Shimgeloch

Choose 3–7 respected elders to act as intermediaries for the Shimgelena.

Complete Shimgelena

Coordinate the negotiation process with both families, including the verification of family lines.

Plan Telosh

Plan the pre-wedding gift ceremony with both families.

Prepare Telosh Gifts

Put together gifts that include jewelry, clothing and other items of value.

Commission Habesha Kemis

Order a traditional Habesha Kemis with tibeb embroidery from a skilled tailor.

Obtain Kaba Capes

Get embroidered Kaba capes for both the bride and the groom.

Book Ceremony Venue

Reserve the Ethiopian Orthodox church, or arrange for an imam if you are having a Nikah.

Verify Legal Requirements

Check that the civil registration requirements are met.

Source Coffee Ceremony Supplies

Get a Jebena, Sini cups, green coffee beans, frankincense and Mukecha for the coffee ceremony.

Hire Ethiopian Musicians

Book musicians who can play traditional Ethiopian wedding music for Eskista dancing.

Plan Feast Menu

Work with an Ethiopian caterer on wot, tibs, kitfo, Doro Wot and vegetarian dishes.

Order Tej and Tella

Arrange the traditional drinks, Tej and Tella.

Plan Melse and Kelekel

Plan the celebrations after the wedding with both families.

Set Up Coffee Ceremony Station

Set up the Buna station with the Jebena, charcoal burner, green beans, incense and Sini cups. The person leading the coffee ceremony should have practiced the full three rounds.

Confirm Ceremony Venue and Officiant

Check that the priest or imam is prepared and that the venue is ready.

Decorate Procession Vehicles

Decorate the vehicles for the procession on the wedding morning.

Set Up Reception Venue

Arrange the seating, the head table, the areas for elders, and the staging for the feast and the musicians.

Coordinate Knee-Kissing

Seat the grandparents and elders at the entrance of the venue.

Confirm Caterer

Check that the Injera and the full menu are being prepared, with plenty of vegetarian options.

Arrange Decorations

Plan for Ethiopian textiles, traditional baskets (mesob) and cultural motifs.

Brief Musicians

Tell the musicians the order of events, including the Mushiraye entrance song.

Prepare Gursha Ceremony

Plan the hand-feeding ceremony for the two of you.