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The Traditional Ceremony Catering Checklist

By Tosin Martins  ·  2 min read

A traditional ceremony is not a wedding. It is older. It has its own tempo, its own table rules, and its own food memory. If you are planning one, here is the checklist we use in our own kitchen.

Honour the family style

Ask both families about the dishes that matter to them. In a Yoruba engagement, it is almost always pounded yam with egusi, Ofada sauce with rice, and ata dindin over soft plantain. In an Igbo introduction, abacha, nkwobi, and a proper ofe onugbu are expected. In a Hausa ceremony, tuwo shinkafa with miyan kuka, masa and suya will keep the family smiling. The caterer who asks these questions early is a caterer who will serve a meaningful day.

The kola nut and the welcome drinks

Kola nut comes first. No food begins before it. The welcome drinks follow. Zobo, palm wine and a light tigernut drink served chilled work for most ceremonies. Keep the welcome drink table small. Guests will come and go throughout the day.

Serve in clay pots when you can

For Ofada sauce, pepper soup and egusi, serving in small clay pots at each table changes the feeling of the meal. Clay keeps heat honestly, and the visual respects the tradition. We source our pots from Lagos markets and dedicate one set per event, which means we clean and sanitise them between bookings.

Plan for elders first

Elders eat before the open buffet opens. A separate table with plated service for the parents of both families is a quiet courtesy. We bring extra servers specifically for this, which is usually four to six people for a full day ceremony.

Do not forget the takeaway packs

Many guests will want to take food home to relatives who could not attend. Plan for 20 percent of your headcount in takeaway containers. Have them ready at the service exit. Pack them warm.

Work with a caterer who listens

A traditional ceremony caterer has to listen more than they cook. Our team at Ofada Magic by All Occasions Catering has catered engagements and introductions across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Abuja and Enugu. Message us on WhatsApp with your family and your date, and we will plan the day with the care it deserves.

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