Senegal Wedding Traditions Complete Guide for Modern Couples

• 12-6 months before: Family negotiations and formal engagement
• 3-2 months before: Leuk Daourlook-dah-OORbridal shower and Dossoffodoh-SOH-foh preparations
• 1 week before: Traditional attire fittings and final arrangements
• Wedding day: Islamic Nikahnee-KAH ceremony at mosque (morning)
• Wedding day: Civil ceremony at government office (optional)
• Wedding evening: La Réception with 200-500 guests
• Days 2-3: Extended celebrations and family gatherings
• Week after: Post-wedding ceremonies like Lingeerlin-GAIR and Diankhadee-AHN-khah

What Are Senegalese Engagement Traditions?

Senegalese engagement traditions are formal family-centered negotiations dating back centuries that establish marriage agreements between two families, not just individuals. These negotiations involve 10-20 family representatives from each side and can span 2-6 months.

The process includes:

• Initial approach: Groom’s family formally requests meeting
• Family investigations: Background checks on both families
• Negotiation meetings: 3-5 formal gatherings
• Agreement terms: Dowry, wedding date, ceremony details
• Average dowry: 500,000-2 million CFA francs ($825-$3,300 USD)

In modern Dakar, 65% of couples still follow traditional family negotiations, though urban couples increasingly have input in partner selection. Rural areas maintain stricter adherence to ancestral protocols.

Leuk Daour (wo-LAY-dah-OOR): The Senegalese Bridal Shower

Leuk Daourlook-dah-OOR is a pre-wedding evening celebration that honors the bride through music, dance, and community blessings, typically occurring 2-4 weeks before the wedding with 50-150 female guests. This centuries-old Wolof tradition prepares the bride for married life through ritual and celebration.

Event components include:

• Duration: 4-6 hours (typically 7 PM - 1 AM)
• Attendees: Female relatives and friends only
• Traditional attire: Bride wears special boubouboo-BOO worth 100,000-300,000 CFA ($165-$495 USD)
• Music: Traditional sabarsah-BAR drums and wedding songs
• Gifts: Household items, jewelry, and money totaling 200,000-500,000 CFA ($330-$825 USD)
• Food: Light refreshments and traditional sweets

Modern adaptations in Dakar include professional photographers and DJs alongside traditional drummers. The event reinforces community bonds while imparting marriage wisdom from elder women.

Dossoffo Ceremony: Regional Pre-Wedding Rituals

Dossoffodoh-SOH-foh ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual that varies among Senegal’s ethnic groups, involving elder blessings and spiritual preparations 3-7 days before the wedding. This tradition, practiced by 40% of rural families and 20% of urban families, prepares couples spiritually for marriage.

Regional variations:

• Wolof version: Focus on bride’s preparation with female elders
• Serer adaptation: Includes both families in ritual cleansing
• Fula practice: Emphasizes cattle gifting and pastoral blessings
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• Participants: 20-40 family members and religious leaders

Islamic Nikah Ceremony in Senegal

The Nikahnee-KAH is the obligatory Islamic marriage ceremony that legally and religiously validates Senegalese Muslim marriages, performed at a mosque with male family representatives and lasting 30-45 minutes. This tradition reflects Islam’s arrival in Senegal in the 11th century and its current practice by 95% of the population.

Ceremony specifics:

• Location: Local mosque or family prayer room
• Key participants: Imam, groom, bride’s father/representative, 2-4 witnesses
• Bride’s presence: Not required (represented by male guardian)
• MahrMAH-rdowry: 50,000-500,000 CFA francs ($82-$825 USD)
• Documentation: Marriage certificate from religious authorities
• Time: Usually Friday after Jumu’ah prayers

The imam recites Quranic verses, confirms consent, and announces the mahr amount. Modern couples increasingly opt for symbolic mahr amounts while maintaining religious validity.

Civil Marriage Registration

Civil ceremony is the government-recognized marriage registration performed at municipal offices, required for legal recognition and taking 20-30 minutes with 4-6 witnesses. Introduced during French colonial rule, 70% of urban couples and 30% of rural couples complete civil registration.

Requirements and costs:

• Documents needed: Birth certificates, residency proof, medical certificates
• Processing time: 2-4 weeks for documentation
• Government fees: 10,000-25,000 CFA francs ($16-$41 USD)
• Witnesses: Minimum 2 per person
• Certificate copies: 5,000 CFA francs ($8 USD) each

La Réception: Senegalese Wedding Celebration

La Réception is the main wedding celebration following religious ceremonies, featuring 200-500 guests, traditional music, dancing, and elaborate feasts lasting 6-12 hours. This tradition evolved from community celebration practices dating back centuries.

Reception components and costs:

• Venue options: Family compound (free), hotel ($1,000-$5,000 USD), reception hall ($500-$2,000 USD)
• Guest count: Urban (200-300), Rural (300-500)
• Catering: 3,000-5,000 CFA francs ($5-$8 USD) per guest
• Music: Griots and bands (300,000-1 million CFA / $495-$1,650 USD)
• Duration: Afternoon to dawn (12-16 hours)

Modern Dakar receptions blend traditional sabarsah-BAR drummers with contemporary DJs. Different ethnic groups showcase unique dances: Wolof’s sabar, Serer’s ndutn-DOOT, Fula’s traditional moves.

What Is a Senegalese Wedding Boubou?

The boubouboo-BOOboo-BOO is an elaborately embroidered flowing robe that serves as the traditional wedding attire for both bride and groom, costing 200,000-2 million CFA francs ($330-$3,300 USD) for wedding-quality garments. This authentically Senegalese garment, derived from the Wolof word “mbubbm-BOOB,” represents cultural identity and family status.

Boubou categories and pricing:

• Simple boubou: 200,000-500,000 CFA ($330-$825 USD)
• Rich boubou: 500,000-2 million CFA ($825-$3,300 USD)
• Damask Bazin fabric: Most prestigious, imported from Europe
• Embroidery time: 2-6 months for hand-stitched designs
• Gender differences: Men’s triangular neckline, women’s rounded

Women’s wedding boubou features:

• Fabric: 10-15 meters of premium material
• Starch level: Heavy starch for dramatic silhouette
• Shoulder style: One-shoulder drape design
• Accompanying items: Matching headscarf (moussormoo-SOR), high heels, gold jewelry set

Men’s grand boubou includes:

• Three pieces: Tunic, trousers, outer boubou
• Colors: White or beige (dark colors signify mourning)
• Fabric treatment: Rigid starching symbolizing marriage strength
• Cost range: 300,000-1 million CFA ($495-$1,650 USD)

Traditional Senegalese Wedding Jewelry

Wedding jewelry in Senegal consists primarily of gold pieces that serve as both adornment and financial security for the bride, with sets costing 500,000-5 million CFA francs ($825-$8,250 USD). The groom must gift earrings before the wedding as a symbolic reminder of their commitment.

Essential jewelry pieces:

• Earrings from groom: 100,000-500,000 CFA ($165-$825 USD)
• Gold necklace sets: 3-7 pieces layered
• Bracelets: 10-20 bangles per arm
• Rings: Engagement and wedding bands
• Anklets: For traditional ceremonies
• Total jewelry value: Represents 20-30% of wedding budget

The moussor (moo-SOR) headscarf requires specific tying techniques passed through generations. Modern brides often hire specialists for elaborate head-tying styles costing 20,000-50,000 CFA ($33-$82 USD).

Gri Gri Dance: Spiritual Wedding Performance

The Gri Gri Dance is a traditional Wolof wedding dance that combines spiritual elements with celebration, performed by 20-40 dancers during the reception’s peak hours. This centuries-old practice originated from protective rituals adapted for joyful occasions.

Dance specifications:

• Duration: 30-45 minute sets
• Participants: Trained dancers from the community
• Music: Specific drum rhythms at 120-140 BPM
• Costume cost: 50,000-100,000 CFA ($82-$165 USD) per dancer
• Performance fee: 100,000-300,000 CFA ($165-$495 USD) per group

Regional variations include faster tempos in northern Senegal and incorporation of modern choreography in Dakar. The dance symbolizes protection and blessing for the new couple.

Laabane Ceremony: Post-Wedding Tradition

The LaabaneLAH-bah-neh is a post-wedding evening ceremony that traditionally involved family verification of the bride’s virginity, now evolved into private counsel between the bride and her Badiènebah-dee-EHNpaternal aunt. This deeply rooted tradition emphasizing family honor occurs in 60% of rural weddings and 20% of urban ceremonies.

Modern practice includes:

• Timing: Evening after religious ceremony
• Duration: 1-2 hours of counsel
• Participants: Bride, Badiène, close female relatives
• Topics covered: Marital advice, family expectations
• Gift from Badiène: 50,000-200,000 CFA ($82-$330 USD)

Urban families often maintain the counseling aspect while eliminating public elements, respecting both tradition and privacy. Similar to the Laabane in neighboring countries, this ceremony connects to broader West African customs.

Lakh Ritual: Sweet Union Ceremony

The LakhLAHKH ritual is a playful food-sharing ceremony where newlyweds feed each other sweet millet pudding (lakh) to determine relationship dynamics, performed after most guests depart. This tradition uses a dessert costing 5,000-10,000 CFA ($8-$16 USD) for profound symbolic meaning.

Ritual process:

• Setting: Husband’s bedroom with griotgree-OH supervision
• Participants: Couple and griot only
• Lakh ingredients: Yogurt, millet, sugar (similar to tapioca)
• Game rules: Each tries to smear lakh on partner’s face
• Belief: Winner will have greater marital influence
• Duration: 15-30 minutes

This ceremony, practiced by 70% of traditional couples, provides levity after formal celebrations while establishing playful dynamics for married life.

What Does a Senegalese Wedding Feast Include?

A Senegalese wedding feast is a communal meal serving 200-500 guests traditional dishes costing 1,500-3,000 CFA francs ($2.50-$5 USD) per person. This tradition of abundant hospitality dates back centuries, with recipes passed through generations of women.

Traditional menu staples:

• Ceebu yappcheh-boo-YAHP (cheh-boo-yahp): Spiced rice with mutton
• YassaYAH-sah (yah-sah): Marinated chicken/fish with onions
• Thieboudiennecheh-boo-JEN (cheh-boo-jen): Rice with fish (coastal regions)
• Mafemah-FAY (mah-fay): Peanut stew with meat
• Fatayafah-TAH-yah (fah-tah-yah): Fried fish pastries
• BissapBEE-sahp (bee-sahp): Hibiscus drink

Feast preparation details:

• Cooking team: 20-40 female relatives
• Preparation time: 2-3 days before wedding
• Serving style: Communal platters for 6-8 people
• Special dietary options: Increasing in urban areas
• Late-night soup: Onion soup at 3-4 AM for all-night celebrants

Regional variations show northern preferences for lamb (500,000 CFA/$825 USD per animal) while coastal areas emphasize fresh fish dishes (300,000 CFA/$495 USD for feast quantities).

All-Night Wedding Celebrations

Senegalese wedding celebrations traditionally extend through the entire night with continuous music, dancing, and socializing from sunset to sunrise, involving 100-300 participants. This practice reflects communal celebration values where major life events merit extended festivity.

Celebration timeline:

• 7 PM - 10 PM: Dinner service and speeches
• 10 PM - 2 AM: Peak dancing and performances
• 2 AM - 4 AM: Traditional music and storytelling
• 4 AM - 6 AM: Light breakfast and departures
• Energy food: Café Toubakah-fay-TOO-bahspiced coffee throughout
• Security costs: 100,000-300,000 CFA ($165-$495 USD)

Modern urban weddings might end by 2 AM due to noise regulations, while rural celebrations maintain dawn conclusions. Multi-day celebrations span 3-7 days for traditional families.

Role of Griots in Senegalese Weddings

Griots are hereditary musicians and oral historians who lead wedding ceremonies through songs, genealogies, and blessings, charging 200,000-1 million CFA francs ($330-$1,650 USD) per wedding. These cultural custodians, known as gewelgeh-WELgeh-wel in Wolof, maintain traditions dating back to the 13th century Mali Empire.

Griotgree-OH services include:

• Family lineage recitation: 30-45 minutes
• Praise songs: Customized for couple and families
• Ceremony guidance: Ensuring proper protocol
• Traditional instruments: Kora, balafon, talking drums
• Performance duration: 4-8 hours throughout event
• Additional tips expected: 50,000-200,000 CFA ($82-$330 USD)

Contemporary griots blend traditional repertoires with modern instruments. The highest praise songs, reserved for brides maintaining family honor, can last 20-30 minutes.

Lingeer Celebration

Lingeerlin-GAIR is a post-wedding performance event featuring professional poets, singers, and drummers who honor the couple 3-7 days after the wedding. This tradition, costing 300,000-800,000 CFA ($495-$1,320 USD), emphasizes oral culture’s importance in preserving family histories.

Event structure:

• Duration: 3-5 hours (afternoon event)
• Performers: 10-20 artists
• Attendance: 100-200 guests
• Praise focus: Bride’s reputation and family honor
• Gift-giving: Additional 200,000-500,000 CFA ($330-$825 USD) collected
• Recording: Modern families hire videographers

The celebration particularly honors brides who maintained sterling reputations, with specific songs for different virtue categories. Urban adaptations include contemporary poetry alongside traditional verses.

Sinkat: The Marriage Dance Gift

Sinkatsin-KAHT is a choreographed dance performance organized by the couple’s young friends as a wedding gift, involving 20-40 participants in matching outfits performing for 45-60 minutes. This tradition strengthens peer bonds while celebrating the marriage.

Performance details:

• Preparation time: 2-4 weeks of rehearsals
• Costume cost: 20,000-30,000 CFA ($33-$50 USD) per dancer
• Music: Traditional wedding rhythms at 100-120 BPM
• Venue: Usually at couple’s new home
• Timing: 1-2 weeks post-wedding
• Refreshments: Provided by couple’s family

Modern Sinkat performances sometimes incorporate contemporary dance styles while maintaining traditional songs. This practice remains popular among 60% of couples under 30. ### Diankhadee-AHN-khah Ceremony: Meal-Sharing Ritual

Diankha ceremony is a symbolic meal-sharing ritual where the husband brings specific foods to share with his wife, occurring 7-14 days after the wedding. This tradition, practiced across ethnic groups with variations, costs 50,000-150,000 CFA ($82-$247 USD).

Regional variations:

• Northern Senegal: Husband brings goat (100,000 CFA/$165 USD) plus couscous
• Wolof tradition: Two meat dishes with millet
• Serer custom: Fish-based meal for coastal communities
• Fula practice: Includes milk products from family herds
• Duration: 2-3 hour family gathering
• Participants: 15-25 close relatives

The ceremony symbolizes the husband’s commitment to providing for his household. Modern couples might adapt the foods while maintaining the sharing symbolism.

Wolof Wedding Traditions (42% of Population)

Wolof wedding traditions represent Senegal’s largest ethnic group with distinctive customs emphasizing appearance, family honor, and elaborate ceremonies involving 300-500 guests. These traditions, centered in western Senegal, showcase the country’s most widely recognized wedding practices.

Distinctive Wolof features:

• Takhartah-KHAR facial paint: Natural pigments in flag colors (5,000 CFA/$8 USD)
• Woyofalwoh-yoh-FAHL ceremony: Six-bodice ritual garment (150,000 CFA/$247 USD)
• Bride preparation: 3-4 hours of washing and dressing rituals
• Color symbolism: White/beige for groom (no dark colors)
• Guest expectations: Formal attire mandatory
• Gift-giving: 10,000-50,000 CFA ($16-$82 USD) per guest

Modern Wolof weddings in Dakar maintain core elements while incorporating Western influences like photo booths and wedding cakes. Rural Wolof communities preserve fuller traditional practices.

Serer Wedding Customs (15% of Population)

Serer wedding traditions emphasize ancestral connections and agricultural symbolism, with ceremonies lasting 4-5 days and involving 200-400 guests. Concentrated in west-central Senegal, these traditions reflect the Serer’s historical resistance to outside influences.

Serer-specific elements:

• Ndutn-DOOT initiation: Pre-marriage ritual preparation
• Ancestral invocations: Dawn ceremonies at sacred sites
• Agricultural gifts: Seeds and farming tools
• Community labor: Collective field preparation for couple
• Traditional drinks: Palm wine prominent (20,000 CFA/$33 USD per ceremony)
• Music style: Distinct drum patterns differing from Wolof

Current practice shows 70% of rural Serer maintaining full traditions while urban Serer adapt ceremonies to weekend timeframes.

Urban vs. Rural Wedding Practices

Urban Senegalese weddings in cities like Dakar average 200-300 guests with budgets of 5-10 million CFA ($8,250-$16,500 USD), while rural weddings host 300-500 guests on 2-5 million CFA ($3,300-$8,250 USD) budgets. These differences reflect modernization’s impact on traditional practices.

Urban wedding characteristics:

• Venues: Hotels (60%), reception halls (30%), homes (10%)
• Duration: Condensed to 1-2 days
• Professional services: Photographers, caterers, planners
• Western elements: White dresses (40% of brides), tiered cakes
• Transportation: Decorated car convoys (200,000 CFA/$330 USD)
• Guest management: Printed invitations and seating charts

Rural wedding features:

• Venues: Family compounds (90%), community spaces (10%)
• Duration: Traditional 3-7 days
• Community involvement: Neighbors contribute labor and food
• Traditional focus: Minimal Western influence
• Transportation: Community processions on foot
• Natural decorations: Local flowers and fabrics

Despite differences, both settings maintain core religious ceremonies and family involvement.

Polygamy in Senegalese Marriage Culture

Polygamy in Senegal permits Muslim men to marry up to four wives under Islamic law, practiced by 35% of married men with higher rates in rural areas (45%) than urban centers (25%). This legal framework, established in the Family Code of 1972, requires equal treatment of all wives.

Polygamy regulations and practices:

• Legal requirements: First wife’s notification (not consent)
• Financial obligations: Separate households or equal quarters
• Time distribution: Equal nights with each wife
• Inheritance laws: Children receive equal shares
• Average households:

2.3 wives among polygamous marriages

• Economic factors: Higher income correlates with more wives

Modern trends show declining polygamy among educated urban populations, though the practice remains culturally accepted. Second marriages often involve widows or divorced women.

Family’s Role in Senegalese Marriages

Senegalese marriages unite entire extended families through formal negotiations, approvals, and ongoing involvement, with 85% of marriages receiving full family blessing. This collective approach, rooted in African social structures, contrasts with Western individualistic marriage concepts.

Family involvement includes:

• Partner selection: Parents suggest 40% of matches
• Background investigations: 2-3 months of inquiries
• Financial contributions: Extended family provides 30-50% of wedding costs
• Conflict resolution: Elders mediate marital disputes
• Living arrangements: 45% of new couples initially live with family
• Childcare support: Grandparents as primary caregivers

Modern couples balance family involvement with personal choice, especially in Dakar where 60% choose partners independently while seeking family approval.

How Are Senegalese Weddings Changing in 2025?

Contemporary Senegalese weddings in 2025 blend ancestral traditions with global influences, creating celebrations that honor heritage while embracing modern conveniences. Urban couples spend 20-30% more than 2020 levels, reflecting both inflation and elevated expectations.

Major trend categories:

Digital Integration

• Hybrid invitations: Paper for elders, digital for peers
• Livestreaming: For diaspora family (100,000 CFA/$165 USD)
• Wedding hashtags: 70% of urban couples
• Professional content: Drone videography (300,000 CFA/$495 USD)
• Digital gift registries: Gaining acceptance in Dakar

Destination Weddings Within Senegal

• Popular locations: Saly (beach), Saint-Louis (heritage), Casamance (nature)
• Cost premium: 30-50% above traditional venues
• Guest accommodation: 50,000-100,000 CFA ($82-$165 USD) per room
• Local tradition integration: Regional customs incorporated
• Duration: Typically 3-day weekend events

Sustainable Practices

• Eco-friendly decor: Banana leaf plates, local flowers
• Food waste reduction: Partnerships with local charities
• Carbon offsetting: Tree planting ceremonies
• Traditional crafts: Supporting local artisans
• Reusable favors: Practical gifts over disposable items

Cross-Cultural Adaptations

• International unions: 15% of Dakar weddings
• Fusion ceremonies: Combining multiple traditions
• Language considerations: Multilingual ceremonies
• Dietary accommodations: Halal plus other requirements
• Mixed venue styles: Traditional morning, modern evening

International Wedding Connections

Senegalese couples with international connections increasingly explore destination wedding options, with 5% considering ceremonies abroad before traditional homeland celebrations. Popular international destinations include France (colonial ties), USA (diaspora connections), and Dubai (Islamic luxury).

Las Vegas wedding considerations:

• Vegas packages: $2,000-$10,000 USD for intimate ceremonies
• Appeal factors: Simplified planning, unique experience
• Cultural adaptation: Halal catering available at select venues
• Photography packages: Desert backdrops popular
• Return celebrations: Full traditional ceremony in Senegal follows

These couples typically host Vegas ceremonies for immediate family (10-20 guests) then return for elaborate Senegalese celebrations involving the broader community.

What Do Senegalese Weddings Cost?

Average Senegalese wedding costs range from 2-10 million CFA francs ($3,300-$16,500 USD), with urban celebrations averaging 7 million CFA ($11,550 USD) and rural weddings 3 million CFA ($4,950 USD). These costs represent 1-3 years of average household income.

Detailed budget breakdown:

• Venue/Decorations: 20% (400,000-2 million CFA / $660-$3,300 USD)
• Food/Catering: 30% (600,000-3 million CFA / $990-$4,950 USD)
• Attire/Jewelry: 25% (500,000-2.5 million CFA / $825-$4,125 USD)
• Music/Entertainment: 15% (300,000-1.5 million CFA / $495-$2,475 USD)
• Photography/Video: 5% (100,000-500,000 CFA / $165-$825 USD)
• Miscellaneous: 5% (100,000-500,000 CFA / $165-$825 USD)

Payment strategies:

• Family contributions: 40-60% from extended family
• Tontineston-TEEN (savings groups): 12-18 month preparation
• Loans: 20% of couples use formal/informal credit
• Gift recovery: Monetary gifts offset 30-50% of costs
• Payment timeline: Vendors paid over 3-6 months post-wedding

Regional cost variations show Dakar weddings costing 50-100% more than rural ceremonies, though rural weddings often involve larger guest counts.

Traditional Senegalese weddings span 3-7 days, with urban celebrations increasingly condensed to 1-3 days. The main reception day features 12-16 hours of continuous celebration from afternoon to dawn. Rural weddings maintain longer durations with different ceremonies each day.

Can non-Muslims participate in Senegalese wedding traditions?

Yes, Senegal’s 5% Christian population and interfaith couples adapt traditions while respecting religious requirements. The Nikahnee-KAH remains Muslim-only, but cultural celebrations welcome all. Christian Senegalese incorporate elements like the boubouboo-BOO and traditional feasts while having church ceremonies.

What should guests wear to a Senegalese wedding?

Guests should wear formal traditional attire, with women in boubous or formal dresses and men in grand boubous or suits. Avoid black or brown (mourning colors). Expect to spend 50,000-200,000 CFA ($82-$330 USD) on appropriate attire. Many venues offer rental options.

How much money should wedding guests give?

Wedding gift amounts range from 10,000-100,000 CFA ($16-$165 USD) depending on relationship closeness and financial capability. Close family members give more, while acquaintances give less. Monetary gifts are preferred and usually presented in decorated envelopes during the reception.

Are Senegalese weddings segregated by gender?

Gender segregation varies by family tradition and ceremony portion. The Islamic Nikah involves only men, while the Leuk Daourlook-dah-OOR includes only women. Main receptions typically mix genders, though conservative families might maintain separate seating areas. Urban weddings show less segregation.

What languages are used in Senegalese wedding ceremonies?

Ceremonies use multiple languages: Arabic for religious portions, Wolof for traditional elements, and French for civil ceremonies. Urban weddings might include English for international guests. Griots perform in ethnic languages, with Wolof most common given its lingua franca status.

Can tourists attend Senegalese weddings?

Tourists occasionally receive invitations through local connections, as Senegalese hospitality extends to welcoming foreign guests. Proper attire and respectful behavior are essential. Bringing a monetary gift (minimum 25,000 CFA/$41 USD) and avoiding photography during religious ceremonies shows cultural awareness.

How do Senegalese handle interfaith marriages?

Interfaith marriages require careful negotiation, especially Muslim-Christian unions. Islamic law permits Muslim men to marry Christian women, but not vice versa. Couples often have dual ceremonies respecting both faiths. Children’s religious upbringing becomes a crucial discussion point.

What happens if families don’t approve the marriage?

Family approval remains crucial, with 85% of marriages receiving blessing. Without approval, couples face social isolation, loss of inheritance rights, and exclusion from family events. Urban couples might proceed anyway, but rural communities make unapproved marriages nearly impossible. Mediation through respected elders sometimes resolves conflicts.

How are modern Senegalese weddings different from traditional ones?

Modern weddings incorporate technology (livestreaming, digital invitations), condense timeframes (weekend versus week-long), blend Western elements (white dresses, tiered cakes), use professional services (planners, caterers), and allow more couple input in decisions. However, core religious and cultural elements remain unchanged, especially the Nikah, family involvement, and traditional attire.