The Yoruba Traditional Wedding Engagement list ( also know as Eru Iyawo list, the Yoruba Bride Price List or the Dowry List) is presented to the groom’s family from the Yoruba bride’s family some weeks prior to the traditional wedding day. The gift items asked for on the list are packaged and presented to the family of the bride on the Yoruba Traditional wedding day. The engagement list items below are not set in stone, although some like the Bible/Quran, bitter kola, and are a must.
The items on the Yoruba Engagement list will differ based on what part of Yorubaland the bride’s family is from and your family may decide to ask for more or less items. The engagement list is drafted by the bride’s family members and unfortunately the bride has no say as to what is requested.
Yoruba Engagement List (Eru Iyawo List 2021)
Bible(for Christians)
Quran, praying mat, praying kettle, rosary, white hijab, veil and tasbir (for Muslims)
Engagement rings for bride and groom
1 Big suitcase containing clothes, shoes and hand bags including aso-oko, lace and ankara fabric
1 Wrist watch, earrings and chains
1 Umbrella
1 Set of dishes
2 Cartons of malt
2 Cartons of soft drinks
2 Cartons of bottled water
2 Bottles of non alcoholic wine
2 Cartons of fruit juice
1 Bag of rice
1 Pack of sugar
1 Bag of salt
2 Baskets of fruit
2 Decanters filled with honey
1 Keg of palm wine
1 Keg of groundnut oil
42 Bitter kolas (Orogbo)
42 Tubers of yam (Isu)
42 Kolanuts (Obi abata)
42 Chilli/Alligator peppers (Atare)
42 pieces of dried fish (Eja Osan)
1 Dish of peppered corn meal (Aadun)
Assorted biscuits and sweets
Cash Envelopes
Owo Ori (The Bride Price) – Varies
Owo Ijoko Agba (Money for the elders consent) – N5,000
Owo Baba Gbo (Money for the bride’s father’s consent) – N5,000
Owo Iya Gbo (Money for the bride’s mother’s consent) – N5,000
Owo Ikanlekun(Door knocking fee) – N1,000
Owo Isiju Iyawo (Fee for unveiling the bride) – N2,0000
Owo Aeroplane (Bride transportation fee) – N1,000
Owo Iyawo Ile (Money for the Housewives) -N5,000
Owo Omo Ile (Money for the Children of the household) – N5,000
Owo Letter kika (Letter reading fee)- N2,000
Owo Isigba (Engagement gifts unveiling fee) – N2,000
Owo Alaga Ijoko (Master of Ceremonies fee) – N2,000
The money is collected at different points during the traditional wedding ceremony, while the gift items are arranged at the venue before the ceremony starts. Gifts are usually packaged in baskets or boxes, which are coordinated to match the wedding colour scheme or wedding theme.
Eru-Iyawo Pictures and decorations at Yoruba Engagements
Here are pictures of some packaged engagement gifts at Yoruba Engagement Ceremonies. Apart from creatively wrapping the gifts to match the wedding colours and theme, the eru iyawo items are also beautifully displayed at a designated station, and form an integral party of the wedding decoration for the day. There are companies dedicated to the sourcing and packaging of these gifts and will offer different packages based on your budget.
Engagement Gift Items by Eru Iyawo Concepts
Engagement Gift Items by Eru Iyawo Fabulous
Engagement Gift Items by Eru Iyawo Fabulous
Engagement Gift Items including fruits by Eru Iyawo Concepts
Engagement Gift Items, including fruits and suitcases, by EruIyawo Fabulous
Cash envelope containing the dowry (owo ori) by Eru Iyawo Concepts
Cash Envelope containing the dowry (owo ori) by 360 Eventee Craftit
Engagement Gift Items Decorations Packaging and Display by Eru Iyawo Concepts
featured Vendors
Eru Iyawo Concepts – https://www.instagram.com/eruiyawoconcepts/
360eventeecraftit – https://www.instagram.com/360eventeecraftit/
Eru Iyawo Fabulous – https://www.instagram.com/eruiyawofabulous/
Fashionandstylez says
This is such an enlightening piece of information. I was wondering about the number: 42. Is there a reason or significance behind it?
Vicky says
Waoooo, thanks so much for this, it really help, more Grace.
Temitope says
God bless you ma..I really learnt a lot from you ma.but let me ask this question ma,cos am really confused about it.can marriage still be done after giving birth to first child. Coz I have a friend that says she want to do her wedding next month ,and she has given birth to 2year old girl
Hamdallah Ogunjobi says
This is such an enlightening piece of information. I was wondering about the number: 42. Is there a reason or significance behind it?
Sayo C. says
Hello Eshter, Please try this company called Eru Iyawo Concepts – https://www.instagram.com/eruiyawoconcepts/?hl=en
Madam Esther says
Hi, Good packaging. Could you please direct me to someone who can arrange all these items for my wedding?
Precious says
I love this, God bless u for me,
Let me give my husband to be the list. So that he can prepare.
Lizzy says
Waoo so easy and amazing write up thanks to the writer .
Oluwabukola says
Thank You for Making it Easy for us.
God bless you more abundantly.
Princess says
Thanks so much for this great information
God bless you richly ma
Noah Elijah says
Hi, you did an excellent work here. My fiance and I loved it so much. Thanks.
STEVE says
I SAID TYPES OF YORUBA MARRIAGE
Oladehinde says
Good day, pls there is one item I found on the list given to me “OWO IJEUN – #20000”. Could you please enlighten me about this.
Adejoke says
Veeery helpful. Thanks a lot?
Olatunde Peculiar says
For your engagement gifts packaging, pls call or whatzapp 08101251665
Kaffi says
Good afternoon ma’am, my daughter’s introduction and engagement is in November. I am from the Yoruba tribe, and her dad is an Hausa/Fulani man. How do we make a list for the eru iyawo because of the two tribes involved, am totally confused now. Please help me out. I will greatly appreciate it. Thank you
Rashidat famuditimi says
Thank you so much this really help out.
Omotayo says
this is so on point ,my wedding list was a subsidized version
wish i saw this earlier
thanks for the enlightenment.
OLAYINKA ABBEY says
thanks this really helps
Wanda Emmanuel says
Thank you very much. This helps my daughter’s in-laws who are from Ghana. So we are not arrested here in London, we will take out the goat!. Keep up the excellent work.
Ayaoye Asoyigi says
Hello Bisola, I guess you must have gotten married by now, if yes, congratulations! God bless your home.
Bisola says
Wow this is perfect .pls I need Alaga iduro any idea on how I can gt one? Pls price should be reasonable not a big party. Thanks
Sayo C. says
Hello Zayn, It is shared amongst the bride’s family as well. The bride’s parent’s siblings i.e aunties, cousins.
Sayo C. says
lol! i’m sure she is worth it…hang in there bro..
Yomi Olayinka says
I’m very impressed with the coordination of items requested for engagement. It gives one the opportunity to arrange ones items to suit the occasion and environment. Tx do much
Abi Law says
Fantastic work here. Thank you so much for doing this greatly appreciated it’s nice to see our traditions on the World Wide Web
Sol says
Just got my Trad wedding list from my Akwa Ibom fiancee, all I can think of is running away!
Mzlayo says
Thanks so much for posting this. It was very helpful my question is the same with that of yeancah
yeankah says
Thanks a million, but as a bride how is the list submitted to the groom’s family, what is the subheading going to be? or one will just write it plain like the one we have here… will gladly appreciate your quick response
Adekunle says
What Are The List For Introduction Before Engagement?
morayo says
wow! it great i love dis it helpful |God bless
oluwatosin says
i love all diz list
Kenny says
tanx o o o
Osas Joseph says
My babe just said yes to my proposal ,which I have been expecting .am from Edo and she from Abeokuta please how I start.thank you
omowunmi says
hi sayo,u are doing a wonderful work here may d lord continue to increase u d more.please I nid a perfect match for champaigne gold.tanks
EZEKIEL ISAAC says
YORUBA TRIBE IS ONE OF THE CHEAPEST BRIDE PRICE LIST IN THE WHOLE WORLD…..AM PREPARING TO MARRY ONE BEAUTIFUL YORUBA LADY………………………………………I WILL IMPORT YAM AND FRUIT FROM MY VILLAGE BENUE STATE….
onyinye osunkwo says
are you stupid leave her alone.
onyinye osunkwo says
you have good taste.
onyinye osunkwo says
this was a very helpful web page
ADEBISI MABEL says
I was just thinking about getting the list and fortunately I browsed and the list came out. Thank you so very much this is a job well done! God bless you!!!
Tdesh says
Oh! May God bless. You seem to be the only existing on Google too. Imagine, what would I have done without you!? Thanks a bunch.
wumi raji says
HM GOD bless you ma. please ma why does ondo state add cowries to their list. i wondered if it was for ritual purpose but they said nothing like ritusl there. pls ma share more light on it for me. thx ma
PRINCE IYKE says
Thank you for the information, I just needed to know the way yoruba’s marry, the information is ok. But I want to ask if that is the way all Yoruba land do their own?
Prince iyke
Olubunmi says
Sayo, thanks so much for this, you pulled out a very big weight from me, at least i can give my fiance to prepare ahead before getting from my family, may God continue to bless u n add more to your knowledge. Don’t know if you can help on theme for the wedding. I am dark in complexion but I seriously find it hard to go with color for the day. Thanks in advance.
tiwalola sanni says
sayo u indeed make me more proud of my culture
adebiyi oloto kehinde says
i wish it wilk be my turn like dis nect year will nt turn me down
Emediong Etuk says
I love this, my fiancee is from Ekiti State, I am most grateful, I am going for it.
Its done by the grace of God. Amen.
Adebanke says
Was sitting with my parent n planning for my wedding wen,wen we got to d engagement list my parent were like’moti gbagbe o’
Then I remembered google hardly disappoint,i typed it in I my first click was here!
Dis so much helped us!
Thanks alot
Adecole says
10nx 4 Dis One
falilat says
thank you this really came in handy
olaiya bola says
lovely list
zayn says
how is the eru iyawo shared? does everything belong to the bride? or part ?
Temitope says
very helpful.
Bunmi says
this is interesting! nice one dear.
madinatu says
Thanks a million!!!
Omolara says
A Great Job Well Done
For Ur Engagement And Wedding Decoration Or Interior Decoration, Contact Me On 08136266294, 08060250720
Bola says
Thanks a lot for this article. Indeed it’s a comprehensive one. God bless you.
Odeyemi Stephen Olusesan says
Waoooooo this is well edited research and kudos to the writer for not allow our culture and norms go extension. Meanwhile, this write up will go a long way to help our today’s Yoruba youth that embarking to engaged to know what it take for defining Yoruba Engagements items
omolola says
What a helpful tips,pls does peach nd powder blue goes 2geda as a bridal colour in marriage?here is my pin:2C0BB043 pls I need an urgent answer cos my wedding cumz up in a month time.
Abisola says
hi sweetie,you have gone a great work for us by posing dis list on net,thanks so much KUDOS 2 u.thanks
Oshin meggie says
U are d best God will increase u in every way. I just wrote down my engagement list from ur writeup. Thanks
adejoke balogun says
what about the things that the bride parents will buy for her to take to her husband’s house
ifeoluwa says
Am having my introduction in december is it neccesary for me and my fiance to put on d same attire?
Elizabeth Ogunmola says
Nice job you’ve done , this is a great awareness for people who are planning their engagement
Debbie says
thanks for this hint, Did i need MC for my proper introduction?……………wat did colour means in marriage? must it b your best colour of both parties or wat?
kashbaby says
Sayo, you don’t know how am so happy to get this list? i and my mum so disturb and we are be asking for it up and down before i check here,God will bless you more and more and thank you so much. Keep it up
Tosin Omawunmi says
I really luv dis sooooo much,av been searching for it for a while but am very api to get dis……Its soooo helpful..tanx
adewale says
hello ma,i really appreciate what i see and make me happy for your gesture help,God will always bless you and add more knowledge to your elbow.Ma,am still a bachelor that plan to get marry next year but i want to plan with the money i have with me which is 500,000 naira for engagement and wedding.Can you help me out with it? pls call me on this line 08165639169.
adeniran oluwaseun says
Dis is a job well done. More greese to ur elbow. Incase u need alaga ijoko or alaga iduro, pls contact divine impact as one on 08038052238, 08023375828. Thk u n God bless
oguns smart says
I LIKE THESE
oguns smart says
GOOD JOB PLEASE KEEP IT UP
mutiu olaide says
Good job
sidi says
Thanks. Very useful
funmi says
I read it out to my mom and she said ‘perfect’. You nailed it!
yemisi says
Thanks for d list, wat of if we want u to get d list and decorate it cos it a small wedding which is palour wedding.
Bath says
You did such a good work! I’m not Nigerian but I’m gonna marry one and this article is the must! Very helpful!
fisayo says
nice job keep it up this is so helpful
Comfy says
Good job,Sayo.
I’v been enlightened.
paul says
this is a nice job
Sayo C. says
Hi Tolani, yes they are. See our photo gallery for more inspiration. https://www.weddingfeferity.com/wedding-photo-gallery. And also the rest of the site. Thank You.
Sayo C. says
Hi Zandile, as the bride, you do not need to take any gifts. The Nigerian tradition requires the groom and his family to visit the bride and her family for the formal introduction ceremony. As you are South African, whatever tradition your tribe demands is what will hold.
Having said that, there is no harm in taking some gifts just as a kind gesture. I think taking some nice South African gifts would be a nice way to introduce them to your culture. South African fabric and foods maybe? Otherwise, you can stick to standard Nigerian fruits and drinks. You can’t wrong with those.
Sayo C. says
Thanks Tibe. Your kind words are appreciated.
Sayo C. says
Hi Nike, Thanks for chipping in. @Zandile, Nike is right, nothing is set in stone for introductions. Just basic things like fruits, drinks, palm wine (if the bride is from the east) and anything else you wish to give.
Nike Korode says
Wow,Sayo,thanks for this write up.Now i know all what my parents will collect from my fiancee.
@Zandile,you can bring any gift apart from the one listed above.You can give them fruits,can drinks and anyother things you like.
Eunice Idowu says
Great!!! am proud of you
Tibe Ewolabi says
Tiri Bosa!!! to Sayo,you’re my inspiration..l
Zandile Khanyile says
Good day
I’m from SA and my Nigerian Yoruba fiancee and I plan to marry here inSA..but we want to go to his family soon for the introduction and family blessings before we say I do…I would like to know please if I need to bring any gidfts as a bride to be and what would those gifts be.
Thnk you in advance
Abiola says
Sayo you are tooooo much!!God bless you!keep it up!
tolani says
Thanks a lot,this is help full. Pls I need your help in choosing wedding colour is pepper red and blue a good match.
Adio Bolanle says
I am so much excited for this piece of information pls keep d flag flying.
Yetunde says
Thank you very much for all the helpful tips and information. Keep up the good work.
Sayo C. says
Hi Mr Akolawole….The challenge with lists for other non-yoruba cultures is just how greatly they vary from one town/city/village/family/household to the next. I will try to hunt one down and you can use it to guide you bearing in mind that what you may receive may vary greatly.
Sayo C. says
Hello Adeniji, as I said above to Funmi, this varies from one family to the next. Money isn’t usually involved, but a few things like food products and drinks is the norm.
Sayo C. says
Hi Funmi…This varies from one family to the next. Money isn’t usually involved, but a few things like food products and drinks is the norm.
Sayo C. says
Amin! Wishing you God’s blessings as you start your journey next month.
Sayo C. says
Hi Brittany.
Most families provide the items listed above, some just give less or more than the quantities stipulated.
ADENIJI KOREDE says
pls I need introduction list
Mr Akolawole Josh says
Please what of me that want’s to marry a calabar girl, how do I get the list for both engagement and introduction? Please be of helppin:29A310FF +2348033247299 for whatssap
funmi oniyide says
hi, i jst wnt to ask abt eru iyawo d 1st introduction dat d groom’s parent will bring along for der 1st visit.
adunbarin savage says
by His grace I will be getting married in march
Vickee says
thanks! this is helpful
Brittany says
This information is great! I just wanted to know if there was one more thing that is “must have” for the list. You said the Bible and the kola nut but I didn’t know if there was one more thing since theres an “and” after that.
Abiodun says
Keep up the good work. Will be quite helpful.
Oni Emmanuel says
Thx so much, you have done great by uploading such an information. More greese to your elbow.
Abiola says
This is quite helpful. Keep up the good work
SHEHU SALAMI says
bravo bravO, am planning and preparing to do my wedding by God grace. Amen
Sayo C. says
Thanks alot Seyi. Yes oh, start saving asap. The earlier the better 🙂
Oluwaseyi says
Oh my God! God bless you. A lot of research has gone into this piece and this is simply wonderful! And helpful too. Let me start saving up then 🙂