This matter is a bit confusing - considering that some traditional marriages are very pagan and some Christians have very pagan and fetish parents who would insist on every traditional rite-something that the christian life is totally against

oh i never knew about this. thank Gods, some parents have some moral sense.

I guess to ascertain that the parents have given their blessing first before the church. It's in order.
The family has to okay the marriage as such the formality of a traditional wedding first.

I didn't know that churches "insist" on anything. It's just something the people involved do for cultural/traditional reasons.
Having a traditional wedding is not a pre-requisite to be married in a church - unless I am misunderstanding your original point @OP

to Ok the marriage is one thing to do a traditional marriage is another, and yes most churches I know insist, some even ask on the wedding day and make the parents affirm to that on the microphone

^^^ Churches ask on the wedding day if the couple have already done their traditional wedding

I guess you and I attend different types of weddings. Never seen it/ never heard of it.

What most church is after, is paying of the bride price, the party is not necessary

Nabena06:

This matter is a bit confusing - considering that some traditional marriages are very pagan and some Christians have very pagan and fetish parents who would insist on every traditional rite-something that the christian life is totally against

The christian does not have to follow ungodly practise in the tradition . THey shouldn't agree to anything that is contrary to their convictions.  The major thing is the dowry and feasting. It is honour for the parents who had raised her up and the lady as well . That in the presence of the villagers who acts as witnesses the girl is properly given out. So the story is "The man come to the fathers house to mary her. And tHe community witness it"

^^^^

colonial relic.

Didnt know they did that but its a good practice if so.

hehe its good to hear you turning to the Pagan side tpia@.

^Traditional wedding practices arent a celebration of paganism.

Its mainly a communal acknowledgement of the union.

ya whatever.