If you’ve ever looked through an Eru Iyawo list, you may have wondered why it includes cartons of malt, soft drinks, fruit juice, wine or even champagne. At first glance, it might seem like these drinks are simply for entertaining guests during the engagement ceremony. While that’s certainly part of the story, their significance goes much deeper.
In Yoruba culture, sharing food and drinks has always been an important way of showing hospitality, appreciation and goodwill. When families gather to celebrate a traditional marriage, they’re not just witnessing the union of two people, they’re welcoming one another into an extended family. The drinks included in an Eru Iyawo package reflect that spirit of celebration and togetherness.
A Celebration Worth Sharing
A traditional wedding is one of life’s biggest milestones. It’s a day filled with laughter, music, dancing, prayers and plenty of happy moments. It’s also an opportunity for two families, who may have only recently met, to begin building lifelong relationships. Offering drinks during such an occasion is a simple but meaningful gesture. It says, “You are welcome here. Come, celebrate with us.” That’s why you’ll often see drinks served throughout the ceremony as guests mingle, congratulate the couple and enjoy the festivities.
Eru Iyawo: What Drinks Are Usually Included?
The exact list varies from one family to another, but some drinks appear more frequently than others.
Malt Drinks
Malt is one of the most common beverages you’ll find on an Eru Iyawo list. Because it’s widely enjoyed across different age groups and religions, it’s often considered a safe choice for family celebrations. Many families request several cartons to ensure there’s enough for guests during the ceremony.
Soft Drinks
Popular carbonated drinks are another regular feature of traditional wedding lists. They’re practical, familiar and ideal for entertaining large numbers of guests. Depending on the family, they may request assorted flavours or specific brands.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juices offer a refreshing alternative and are especially popular for guests who prefer non-carbonated beverages. They also complement the fresh fruits commonly included in the Eru Iyawo package, creating a colourful and well-balanced presentation.

Wine and Champagne
Some families include red wine, sparkling wine or champagne as part of the traditional gifts. These drinks are usually associated with celebration and special occasions. However, not every family includes alcoholic beverages, so it’s important to follow the official list provided by the bride’s family.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Drinks
Many modern families choose sparkling fruit drinks instead of alcoholic beverages. They still capture the celebratory feel of the occasion while ensuring everyone, regardless of personal or religious beliefs, feels comfortable.
Drinks in Eru Iyawo: Buying in Bulk Saves Money
Offering drinks to guests has always been an important part of Yoruba hospitality. Including drinks in Eru Iyawo reflects the family’s generosity and willingness to celebrate together. The goal isn’t necessarily to buy the most expensive brands. It’s about presenting quality items that show thoughtfulness and respect.
If you’re purchasing drinks for a large Eru Iyawo package, buying one carton at a time from neighbourhood supermarkets can become quite expensive. Many families now prefer sourcing their drinks in bulk to reduce costs while still meeting the requirements of the traditional list.
Make Eru Iyawo Shopping Easier
Preparing for a traditional wedding already comes with enough planning. Running around Lagos looking for different drinks shouldn’t add to the stress.
Iyaloja Direct helps families source food items, fruits and many of the everyday groceries and drinks needed for Eru Iyawo at competitive prices. With doorstep delivery, you can spend more time focusing on your celebration and less time sitting in traffic.
Image credit: Clipkulture
[…] most people think about an Eru Iyawo package, their minds immediately go to bags of rice, cartons of drinks and colourful baskets of fresh fruits. Those items certainly take up a large part of the list, but […]