The 12 steps of the Moroccan wedding

Between tradition and modernity, Moroccan weddings have always fascinated those who love majestic weddings. Like the Tales of a Thousand and One Nights, the bride and groom live a waking dream that they share with everyone around them. Often gathering a very large number of guests, Moroccan weddings require careful preparation to ensure that the big day goes off as smoothly as possible and that it is above all totally magical. Ready to make your To Do List? Together, we will try to establish the steps to follow in order to approach each step of the ritual without any stress, while bringing it up to date.

1. The engagement

The traditional khobta is the period during which the future groom will not stop giving gifts to his future wife (few couples still do this). Then comes the engagement request; this is done by the husband's parents who ask for the girl's hand in marriage to his parents. Nowadays, however, it is the husband who takes the lead and goes directly to the in-laws. It is ideal for everyone that the marriage receives the blessing of both households.

2. The discussion

Without any complexes, she addresses absolutely all the issues such as the dowry, the date, the venue, the budget, the meals, the providers, the gifts etc. The parents are usually picky about the choice of the reception hall, the caterer, the oriental band, and the neggafa (woman who is responsible for assisting the bride and finding her the outfits and finery she needs, either to buy or to rent).

Preparations must be made quickly if you want to benefit from meticulous organisation. Every day is counted! That's why the whole family is needed to help you get things done. On the big day, nothing (or almost nothing) should be improvised so that you can only think about the magic of the moment.

3. Announce the big news with pretty and appropriate stationery!

In Morocco, weddings bring together a very large number of people ranging from close to very distant family, friends, friends of friends, neighbours etc. In short, all acquaintances are welcome to witness the union of the couple and to share the festivities that accompany it. In short, all acquaintances are welcome to witness the union of the couple and to share in the celebrations that accompany it. The invitation therefore plays a vital role in the success of the wedding. The personalised online card is therefore an excellent way of announcing the happy news quickly and to a very large number of people. The oriental-themed wedding stationery Moroccan will perfectly match the choice you have made to get married according to this tradition. Rely on a very high quality print, and it's done!

4. The first ceremony: "Al kaghet

The ceremony that will seal the lives of the bride and groom takes place in a closed setting; only the closest family members see the future husband and wife sign the marriage certificate. This ceremony is conducted by an adel (Muslim notary), and the presence of two witnesses is required. This is followed by a grand evening with a hearty meal and traditional music.

5. The decoration

This stage of the preparations requires great visionary skills. Particular attention must be paid to the colour combinations, as the decor, dresses and guests must form an aesthetic and elegant whole. However, it should be remembered that explosions of colour are typical of Moroccan weddings. We therefore limit ourselves to 3-4 colours, and let the rest do the rest to make the beauty emanate from itself.

Discover our "Oriental Wedding" moodboard on Pinterest 

6. Dress fittings

On the wedding night, traditionally the bride wears 7 outfits in a row. The bride must therefore carefully select the caftans (traditional long or half-length embroidered garments), the takchitas (consisting of at least 2 caftans belted at the waist), the belt (gold or set), and the jewellery (diamond rivulets, set pendants, tiaras, crowns, earrings, bracelets) that she will wear.

A true queen of the evening, she will display a majestic attitude as she presents her outfits to the entire procession of guests. Our recommendation: to make sure the outfits fit, a quick trip to the dressmaker or the boutique in the last few weeks before the wedding is a must.

It is also at this stage of the preparations that you should say to yourself "better safe than sorry". Madam, you will congratulate yourself for having prepared a small "survival kit" which includes bandages for possible injuries with the new shoes, hairpins, a small comb, needles and a bit of sewing thread for unpleasant surprises... In short, everything that could save your life in the event of a problem, all in a small pouch entrusted to one of your friends.

As for the groom, he must provide a traditional outfit and between 2 and 3 suits. That's easy!

7. A few days before the wedding: the hammam ceremony

In keeping with tradition, the bride-to-be goes to the hammam with the women of her family to take a purifying milk bath.

8. D-1: the henna ritual

The bride-to-be dresses in green and has her hands and feet tattooed amidst traditional dancing and singing. This step is essential because it dedicates the woman to happiness and prosperity.

9. Evening of D-1: the "hdiyya" ceremony

The in-laws and the groom offer gifts to the bride in taifours (pointed copper dishes) filled with sugar and milk, or the caftans that she will soon wear.

10. D-Day: the pre-party

The bride, accompanied by her relatives and her neggafa, begins the preparations in terms of make-up, hair and dress. The guests start to enter the reception hall at around 9pm, while the bride does not enter until around 11pm. It is during this time that the oriental orchestra animates the room while the guests enjoy the little treats such as juices, tea or dried fruits.

11. D-Day: the beginning of the evening

11pm: the bride appears before the entire procession of guests in "ammarya"This is the first outfit the bride should wear for her wedding party. This is the first outfit that the bride must wear for her wedding evening. Then, adorned with magnificent ornaments, come the other traditional outfits, one of which must be typical of her family (Berber, Rifian, etc.) and the last one which will be the white western wedding outfit. To ensure the alternation and change of outfits, four women are chosen beforehand to help the bride. More modern weddings see the bride wearing only the western wedding dress.

The dinner does not begin until the bride and groom are seated on a throne. The parade of dishes can then be launched: pastillas, mechoui, couscous, tajine, semolina and honey rolls, almond triangles, and fruit delight the taste buds of all the guests.

12. D + 1: the bride and groom, now Aariss and Aaroussa

The bride's parents bring breakfast to the bride and groom who, without further ado, must begin their week of visits to family and friends at home and abroad, presenting them with a few gifts by way of thanks.

Latest tips : Given the scale of such a wedding, from the meal to the reception hall to the many service providers, the total bill can quickly become expensive. To avoid expenses rising too quickly, here are a few final points to keep in mind:

• During the off-peak period (November to March) and during the week, suppliers generally lower their prices. Why not take advantage of this to organise your wedding during this period?
• Involve family and friends as much as possible in the organisation: cooking, decoration, service etc.
• If you have a house or a large garden, you can minimise your costs by hiring only what you need in terms of decoration. This way, you can avoid hiring a room that is often expensive.

So are you ready to organise your Moroccan wedding in 2021 or 2022, and party until dawn? We can't advise you enough. Gaiety, explosion of flavours and colours will make you travel during the event, which will mark your life forever. Nothing is too good for your unconditional love!