Salam! I still remember the first time I attended a traditional Moroccan wedding. Standing at the entrance of the wedding hall in Marrakech, I watched in awe as the band played traditional music while guests arrived in their finest attire. The luxury of weddings in Morocco is something that truly needs to be experienced to be believed – a spectacular celebration that combines centuries of tradition with modern opulence.
Moroccan weddings are unlike any others in the world. They're not just ceremonies; they're elaborate multi-day festivals featuring costume changes, processions, feasting, and celebrations that continue until dawn. As someone who has witnessed these incredible events firsthand, I'm excited to take you behind the scenes of what makes Moroccan weddings so special and luxurious.
The Structure of a Moroccan Wedding Celebration
While modern Moroccan weddings have been condensed somewhat from their traditional seven-day format, they still typically span three days of festivities – each with its own significance and traditions.
Day 1: Hammam Day
The celebration begins with what's known as Hammam Day. This is when the bride visits the traditional Moroccan bath, accompanied by female relatives and friends. The hammam is decorated with roses, and the bride undergoes special bathing rituals. This day symbolizes purification and preparation for her new life.
"Traditionally, the hammam is full of roses and henna," explained Sahar Ramses, a Moroccan event planner I spoke with. "Even the bath has its own traditions attached to it."
Day 2: Henna Ceremony
The second day features the henna ceremony, typically held in the evening. The bride wears a special dress – traditionally green to represent the henna plant itself. During this ceremony, a henna artist creates intricate designs on the bride's hands and feet. These designs are not just decorative; they're symbolic of good luck, fertility, and protection against evil.
Day 3: The "Big Day"
The third day is what Moroccans call "the big day" – the actual wedding celebration. And it truly is big in every sense of the word! Beginning around 8 PM and often continuing until 5 AM or later, this marathon celebration is where the luxury of Moroccan weddings truly shines.
"For the big day, everything has to be big," Sahar told me. "Especially the cost."
The Spectacle of the Amariya Entrance
One of the most distinctive and luxurious elements of a Moroccan wedding is the Amariya entrance. This spectacular tradition involves carrying the bride (and sometimes the groom) into the wedding hall on an ornate platform.
The History and Significance of the Amariya
The Amariya tradition originated in Fez, one of Morocco's oldest cities. Dating back approximately 600 years, the original Amariya was a box with windows that offered the bride modesty while still allowing her to be presented.
"The Amariya used to be a box with windows, because they valued modesty. You could only see through the windows," a craftsman in Fez's Souk Al-Najjarin (Carpenters' Market) explained to me. "Back in the day, they used to place it on camels."
Today's Amariya has evolved into what looks like a golden throne or cage, elaborately decorated with intricate designs. The bride sits inside while several men lift it onto their shoulders and parade her around the wedding venue. It's a truly majestic sight that announces the couple's union to all guests.
"They carry the Amariya as an announcement of the wedding, so everyone sees the bride," one wedding attendee explained.
The men carrying the platform move in rhythm with the traditional music, creating a dramatic entrance that looks like something straight out of a royal ceremony. The groom sometimes has his own carriage called a "Meida," which is similar but doesn't have a top.
Multiple Outfit Changes: The Fashion Show Element
Another aspect that adds to the luxury of weddings in Morocco is the multiple costume changes both bride and groom undertake throughout the night. Each outfit is more elaborate and expensive than anything you might see at weddings in other countries.
The Bride's Transformations
The bride typically wears at least three different outfits during the wedding celebration:
- First Look (White or Beige): For the Amariya entrance, the bride often wears a white or beige dress with intricate handmade embroidery, symbolizing purity.
- Traditional Look (Colorful): The second look features more vibrant colors like green or red, paired with elaborate jewelry including a crown that might feature genuine gemstones like emeralds and rubies.
- Dinner Look (Slightly Simpler): The third outfit, worn during dinner, is what Moroccans consider "simple" – though it still takes about a month to create and features beautiful embroidery.
"The embroidery is simpler," a wedding coordinator explained, showing me the dinner outfit. When I expressed surprise that such an elaborate dress was considered simple, she added: "This takes a month to make. The other one takes three months."
The Jewelry: Fit for Royalty
The jewelry worn by Moroccan brides is nothing short of spectacular. Each outfit has its own set of accessories, including ornate belts, necklaces, and crowns.
The crown worn during the second look is particularly impressive – large, heavy, and often decorated with genuine gemstones. As one wedding attendee described it, "It looks like a royal crown... like something straight out of a heist movie when they rob a museum."
Another important piece is the belt that goes over the caftan, known as "the most important piece" as it "brings the beauty of the caftan." There's also a special necklace called the "thread of the soul" that's considered essential for the henna look.
The Cost of Luxury: What Does a Moroccan Wedding Cost?
The luxury of weddings in Morocco comes with a price tag to match. When I asked about typical costs, event planner Sahar Ramses explained:
"It depends on what people can afford. Anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000."
The Amariya alone can cost between 5,000 and 50,000 dirhams (approximately $500 to $5,000). The bridal dresses are similarly expensive, with each outfit being a significant investment due to the handmade embroidery and high-quality materials.
Who Pays for What?
Traditionally, most expenses are covered by the groom, similar to other Arab countries. The bride receives her dresses and jewelry as gifts from the groom, separate from the mandatory cash dowry.
However, modern Moroccan families often split the costs: "The groom's side and the bride's usually split the cost in half. We believe in helping each other," Sahar explained.
One wedding guest jokingly remarked: "May God help Moroccan men!" – acknowledging the financial burden these elaborate celebrations can place on grooms.
The Gift-Giving Traditions
Gift-giving is an integral part of Moroccan wedding celebrations, with several formalized exchanges taking place.
Gifts from Guests
Unlike some cultures where guests might simply attend the wedding without bringing anything, in Morocco, gifts are expected. Household items are common presents, though this sometimes results in duplicate gifts – "like seven microwaves," as one local humorously noted.
The Gift Parade
During the wedding celebration, there's a formal procession where the groom and his family present gifts to the bride and her family. This parade is one of the most important parts of the wedding ceremony.
The "Sabouh" Day
The gift-giving doesn't end with the wedding night. The day after the wedding, there's a tradition called "Sabouh" where the bride gives gifts back to the groom's family, particularly to his mother and sisters.
"The same way the bride got gifts, she has to give back to the groom's family," explained one attendee. Interestingly, the groom himself doesn't typically receive gifts: "His bride is the most precious gift."
The Feast and Celebration
Food is, of course, a central element of any Moroccan celebration, and weddings feature elaborate meals served late in the evening.
Traditional dishes might include chicken with daghmira (a Moroccan sauce) and beef with prunes. The couple traditionally visits each table to ensure all guests are having a good time and to announce when dinner will be served.
The celebration continues well into the early morning hours. When I expressed surprise that the wedding was still going strong at 4 AM, I was told: "It's still early! We'll stay till 7." Moroccan weddings require stamina from all participants!
Music and Entertainment
Traditional music is a crucial element of Moroccan weddings. Musicians play instruments that might seem unusual to foreigners, including a long trumpet-like instrument and percussion that keeps the energy high throughout the night.
"Moroccan people really value joy," one attendee told me, explaining the enthusiasm for prolonged celebration.
The Warmth of Moroccan Hospitality
Perhaps the most touching aspect of Moroccan weddings isn't the luxury or the spectacle, but the incredible hospitality shown to guests – even unexpected ones.
One of the most surprising things I discovered is that Moroccan weddings are often open to acquaintances and even respectful strangers. When I asked if people would be upset about uninvited guests, I was told: "No, the opposite. They'll be happy you came."
This openness reflects the broader Moroccan culture of hospitality. As one wedding guest's mother explained: "They'll never turn you away. They'll welcome you in. They value family ties... To them, everyone is part of the family."
Experiencing a Moroccan Wedding as a Visitor
If you're lucky enough to be invited to a Moroccan wedding during your travels, here are some tips to help you navigate the experience:
What to Wear
For men attending a Moroccan wedding, traditional options include the jabador or the one-piece jellaba, preferably in dark colors (light colors are reserved for the groom). These can be paired with traditional shoes called "belgha."
Women can wear elegant dresses or caftans, though it's best to avoid white (the bride's color) and to dress modestly while still being formal.
Gift Etiquette
Bringing a gift is expected. Household items are common, though cash is always appropriate if you're unsure what to bring.
Timing Expectations
Be prepared for a long night! Moroccan weddings start late (around 8 PM) and continue until dawn. Pacing yourself is important – this is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Resilience of Moroccan Wedding Traditions
Even modern challenges haven't diminished Moroccans' love for elaborate weddings. During COVID-19 restrictions, many couples postponed their weddings rather than scaling them down, demonstrating how important these traditions are to Moroccan culture.
Some couples who had children before they could hold their wedding even incorporated their babies into delayed celebrations, showing the flexibility and enduring importance of wedding traditions.
Final Thoughts: The Unforgettable Experience of a Moroccan Wedding
The luxury of weddings in Morocco goes beyond material opulence – it's about the richness of tradition, the depth of cultural significance, and the warmth of communal celebration. From the magnificent Amariya entrance to the multiple costume changes, from the elaborate feasts to the music that keeps everyone dancing until dawn, a Moroccan wedding is truly an unforgettable experience.
What struck me most wasn't just the spectacle, but the inclusivity and joy that permeates these celebrations. As one attendee beautifully summarized: "No walls, no barriers. We're a welcoming people. Our doors are open for everyone with good intentions."
Have you ever attended a wedding in Morocco or another country with unique traditions? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! Or perhaps you're planning to incorporate some Moroccan elements into your own wedding? Share your thoughts and questions!