At a Moroccan wedding, a female guest most often wears a kaftan: a long dress that covers the shoulders and arms, in a bold or deep colour. White and ivory are left to the bride, and guests choose shoes that will last through a long evening. A takchita is also suitable, especially for those close to the bride, as long as it stays more understated than hers.
The dress code of a Moroccan wedding
A Moroccan wedding is a long celebration that goes on late into the night, marked by the bride's entrance on the amariya, her changes of outfit orchestrated by the negafa, the music and the dinner. A guest's outfit follows three principles: it is long, it covers, and it does not compete with the bride. Everything else, colour, cut or embroidery, depends on personal taste and on how close you are to the family.
A guest unfamiliar with Moroccan customs can wear a long evening dress with sleeves, in a dressy fabric. The kaftan nevertheless remains the most natural choice, because it meets all of these rules at once.
Kaftan or takchita for a guest?
The kaftan is the guest's outfit par excellence. Made in a single piece, it is easy to wear, lends itself to dancing and exists at every level of formality, from plain crepe to velvet embroidered with gold. The takchita, more ceremonial, is worn mainly by close family: sisters, mother, aunts. It then stays in the background compared with the bride's, in colour as well as in embroidery. Between the two, the kimono kaftan keeps the layering of the takchita with a lighter line.
What sets the two pieces apart is explained in our article kaftan or takchita, and the finishing details that make a beautiful kaftan in our guide to the Moroccan kaftan. Our kaftans for guests are chosen for this role.
Which colours to wear, and which to avoid?
White, ivory and off-white belong to the bride, who makes her entrance in a white takchita: this is the only rule without exception. All other colours are allowed. Deep shades, royal blue, emerald, burgundy or teal, and bright colours such as fuchsia are the most worn; pastel tones and lilac suit daytime celebrations well. Black, long avoided, is now worn in the evening, especially with gold embroidery; in a family deeply attached to tradition, it is better kept for another occasion.
The meaning of each colour is explained in our guide to kaftan colours.
What to wear at each stage of the wedding?
| Stage | What happens | Guest's outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement | The two families meet, the marriage proposal | Elegant kaftan, light embroidery |
| Henna night | An evening among women, henna applied to the bride's hands and feet | Colourful kaftan; the bride wears green and gold |
| Marriage contract | Signing before the adouls, or at the town hall in France | Long dress or light kaftan |
| Wedding evening | The couple's entrance on the amariya, dinner, dancing | Festive kaftan, kimono kaftan or understated takchita |
Belt, jewellery, shoes: the accessories
A belt dresses up a simple kaftan: a metal mdamma for the evening, a fabric or braided belt for a henna night. A single statement piece of jewellery is enough, most often earrings that echo the colour of the outfit or the metal of the embroidery. On your feet, stable heels or dressy sandals, because the evening is long and there is dancing. A small clutch completes the outfit.
Our detailed advice is gathered in how to wear a kaftan; for jewellery, see our oriental earrings.
Guest wearing a headscarf: which outfit to choose?
The kaftan naturally suits a headscarf: long sleeves, ankle length, covered shoulders. A stand-up collar, known as a mandarin collar, removes the need to layer an underdress. Choose the headscarf in a light fabric, chiffon or crepe, and in a colour taken from the embroidery rather than the background, so as not to weigh down the silhouette. The belt, placed at the natural waist, keeps the line.
The final details before the celebration
Try on the outfit with the shoes you will wear on the day: their height sets the length, and a hem that is too long catches on the heels when dancing. The day before, smooth out the kaftan with gentle steam, without touching the embroidery, rather than with an iron. Check the aakad and how the belt sits. Finally, bring a light stole for the end of the evening, and a clutch large enough for a lipstick and a phone.
And for men?
A male guest wears a suit or a Moroccan outfit: the jabador, a set made up of a tunic, a sleeveless waistcoat and a seroual, or a djellaba, with belghas on his feet. These pieces are described in our guide to traditional Moroccan dress.
Frequently asked questions
Can a guest wear white to a Moroccan wedding?
No. White, ivory and off-white are reserved for the bride, who makes her entrance in a white takchita. White or silver embroidery on a coloured background, however, remains possible.
Is a long Western dress acceptable?
Yes, especially for a guest who is not part of the family: a long dress with sleeves, in a dressy fabric, is suitable. The kaftan remains the most common choice.
Which kaftan colour should a guest choose?
Any colour except white and ivory. Royal blue, emerald, burgundy and fuchsia are the most worn in the evening; pastel tones suit the daytime. Black is worn in the evening, preferably embroidered.
What does a guest wear to the henna night?
A colourful kaftan, simpler than the one for the wedding evening. The bride traditionally wears green set off with gold: it is best not to copy her colours exactly.
Should you cover your shoulders at a Moroccan wedding?
It is the custom: most guests wear an outfit with sleeves, reaching down to the ankles. A kaftan naturally covers the shoulders and arms.
Can a guest wear a takchita?
Yes, especially if she is close to the bride. It must stay more understated than the bride's and must not be white.
Sources: Wikipedia (French), Mariage marocain; Wikipedia (French), Negafa.
Updated on 16 September 2026.