Magical Moroccan weddings: Luxurious celebrations of tradition and status | DW Documentary

A wedding in Morocco is like a fairytale out of “1001 Nights.” Brides become princesses. The guest list has to be long; the clothing, sumptuously stylish; the jewelry, the finest; and the food, tip-top. It takes months to plan a Moroccan wedding. That’s how it was for Yousra and Othman as well. The couple live in France, but they got married in Yousra’s Moroccan hometown, Fez. They hired Negaffa Salwa to plan the event, but of course the parents also get a say in shaping their children’s big day. After all, the wedding is all about image within the family and among friends. Together, they search for a venue. The local markets, or souks are combed for the finest oud, incense and musk for the henna party, which is usually held on the eve of the wedding. Yousra and Othman are also opening their nuptials with the traditional celebration, one featuring all the bells and whistles. The bridegroom and his family will enter with great fanfare. Gifts will be displayed and the bride will appear in different outfits. All eyes will be on Yousra when she is carried into the venue on traditional wooden palanquin known as an Amaria. But the high point of the evening is when the bride enters in a traditional fassia dress. Wearing the heavy, sumptuous brocade and enormous crown will be no mean feat for the petite Yousra. The trick is to smile and make it all look easy. Yousra knows she’ll be on camera non-stop and loads of photographs and videos will be posted on social media. Beyond being unforgettable for the young couple and their guests, the fairytale wedding enhances their families’ status.