6 Essential Turkish Wedding Traditions You Should Know

Weddings are a key part of all cultures, with small and big differences in most places around the world. It’s no shock that weddings in Turkey have grown into something unique to the country.

Turkey is a place with grand sights and good food. This land is full of old stories and rare ways of life, with busy spots like Istanbul and Cappadocia. Turkish wedding traditions, like in other places, blend old and new customs. They are a joy to watch. Read on with Turkey Immigration Services to find out more about Turkish wedding life and its sweet customs.  

A Brief History of Turkish Wedding Traditions

Turkish weddings have deep roots in the old lands of Anatolia. In the past, weddings were more than personal events—they built bonds and brought people together. Today, Turkish weddings still keep some old ways, like giving gifts and holding big parties.

In the old days, weddings lasted three days and nights. The whole town would join with songs and dances. Couples could choose either a religious or civil ceremony. A religious one only needed an imam and two witnesses but was not legal. In villages, many still follow old steps for good fortune.

Each part of Turkey has its own wedding customs, making for a rich mix of traditions. For those who are new, learning common rituals shows the beauty of these special events.

Turkish Prewedding Traditions

The journey to the wedding day begins with several unique prewedding rituals. The most iconic is the görüşme (meeting), where the families of the bride and groom meet to discuss the marriage. This is followed by the kız isteme (asking for the bride) ceremony, where the groom formally requests the bride’s hand from her family. The groom's family also sends a tray of Turkish delight or other sweets to the bride's family to symbolize good intentions.

In Turkey, wedding rings are not traded at the wedding but at the promise to marry, called "Alyans". An older kin ties two rings on the pair’s fourth finger of the right hand. The night before the wedding, the bride and her close ones have a Henna Night (Kına Gecesi), much like a party for the bride or groom. This old act has henna put on the bride’s palm and the groom’s little finger while songs play to ward off harm. An elder gives the bride a gold coin for luck. At Henna Night, the bride sits on a chair and is made to cry with songs as a way to say bye to her old life. Once she cries, the night shifts to joy with dance.

6 Turkish Prewedding Traditions That Make It Stand Out

1. Henna night or “Kına Gecesi”

Henna night in Turkish wedding night traditions, a longtime tradition, takes place a day or two before the wedding. It brings family and friends together for a simple gathering. With songs sung, henna is placed on the bride’s hand and the groom’s pinky. This shows love and keeps away harm.

Though customs may change by region, one main part stays. The bride sits with single girls around her, holding candles and singing songs. The aim is to make the bride feel sad. All wait for her to cry, marking the move from sadness to joy as she starts her new life.

Adding to Turkey's rich culture, the bride keeps her hand closed during the henna event. When it is said, "the bride won't open her hand," the mother-in-law puts a gold coin in her palm. This acts as a henna gift and gives this old custom both meaning and value.

In Turkey Henna night occurs a day or two before the wedding

2. Coffee with salt

When the man's kin visits the woman's home to ask for her hand in marriage. All but the man, the woman brings sweet Turkish coffee. To show love and thanks, she salts his cup, making him drink it all with no change in face. The salty cup shows he will take on all she brings in life. After this, the man gives her a small gift, like flowers and a plain ring.

3. Gold-adorning ceremony

If you want to show yourself in a special way, this is the place to go. Friends and loved ones give the pair gold as they start a new life. With Turkish wedding traditions costs being high, these gifts help ease the load. The gold is often sold for money, giving real help. Though giving these gifts to the bride and groom takes time and effort, trading gold for good wishes makes it worth it in the end.

Friends and family gift the couple gold jewelry for their new life 

4. Wedding shoe signing

This is a sweet act done by a bride and her close women friends. A bride writes the names of her single friends under her shoes before the wedding. The name that fades most shows who will marry next. It is like tossing the flowers but is also seen in modern Turkish weddings. Writing your friends' names on shoes is a fun and nice way to include them in your wedding moments.

5. The Maidenhood Belt

The Maidenhood belt is key in a Turkish wedding rituals. For the bride to join the group, a man, often her brother, helps her tie the belt, called Bekaret Kusagi in Turkish, around her waist. She ties it three times before the wedding goes on.

The Maidenhood belt tying is an integral part of any Turkish wedding

6. Stepping on Each other’s feet

One common belief after the "I dos" is that the pair may step on each other's feet. The one who steps first is thought to lead in the marriage. Men can step on the women’s toes, but women often act quicker. If you want a new way to show yourself, this is the spot. Shoes mean freedom in most cultures, so this act might help keep partners close. Whether or not you trust this idea, you’ll have fun cheering for your side to step on the other's foot first!

Find Your Perfect Wedding Dress

Choosing the right Turkish wedding dress is a central part of a Turkish wedding. Brides often wear elaborate gowns, typically in white, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. However, some brides choose to wear traditional bindallı, a red or burgundy embroidered gown, as part of the wedding ceremony to honor cultural heritage.

Turkish wedding attire

Find Your Kind of Venue

Whether in a traditional setting or a more modern venue, the location of a Turkish wedding plays a vital role. Some weddings take place in large family homes, others in outdoor venues, or even in grand halls, depending on the couple’s preference and budget. The venue often reflects the blend of tradition and modernity that defines Turkish weddings.

Turkish Wedding Attire

In Turkey, wedding attire isn’t just for the bride and groom. Guests are also expected to dress according to cultural expectations, with formal attire being a common practice for the occasion. The groom typically wears a tuxedo, while the bride opts for a wedding dress, but many incorporate Turkish cultural elements into their clothing choices.

Guest Attire

What to wear to a turkish wedding? Guests are expected to dress smartly for Turkish weddings. The women often wear elegant dresses, with some opting for red or other bold colors, as red is considered lucky in Turkish culture. Men usually wear suits or formal attire, with respect given to the traditional yet modern atmosphere of the wedding.

Turkish Wedding Ceremony Traditions

The Turkish wedding ceremony itself is a blend of religious and cultural traditions. For many Turkish couples, the ceremony takes place in a mosque or church, depending on religious beliefs. The groom and bride exchange vows, often followed by the şeyh or imam giving a blessing. In more traditional weddings, the couple may also receive the söz kesme (promise cutting), a symbolic gesture of their commitment to one another.

Turkish wedding customs vary across regions showcasing cultural diversity 

Turkish Wedding Reception Traditions

The wedding reception is a vibrant celebration with food, dancing, and music. Traditional halay dances are performed, where guests join hands and form a circle. The rhythm of the music and the lively energy create an unforgettable atmosphere. Guests often throw confetti or rose petals as the couple dances, and gifts are presented to the newlyweds.

Turkish Traditional Wedding Food, Drinks & Desserts

Turkish Wedding Food plays a significant role in Turkish weddings

Turkish weddings are known for their lavish feasts. Turkish Wedding Food plays a significant role in Turkish weddings, with a grand feast typically served. Traditional Turkish wedding food varies by region but usually includes:

• Baklava: A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. Baklava is often served as a dessert at weddings.
• Lamb or Chicken Kebabs: A mainstay in Turkish cuisine, kebabs are a popular choice for wedding receptions, often grilled and served with rice or bread.
• Meze Platters: A variety of small dishes, such as hummus, baba ganoush, yogurt dips, and stuffed grape leaves, are typically served before the main course.
• Sweets and Desserts: Turkish delight (lokum), Turkish baklava, and other sweets are often served alongside coffee at weddings.

Turkish Postwedding Traditions

After the wedding, the newlyweds partake in postwedding traditions like the gelin alma (bride taking) ceremony, where the bride visits her parents' home for the last time as a single woman. There may also be a family gathering where gifts and well wishes are exchanged, and the couple is celebrated in their new life together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Wedding Traditions

What is the typical cost of a Turkish wedding?

The cost of a Turkish wedding can vary greatly depending on the location, number of guests, and scale of the celebration. On average, a traditional Turkish wedding may cost anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. This includes the venue, catering, attire, entertainment, and gifts. However, it is customary for the families of the bride and groom to share the costs.

What are traditional Turkish wedding gifts?

Traditional Turkish wedding gifts include money, jewelry, and household items, often given by close family and friends. It is common for the bride to receive gold jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets, as these are considered valuable and symbolically represent prosperity. Guests may also give the couple practical gifts for their new life together.

What are some common Turkish wedding gifts?

Gifts are a key part of Turkish weddings. Both sides give gifts at different times, and guests bring gifts too. Usual wedding gifts are:

• Gold: Gold items like coins, jewelry, or gold-covered gifts are common. They stand for wealth and luck in the marriage.  
• Money: Guests often give cash to the couple. In some places, they pin it to the bride's dress or put it in a box.  
• Home Goods: Many bring useful home items, like pans or small machines, to help the couple build their new home.  

Is there a traditional turkish wedding cake?

The wedding cake is less common in Turkish weddings than in Western ones. Still, many couples choose to have one at the party. It is often a tall cake with many layers and fancy designs. In some places, cutting the cake is part of a happy event shared with guests.

Do Turkish weddings have a first dance?

Yes, Turkish weddings typically feature a first dance by the bride and groom. This dance is often followed by a celebration where everyone joins in.

Do Turkish weddings have a bouquet toss?

No, tossing the bouquet is not a usual thing in Turkey. Guests often give small gifts or pin money to the bride’s dress at the party.

What is the meaning of the bride's red dress?

In some parts of Turkey, the bride wears a red dress. It stands for good luck, joy, and keeping away bad spirits.

Turkish weddings mix old ways with love and history. Each moment shows the country’s rich past, telling stories of love from old times to now. When two people marry, they also honor long-held customs. A Turkish wedding is not just about two people; it’s a big celebration tied to the nation’s soul. If you want to see these wedding traditions, you’ll need a Turkey e-Visa. It’s quick and simple to get. Don’t wait—apply now and save time.