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Turkish Wedding in France: Traditions, Timeline and Planning

A guide to the Turkish wedding in France: kına gecesi (henna night), söz, nişan, ceremony and reception. Traditions, budget and specialized vendors.

By the NUPLY editorial team3 min read

Photo : Lokman Salan, Pexels
Contents, 6 sections
  1. The stages of the traditional Turkish wedding
  2. The Kına Gecesi, a highlight
  3. Music and dance
  4. The Takı ritual (the couple's gold)
  5. The budget for a Turkish wedding in France
  6. Finding your vendors on NUPLY

The Turkish wedding is a warm and festive celebration, paced by strong traditions such as the henna night (kına gecesi) and dancing to the sound of the davul and the zurna. In France, couples of Turkish heritage carry on these rituals while adapting them. Here is how to plan your Turkish wedding.

1. The stages of the traditional Turkish wedding

  • The Söz: the promise, the first official meeting of the two families
  • The Nişan (engagement): the exchange of rings joined by a red ribbon that is then cut, celebrated with family
  • The Kına Gecesi (henna night): the eve of the wedding, a moving evening reserved for the bride and the women of the family
  • The Düğün: the grand wedding reception, with music, dancing and the ritual of tying on ribbons and gold

2. The Kına Gecesi, a highlight

The henna night is one of the most moving moments. The bride, dressed in a red bindallı and wearing a red veil, is surrounded by the women of her family. Henna is placed in the palm of her hand, often with a gold coin, while traditional songs ring out. It is a celebration both joyful and full of emotion, marking the bride's departure from her family.

3. Music and dance

Music is at the heart of the Turkish wedding. The halay, a circle dance to the sound of the davul (drum) and the zurna (oboe), sweeps up every guest. A DJ specializing in Turkish and Middle Eastern music knows how to alternate Turkish classics, arabesque, Turkish pop and the tracks that get several generations dancing. Discover our Middle Eastern wedding DJs.

4. The Takı ritual (the couple's gold)

During the reception, guests pin gold coins or banknotes to the ribbons worn by the couple: this is the takı, which helps the young couple start their life together. This much-anticipated moment is often announced by the evening's host.

5. The budget for a Turkish wedding in France

For a Turkish wedding of 250 guests (receptions are often large):

  • Reception venue: 3,000€ - 9,000€
  • Halal caterer: 60€ - 110€ per person
  • Turkish DJ / band: 1,500€ - 4,000€
  • Attire (dress, bindallı): 1,500€ - 5,000€
  • Decoration and henna night: 1,500€ - 4,000€
  • Photographer / videographer: 1,500€ - 4,000€

Estimated total budget: 25,000€ - 55,000€ depending on the level of service and the number of guests.

Finding your vendors on NUPLY

NUPLY connects you with vendors who know Turkish traditions: halal caterers, DJs and bands, decorators and photographers. Explore the Turkish wedding vendors page and use NUPLY matching to build your team. Mutluluklar!

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