Saudi weddings
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Like most weddings anywhere in the world, Saudi weddings come in all shapes, sizes and customs. There is no “one size fits all” when describing what may or may not take place at a Saudi wedding.In general, segregation will be in practice at a Saudi wedding. And another typical characteristic is that the Saudi wedding will start much later than a western wedding. Lastly, the wedding party that one attends is more like a wedding reception. The actual wedding which is an islamic ceremony is a very private function and guests are not in attendance.During Saudi weddings, the celebration for the men usuallly commences a few hours prior to the celebration for the women. It is not unusual for the women’s wedding party to begin after 11pm. From 11pm until circa 2-3 am it can be viewed as a party for the women who will enjoy themselves with conversation, food and dance until the bride will make an appearance. Once the bride appears and she will usually be dressed in a traditional white wedding gown looking like a beautiful bride from anywhere in the world, she will be seated on a raised dais and the guests will take turns going up to greet her and congratulate her. At a traditional conservative wedding she will not be accompanied by the groom. This was one aspect of weddings which seemed at odds with me but is natural in the Saudi traditions. While guests greet the bride, music and dancing will continue for a period.Once the music stops, the guests will then have dinner and by this time it is usually easily after 3am. After taking dinner and desserts, guests are free to depart. It would be considered very rude for a guest to depart a wedding before the dinner is served.Because of the extremely close bonds between mothers and daughters in the Kingdom some mothers have a difficult time at their daughter’s wedding. They realize she is truly leaving the nest and making a new home after having been taken care of her entire life by her mother in her birth home. As a result it is a very emotional time for a mother at the wedding. Naturally she is pleased for her daughter but at the same time feels an aching emptiness in her heart that her daughter is leaving the nest. This results in many tears shed by the mother at the reception. She will gaze upon her daughter with love and pride as well as shed the tears for the times she knows she will miss.The guests at the wedding are all dressed in their finest as this is a time to see and be seen. One will see all fashion styles although the tendency in the Kingdom for dress and makeup is more elaborate than one is accustomed to in the West. It is a pleasure to sit and observe the differing styles.When going to a Saudi wedding make sure that there is nothing on the agenda early the next day. One must have that time to sleep in and recuperate from the evening of celebration.Oh yes, I was also asked whether it is typical for a new Saudi husband and wife to take a honeymoon. It certainly is and depending on the family and resources, a honeymoon make take place either within or outside the Kingdom. Because 99.9 per cent of Saudi marriages are arranged this is usually the first opportunity for the new bride and groom to have uncensored one-on-one time together and begin to know each other better.10:05 AM – 0 Comments – 0 Kudos – Add Comment – Edit – Remove
Filed under: gender, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs | 3 Comments »
