How to Get Dressed Like an Emirati for a Traditional Arabic Wedding - A comprehensive guide for guests!

 Emirati weddings are the perfect opportunity for ladies to flaunt their designer gowns and gold jewellery. So make absolutely sure to dress up rather than down. Obviously, the bride will be the most well-dressed, with her body encrusted with jewels and gold. Dance and entertainment will be included in the men's celebration.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

What should you be wearing for this wedding in Dubai?

A simple guideline applies in this situation: if the wedding is taking place during the day, wear a light summer floral dress. Men can wear a pastel suit. If the wedding is taking place in the evening (after 6 p.m.), a dark suit and tie for the men and a black dress for the women is considered suitable attire. Make sure your make-up is on point and wear jewellery! Arab weddings are grand affairs! Opting for simple attires and accessories is not the way to go about attending this wedding. Weddings in Abu Dhabi, like mentioned afore, are full of grandeur and tend to be held at luxury hotels the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort.

Besides the majority of Arab brides now wear white wedding dresses that have been inspired by Western fashion. However, their arms are completely concealed, even if they are made of form-fitting fabrics, and their headdresses may conceal their hair.

What exactly is Melcha? And what to wear?

Melcha in the United Arab Emirates generally refers to an intimate formal dinner (with separate seating for males and females) in which a religious sheikh is invited. He represents the courts and will draw up a marriage contract and ensure that this union is acceptable by both parties as prescribed by Islamic law. The mosques and other places of worship are solemn locations where followers of the religion come to pray on a regular basis. A Muslim wedding ceremony is a religious event, and as such, both men and women will wish to dress modestly. Long trousers, as well as long skirts and dresses, are often the most suitable attire. People of either gender should refrain from exposing their naked arms as well. Women may also be required to cover their heads, so do bring a scarf with you to the event. For the reception, the same dress code will apply, with the exception that you will most likely not be required to cover your head.

What is the procedure for an Arab wedding? 

Arrangements for an Arab wedding begin as soon as the sun comes up early in the morning. So much of labour falls upon the bridal party, as well as close relatives of the groom who will occupy one section of the wedding hall, the groom is escorted in whilst the bride and her bridal party will wait in another part. After the guests have filed in, the ceremony officially starts.

Henna Nights

The henna night is held the night before the wedding ceremony takes place. Traditionally, henna night serves as a chance for both families to get acquainted with one another before the marriage. A traditional dance called "sahij" is performed by members of the groom's family. Once there, the henna is mixed together by both families, which is then used to adorn the hands of the bride. The henna designs for the bride are more ornate. Following the groom's presentation of the bride with her "mahr" (a gift of gold), the families get together to sing traditional songs and dance. Wondering what to wear? Well, the women tend to go for colourful dresses and accessories! 

Removing your footwear

In the event that you are invited to a Muslim marriage ceremony, you should be prepared to take your shoes off before you enter the holy area of the mosque. It is probable that there would be a shoe rack in which you might store your shoes and collect them before you depart. You will be requested to do this in order not to track dirt into the mosque where Muslims worship on the carpeted areas of the mosque.