Wedding traditions of Almaty
A Kazakh wedding city of the toi feast, the bride's veil song and the old matchmaking visit.
Kazakh weddings are large feasts called toi. They keep rites that come from nomadic life, such as the visit of the matchmaker, the song of farewell and the bride's covering with a veil.
A wedding here
The match is arranged by the families. The groom's side visits and presents gifts, and a part of the kalyn, the bride payment, may be exchanged in kind. The bride sings a farewell song called the syngsu as she leaves, and her face is covered by a scarf, the sauqele. The reception includes speeches, music, a dance and a large meal with beshbarmak. Kalym is illegal in Kazakhstan, though some families give gifts under another name.
Where weddings happen
Restaurants and banquet halls. Parents often hire a host called a tamada.
The season and the calendar
Late summer and early autumn are favourite. Weddings are not held in the month of Ramadan in observant families.
Wedding customs of Almaty
Also part of it, and being written: Kalym (The bride price in Central Asia.), Beshbarmak (The national dish served at feasts.), Syngsu (The farewell song.), Toi (The feast.).
A wedding trail idea for Almaty
- Green Bazaar A big food market.
- Panfilov Park A park used for photographs.
- Kok Tobe A hill with a view.
- Wedding Palace (Almaty) A civil registry office.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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