Wedding traditions of Jeddah
The Red Sea port where Hijazi brides are painted with henna and honoured in the mizmar dance.
Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca and carries the Hijazi traditions of the western coast. Its old houses of coral stone and carved wooden balconies hosted weddings for centuries. The mizmar, a reed instrument with drums, and the mehrajan songs lead the dance.
A wedding here
In Hijazi custom the bride is bathed, scented with incense and decorated with henna in a night of women's gathering. The groom's male friends hold a procession with songs. Sobia, a drink of barley and spices, and sweets such as mutabbaq are served.
Where weddings happen
Large halls on Tahlia Street and beachside hotels host receptions. Older families still hold the henna night in a courtyard.
Wedding customs of Jeddah
Also part of it, and being written: Mahr (The bridal gift.), Hejazi people (The regional culture.).
A wedding trail idea for Jeddah
- Al-Balad The old town.
- Souq Al-Alawi Where spices, incense and gold are sold.
- Jeddah Corniche Seaside strolls and photos.
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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