The henna night

The henna night is one of the loveliest celebrations of a Moroccan wedding. Here is how it goes and how to prepare it.

Updated 28 October 2026

When, and who is invited

The henna night is often held one or two days before the wedding night, sometimes earlier. It gathers mostly women: close family, the bride's friends, sometimes neighbours. Each family has its own ways; some hold a henna for the groom too.

How it goes

• The bride arrives in a traditional outfit, often prepared by the negafa or by the women of the family.
• The nekacha draws henna on her hands and feet while the guests sing and ululate.
• Guests often get a little henna in turn.
• Tea, pastries and music carry the evening.

Preparing the henna night

1. Book the nekacha early, and see photos of her work.
2. Choose the place: the house, a hall, a riad.
3. Make the guest list, which differs from the wedding night's.
4. Plan the music, tea and pastries, the decoration and the henna trays.
5. Decide on the bride's outfit and who dresses her.

Beware of "black henna"

Natural henna stains the skin brown, orange-brown or reddish-brown. "Black henna" often contains p-phenylenediamine (PPD), a hair dye that can cause serious skin reactions in some people. Ask the nekacha what is in her paste, and choose natural henna.

Source: FDA, fact sheet on temporary tattoos, henna and "black henna"

For a good colour

Let the paste dry and stay on for several hours, and avoid water right after. Natural henna darkens over the following days, which is one reason to hold it a day or two before the wedding night.