Moroccan wedding checklist, month by month

A timeline to adapt to your family: what to book first, what can wait, and what happens in the last week.

Updated 28 October 2026

A Moroccan wedding is often several celebrations and two families planning together. This timeline starts at 12 months; with less time, take the steps in the same order, faster. In summer, when many families abroad come home to marry, venues, negafas and bands are booked earlier.

12 months or more before

• Set the date with both families, and the celebrations you will keep (khotba, henna, wedding night, day after…).
• Set an overall budget and agree which family pays for what.
• Draft the guest list, family by family, on each side: it decides the size of the venue.
• Visit and book the venue (or the house, riad or garden).

9 to 6 months before

• Book the caterer, the negafa, the band or DJ, the photographer and the videographer.
• Ask the adouls for the list of documents for the marriage act (it differs if one of you lives abroad or is not Moroccan).
• Choose outfits and fittings; write down every deposit paid.

6 to 3 months before

• Prepare the dfou3 and the gifts for the bride's family.
• Plan the hammam and the henna night (nekacha, place, guests).
• Prepare the invitation, then send it: 3 months ahead for family who must travel, about 6 weeks ahead for the others.
• Plan the honeymoon and the tickets for family coming from far away.

The last month

• Chase the families who have not answered, then give the final count to the caterer and the venue.
• Make the seating plan for each celebration and send it to the venue.
• Set the evening's timing with the negafa, the band and the photographer.
• List the balances to pay and who pays them.

The last week and the day

• Confirm every provider by phone or WhatsApp.
• Prepare envelopes for balances and tips.
• Hand one trusted person the day's schedule, the contacts and the seating plan.