WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TURKISH TRADITIONS: EXPLAINED

Though we wish to combine both cultures in our nuptials, here is a quick overview of some Turkish traditions you may see at our celebrations. 

İSTEME - ASKING FOR HAND IN MARRIAGE - 16th August 2024

An 'isteme' will have taken place prior to the Engagement Party, but after the proposal. Here, Mert's family will visit Ceyda's at their home with flowers and chocolates in hand. Dresses and suits are worn on this occasion. An elder will request Ceyda's hand in marriage on Mert's behalf and obtain her father's blessing. During this visit, it is customary for the bride-to-be to make Turkish coffee for their guests. Some salt is added to the groom's coffee and whether he will drink it and how he will react when he does so is observed. If the groom drinks the salty coffee, it is believed to mean that he will endure a lot of trouble for the woman he loves.

NİŞAN - ENGAGEMENT - 24th August 2024 - 📍Çandarlı

RINGS & RIBBON

Whilst in English weddings see wedding bands being exchanged on the wedding day, in Turkish weddings the timeline is slightly different. The word for wedding bands is 'alyans' in Turkish,  from the French 'alliance'. The two alyanses, tied to each other by ribbon are placed on the fourth finger of the right hands of the couple, by an elder member of the family. The same respected person then cuts the ribbon and announces that the couple is engaged.

The bride later cuts off small parts of her ribbon and gives the pieces to her single friends. This is believed to give them good luck for any future nuptials that may be in their future.

At the wedding ceremony, rings are then exchanged from the right hand to the left.

CAKE

In Turkey, it is customary for couples to have a cake at their engagement party.

DANCING

It is a celebration like any other so lots of dancing takes place. There are many traditional dances that vary from culture to culture and in different provinces. As our both our families have varied cultural origins, it is possible that you will observe a real array of dances. We encourage you to get stuck in as they are a lot of fun but be rest assured, there will be a lot of cheesy tunes to boogie to too! 

We have a playlist tab where you can add to our playlist. 

KINA GECESİ - HENNA NIGHT - 28th August 2025 - 📍Yaka Davet 

A Turkish henna night (known as kına gecesi) is a traditional pre-wedding celebration held for the bride, similar in spirit to a hen party in the UK but deeply rooted in cultural customs.

A Turkish henna night is an emotional and festive event usually held at the bride's family home or a venue a day or two before the wedding. Whilst it traditionally brings together female friends and relatives to celebrate the bride's upcoming marriage and bless her new life, nowadays males join too. 

The focal point is the application of henna to the bride's hands, symbolising joy, fertility, and protection. Often, this is done with an accompanying traditional song until the bride sheds a tear.

The bride often wears traditional outfits (like bindallis—ornate dresses), and typically appears in a red veil and dress, though Ceyda will be opting for a blue less traditional option on this occasion! The evening features music, dancing, and rituals. The ceremony blends joy and sentimentality, offering a vibrant glimpse into Turkish family and cultural values.

DÜGÜN - WEDDING - 30th August 2025 - 📍Casa Mandarino

We look forward to welcoming you to our wedding this summer. You will be greeted with a champagne reception, after which the ceremony will commence.

Following this, guests will be shown to the reception area where dinner will be served and speeches will take place, amongst other festivities. We have a DJ and musicians joining us to entertain us throughout the evening, and encourage any of you to add song requests via the playlist tab.

We have worked hard to ensure this occasion strives to be a seamless blend of English and Turkish culture.