Henna at a Moroccan wedding: the night and the artist

Before booking a henna artist

• The occasion, date and time
• The design you like and how long the session takes
• Real photos of the artist's work
• Ingredients, price, and who travels to whom

Step by step

1. 1

   Henna comes with the joy

   At weddings and celebrations

   Henna goes with celebrations across North Africa and the Middle East, at weddings and other occasions. It doesn't mean the same thing to everyone: for some families it's a gathering, for others adornment, memory and time shared among women and relatives.

2. 2

   A henna night has no single shape

   Depending on the family and region

   Some make it a big evening, others keep it to a small gathering, and some do henna for the bride and the guests. No outfit, song or number of nights is required of every wedding. Agree with the family and the artist on the shape you want.

3. 3

   Look at the artist's work in photos

   When you're looking for a henna artist

   Ask for real photos of her work: the lines, the balance, the neatness, and how she works on different areas. A photo doesn't tell you everything, but it helps you see whether her style suits you.

4. 4

   Each family gives henna its meaning

   Between grandmother, daughter and artist

   UNESCO describes henna as an aesthetic and social practice that strengthens bonds and is passed on through watching and learning within families and communities. That doesn't mean every family follows the same ritual; the meaning stays alive because each family makes it its own.

5. 5

   Agree before the big day

   Before the appointment

   Ask about the date and time, how many people will have henna, the design, the ingredients, the price, whether the artist will come to you, and what the booking includes. When everything is clear in advance, you can enjoy the day.

Questions people ask