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Invited to a Turkish wedding and not sure what to bring? The short answer: at a Turkish wedding, the traditional gift is gold or money, often handed over or pinned on the couple during the celebration itself. In this guide we explain the most important Turkish wedding traditions around gifts, what is expected of you as a guest, and which personal gifts go well alongside gold or money.
The classic gift: gold and money at the takı ceremony
The best-known gift tradition is the pinning of jewellery, called “takı” or “takı töreni” in Turkish. Family and friends give the newlyweds gold jewellery or gold coins and pin them onto the bride and groom. The idea is practical: the gold helps the couple start their life together and can be turned into cash when needed.
During the reception the couple often wear a red ribbon, and guests pin gold coins or banknotes to it. Some guests bring gold coins tied with a small red bow, which are meant to bring good luck.
For you as a guest, this means an envelope with money or a small gold coin is not an impersonal gift at a Turkish wedding. It is exactly what many couples expect and hope for.
Kına Gecesi: the henna night
One or two days before the wedding, many families celebrate the henna night, the “Kına Gecesi”. Henna is applied to the bride’s hand, and she keeps her hand closed until her mother-in-law places a gold coin in it. This is a family ritual, so as a guest you do not need to bring a separate gift for it.
How much money or gold is appropriate?
There is no fixed rule. How much you give depends on how close you are to the couple and on the customs of the family. If you are unsure, simply ask someone close to the couple.
Gold prices in Turkey have risen sharply in recent years, and some families now choose smaller pieces or imitation jewellery instead.
Personal gifts: what lasts once the party is over?
Gold and money help the couple get started, but they are quickly spent. Many guests, especially close friends and family, add a small personal gift that keeps the memory of the wedding day alive. Good choices are things that find a place in the couple’s new home:
- Engraved keepsakes with the couple’s names and wedding date.
- Home décor that suits the couple’s style.
- Religious gifts, if faith matters to the couple, such as a beautifully designed Quran holder or a high-quality edition of the Quran.
Our tip: a personalised Quran holder for the couple
Our personalised wedding Quran holder is one of our bestsellers. It is made of premium acrylic with gold mirror details and personalised with the couple’s names and wedding date. It comes in a personalised gift box with a satin ribbon, ready to give.
You can give the Quran holder on its own for €56, with an Arabic Quran for €69 or with a German-Arabic Quran for €90. It turns your wedding gift into something with a lasting place in the couple’s everyday life. And it does not replace the envelope, it complements it. With this gift, you really can’t go wrong.
In short
- Gold and money are the usual gifts at a Turkish wedding.
- Gold coins and banknotes are often pinned to a red ribbon during the takı.
- At the henna night, the family gives gifts, not the guests.
- A personal gift is a lovely addition, especially from close friends and family.
Frequently asked questions
What do you give at a Turkish wedding?
Traditionally gold, such as gold coins or jewellery, or money. Both are often handed over during the takı at the reception.
Do I have to give gold, or is money fine?
Money is just as common as gold. Guests pin banknotes to the red ribbon just like gold coins.
Can I bring a present instead of money?
You can, but money or gold is usually expected at Turkish weddings. That is why many guests combine an envelope with a small personal gift.
When is the gold pinned on?
During the takı at the wedding reception, after the couple have greeted their guests.
