# Henna night checklist — a Turkish pre-wedding celebration

A henna night is the traditional celebration held before a Turkish wedding, when the bride and her loved ones gather around henna, songs and sweets. This list gathers everything from candles to treats, and with a room code everyone can tick off their own share. No sign-up needed.

**In short:** A Turkish henna night, the traditional pre-wedding celebration of the bride and her loved ones, needs henna, a henna tray, candles, the embroidered red dress, a red veil, jewelry, a gold coin, cotton and wraps, folk songs and treats. Knead the henna a few hours ahead, because well-rested henna stains darker. Put one person in charge of the music and one trusted person in charge of the jewelry.

## What's on the list

### General

- Henna
- Henna tray
- Candles
- Embroidered red dress
- Red veil
- Jewelry
- Gold coin
- Cotton and wraps
- Henna songs
- Speaker
- Flowers
- Turkish delight
- Plates and cups
- Guest favors
- Photographer

### Sweets & snacks

- Sweets and cookies

### Drinks

- Drinks

## Tips

- Knead the henna and let it rest for several hours beforehand; well-rested henna leaves a darker stain.
- The longer henna stays on, the darker it stains, so the bride should keep the wrap for a few hours, ideally until morning.
- Add the folk songs to one playlist in order and put one person in charge of music, so the night keeps its flow.
- Keep the bride's jewellery and gold in one box with one trusted person, since things get mixed up in a crowd.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who applies the henna at a henna night?

Traditionally it is usually the groom's mother or a close female relative known for a happy marriage, though this varies by region and family. The henna is put on the bride's palm, often with a gold coin or another coin placed in it.

### What does the bride wear to a henna night?

Traditionally an embroidered red dress known as a bindallı, made of red velvet with gold thread, together with a red veil. Some families prefer a modern red dress or a regional costume.

### How does a henna night usually go?

It varies by region, but usually the bride arrives in her dress and, to folk songs, the henna is applied to her palm from a candlelit tray. Then henna is shared with the guests, treats are served and the evening goes on with music and dancing.

### Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

### Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

### How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

### Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.

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[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/henna-night-checklist) — 17 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.