Guide · 28 October 2026
Music for a Saudi wedding
A Saudi wedding is usually two celebrations: one for the women and one for the men, each with its own music and atmosphere. Planning the music well means planning both — and giving the women’s celebration, often the larger and longer party, the line-up it deserves. Here is how to approach it for a wedding in Riyadh, Jeddah or anywhere in the Kingdom.
The women’s celebration
This is often the heart of the wedding: guests dress up, dance and celebrate late into the night. Traditionally it is led by female singers and drummers — the taqaqat — performing the wedding songs everyone knows. Today many families combine that tradition with a modern line-up:
- A female Arabic singer for Khaleeji and Arabic favourites
- Female percussion for traditional rhythms
- A female violinist, cellist or pianist for the bride’s entrance
- Female oud and qanun players for the welcome and dinner
- A female DJ to keep the dance floor full between live sets
Every performer at the women’s celebration should be female, and families often ask the same of the sound engineer, photographer and videographer. Raise it at the start of planning.
The bride’s entrance
The zaffa of the bride is the emotional peak of the evening. Choose the song early — a traditional wedding song, a Khaleeji favourite or a personal choice arranged for strings or piano — and agree the timing with the venue so lights, doors and cameras are ready. Our zaffa guide explains the main styles.
The men’s celebration
The men’s gathering is often more traditional: Khaleeji singers, drummers and, for many families, traditional performances such as the ardah or samri, and in Jeddah the Hijazi mizmar. A traditional Arabic ensemble or an Arabic singer with an oud player suits it well. If you would like a specific traditional troupe, tell us and we will confirm what is available for your date and city.
Riyadh and Jeddah
Riyadh weddings are often grand ballroom celebrations, where an elegant welcome — strings or oud and qanun — leads into a high-energy party. Jeddah has its own Hijazi traditions and repertoire; mention the family’s background so the singer can prepare the right songs.
Planning checklist
- Plan the women’s and men’s celebrations separately — timings, venues and line-ups
- Confirm an all-female team for the women’s celebration
- Choose the bride’s entrance song and agree the zaffa timing with the venue
- Share the families’ backgrounds and favourite songs with the singers
- Confirm sound, stage space and power with each venue
- Ask your venue or organiser which permits apply to your event
- Book early, so travel and technical details are settled well before the day
Questions, answered
Are Saudi weddings celebrated separately for women and men?
Usually, yes — the women’s and men’s celebrations are held separately, each with its own music. The women’s celebration is often the larger party.
What are taqaqat?
Taqaqat are female singers and drummers who traditionally lead the songs at women’s wedding celebrations in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Do you arrange musicians for weddings in Riyadh and Jeddah?
Yes — including all-female line-ups for the women’s celebration. See our page on musicians in Saudi Arabia.
