Moroccan Engagement: Between Tradition and Modernity

When love meets tradition

The engagement in Morocco was such a mess! Between my mother, who insisted on strictly following protocol, and my girlfriend, who dreamed of a romantic proposal on the beach... I admit, it took me months to think about it.

In my family, we've always done things by the book. My father used to tell me, "First you propose, then you put on your little show." But times change, don't they? Now, some of my friends do the opposite—they get engaged alone, and only then do they organize the family circus.

How did things go at our parents' house?

Before, it was a straightforward matter: the guy's parents would arrive at the girl's parents' house with all the paraphernalia—dates, milk, sugar, henna, and of course, the famous ring. No choice, no surprises, everything was codified.

My grandmother used to tell me: "I saw your grandfather for the first time on the day we were engaged!" Imagine the stress... Luckily, today we're getting to know each other first!

The puzzle of choice

So, how do you choose that damn ring? My advice as a guy who's made it: spy! Look at what she's checking out on Instagram, listen when she comments on her friends' rings. "Oh, that one's so busy" or "I love it, it's so simple and elegant" - take notes!

I finally realized that my girlfriend preferred things that were discreet but with character. As a result, I fell for a ring with engraved Berber motifs. She cried when she saw it.

What's working right now

Honestly, what's all the rage right now is anything that tells a story. Couples want meaning, not just bling. A Tifinagh engraving with your initials is a real eye-catcher! Especially when you explain to your mother-in-law that it means "eternity" in Amazigh.

And custom-made is a hit! My cousin had the date of their first date engraved on the inside of the ring. His future wife was smitten.

The big jump

The day you take the plunge, listen to me: put down your phone, forget your prepared speech, and speak from the heart. The words will come, I promise.

My only real rule? If you're torn between two rings, get the one that makes you smile stupidly when you imagine it on her finger. It's silly, but it works every time!