What should guests wear to a Marrakech wedding?

I get this question from guests constantly, and the answer depends entirely on the venue type and time of year. Let me break it down practically. Morocco is more relaxed about dress codes than most people expect, especially at private wedding venues. That said, respect for local culture goes a long way. In public areas like the Medina or souks, women should avoid very revealing outfits. At a private venue, you can wear whatever you like. For palace weddings at La Mamounia or Royal Mansour, think formal. Long dresses, suits, polished shoes. These are grand spaces and casual outfits look out of place. I have been at palace weddings where some guests showed up in sundresses and sandals, and they felt underdressed all evening. For garden venues like Beldi Country Club or Jnane Tamsna, smart cocktail attire is perfect. The vibe is more relaxed, but it is still a wedding. Men can skip the tie but should wear a blazer. Women in midi dresses or dressy jumpsuits fit right in. Here is my practical tip. Block heels or wedges are essential for garden and desert venues. I have watched countless women in stilettos sink into grass or struggle on gravel paths. One bridesmaid at a Beldi wedding snapped a heel walking across the olive grove. Save the stilettos for the dance floor if the reception area has a hard surface. Desert weddings at La Pause or Scarabeo Camp have their own rules. The ground is sandy and uneven. Flat sandals or block heels work best. Fabrics should be light because even in October, the afternoon sun in the Agafay Desert is strong. But here is the thing people forget. Desert evenings get cool, sometimes dropping to 12 to 15 degrees by midnight. I always tell guests to bring a pashmina or light jacket. I have seen guests shivering at 11pm because they packed for the daytime heat. Seasonal considerations matter too. Spring weddings (March through May) can have chilly evenings, around 16 to 18 degrees after sunset. Summer weddings are hot, so breathable fabrics like linen and silk are your friends. Cotton wrinkles badly in the heat, and nobody wants to look crumpled in photos. A few more tips I have learned from experience. Men, a linen suit in a light color photographs beautifully against Marrakech's terracotta walls. Women, jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy) pop against the neutral backgrounds of most venues. White and cream are generally reserved for the bride, and this applies in Morocco as much as anywhere. If the couple provides a dress code on their invitation, follow it. If they do not, smart cocktail is always a safe default for a Marrakech wedding.