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Interesing that is white. has this changed according to the newer more modern western mode?
I'm not sure, but I will point out that the traditional woman's street wear is the sefsari...it is a white robe covering the woman from head to toe. Mahdia is traditionally known for its silk fabrics locally woven. The bride is dressed in several layers during the celebration. Each layer can be in a different color and material (including silks and velvets, all embroidered by hand). Can you imagine? Wedding season is in the summer heat and the bride can barely stand up for all the layers of clothing and jewelry.
maybe the layers are like armor to keep her chaste longer? more layers harder to get to? I know some cultures are like that.. The Jewish wedding outfit is same in Morrocco. so heavy she has to be carried. No way to walk in it. I was going to get into this whole political dowry issue but I don't want to. I lived in India for years so I'm not too happy with what goes on in relation to bride price, wedding dowries.. but the sari's and wedding jewelry are quite nice!
I was told by someone at a wedding in Hamamet that the bride is supposed to dance on stage in those heavy outfits to show how strong she is (I guess the inference being that she can give birth to lots of children). In fact, the Hamamet brides dance with raised clenched fists. I agree with you, some of the way women are pawned off in traditional marriage is a bit unsettling. But, I think most Tunisians from the Sahel seem to view all their customs in the spirit of tradition. Tunisian women struck me as strong and independant.