Moroccan Marriage
January 10, 2009
Andre Kamperveen Hall, Centre of Excellence
Shaffie and Hassina Mohammed
TW: What made you choose the theme you went with, for your wedding?
Safeeya:In decorating my apartment almost 2 years ago, many of the pieces I chose had a Moroccan flair so I knew for some time that I had an affinity to Moroccan decor. Interestingly enough, one of my close uncles, on meeting my fiance declared he looked like a Moroccan sultan ! Also, the warm, jewel-tones of the Moroccan decor suited our personalities best. So in deciding upon a theme and colour, we wanted something authentic, unusual and memorable and after doing some research, we agreed upon the Moroccan theme.
TW:What were the colours used to portray your theme?
Safeeya:Royal Blue, Iridescent blue and Bronze colours
TW:Describe how your theme was portrayed
Safeeya and Richard: Firstly, it started with a lot of research. We checked every website found on Moroccan décor and wedding designs. Close relatives had visited Morocco and they had very helpful ideas to share.Every aspect of the wedding that could be injected with the Moroccan flair was included. The first item obtained was the gift bag/favour – a velvet sachet with a beautiful paisley pattern embroidered in a rich, cobalt blue, gold and iridescent colours. It became the hallmark piece to which all other choices were aligned with.To set the tone we also chose the Invitations , which were Blue Scrolls tied by a gold tassel encased in a vellum sachet, but what really made the invitation exclusive was the textured cream envelope lined by a rich paisley orange insert. These inserts were also used as the programs, held together in a scroll by a blue jewelled band
The décor – when one thinks about a Moroccan décor, images of beads, jewels, cushions, lanterns, palm trees, tents, all comes to mind. And that was just what the décor entailed.
The entrance was draped with fabric and beads. The aisle was lined with white lanterns, lit by candles and accented with palm trees.
The hall was moderately draped with fabric to create a tent like feeling. The stage was accented with tall vases, lanterns, jewelled candle stands and richly textured cushions.
Each table was adorned by fragrant arrangement elevated by tall vases. Also accented by blue, paisley patterned silk squares, scrolled programs, the velvet favour bags, tea lights, pre-served appetizer plates and table snacks
Music – Putmayo Arabic Lounge CDs
Food - this was where the most creativity was applied. Starting off with the table snacks ; a medley of dried fruit (apricot slices,fig, raisins) and cheese with olives on a pick, stuffed dates and samosa as appetizers.I purchased a Moroccan cookbook, researched recipes online and together with my fiancé and the caterer arranged a menu, delicious and suitable even for my elderly relatives (as the Moroccan spices can be somewhat strong). But what truly made the meal exquisite was a well decorated salad bar. The menu
entailed:
- Arabic ruz (rice)
- Sauteed Arabic potatoes
- Sayur Lodeh (vegetables in coconut milk)
- Three bean medley
- Chicken tabbouleh
- Lamb sate
An authentic Moroccan dessert was served, baklava and chocolate fountains with chocolate covered strawberries and pineapple, added to the sumptuousness of the desserts. Mint teas and arabic coffee were also offered to the guests.
I opted to use a traditional white wedding gown, and got my hands and feet beautifully decorated with by an authentic Moroccan Mehendi design (geometric pattern) by a very skilled Mehendi artist (Mrs. Nirmala Deosaran) and accented the dress by a beaded bouquet.
Our guests were entertained by an amazing Arabian dance done by Ms. Nalini Akal and dined to traditional Moroccan/arabic lounge music (from the Putamayo collections)
TW: What themed items were done “do-it-yourself” style and what items were left in the hands of a professional decorator and/or event co-ordinator?
The decorator, Mrs Zalayhar Sant and her team from Romance Garden, utilised our pieces along with her decor (entrance curtains, stage background, the fountains, stage furniture)and transformed the hall into a haven. Do-it yourself projects are key in any wedding planning. It saves indispensable funds and bonds the persons doing these projects. It took many shopping trips by myself and sometimes with my co-ordinator to obtain the décor pieces, the vases, Moroccan lanterns and cushions, which were all personally selected.
TW:What tips can you give to other brides who are planning a themed wedding?
- Jeweled bands on programs – were actually children's Indian bracelets, cut and rebeaded by the groom (even up to the night before the wedding)
- Jeweled candle stands on stage were pieced together from individual beads.
- Table squares – were saris cut and hemmed by family members.
- M y dad’s palm trees were also utilised on the stage and to line the aisle.
- Asian vases on stage – were all from my cousin’s collection
Using a themed approach is a phenomenal idea in planning a wedding. It connects the different aspects and really creates a truly memorable wedding (which is what every bride wants). The best tip is research the idea thoroughly, saving pictures and tips as you go along. Brainstorm your idea with pertinent persons – family, good friends, past brides. Don’t be overwhelmed by using a themed approach, every idea may seem ingenious and you may be inclined to use them, but keep in mind that you’re on a budget. So pick and choose what will create the most impact, eg, we went all out on décor and food, but opted for a simple cake done by a family friend and then incorporated the Moroccan elements as accents on the table.
Use online resources for finding unique items, as we did for the scrolled invitations.
Check the wholesale stores , Indian fairs, 10 Dollar Stores, because you will need items in bulk amounts and it’s a good way of trying to stick to a budget. Keep things co-ordinated. I t’s easy to be swayed by beautiful things, but always think- will it match, is this within the theme? I kept the favour bag with me while doing all my shopping, (in my trusty Trinidad Weddings .com tote bag , along with lists and pictures !) I must add the lists available on the TW site were invaluable in planning and co-ordinating the entire wedding, and for that I owe TW a world of gratitude !
