Morroco. Land of a thousand spices, endless desserts and the hustle bustle of the markets of Marrakesh. I've been to a number of Middle Eastern countries through visits to Zee's family in Kuwait and Lebanon ~ usually with a fun stop over in Dubai and have loved them all but I have always, always wanted to visit Marakesh.
I think the obsession started after reading Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud, seeing Morocco through a child's eyes makes it even more vibrant, colourful and exciting!
As you can see from my inspiration board for our own wedding, we planned on incorporating a number of Arabic touches. However, I found that searching for Moroccan/Arabic wedding ideas and inspiration on Google was like entering an outdated, tacky version of Morocco that consisted of a mishmash of clashing colours and grainy 80s photos of belly dancers!
I wanted to share modern, tasteful, chic Moroccan inspired styling ideas. I hope you like them!
Turquoise, Fushia Pink & Purple
Colour is certainly a fun part of the Moroccan experience but I prefer the idea of sticking to two or three main colours rather than trying to incorporate them all at once. Fushia and turquoise make such a stunning combination don't you think?
Souk lanterns by Very Fabulous | Morrocan palace via Weddings on the French Riveria | hanging lanterns via Style Me Pretty | hammered tray and poufs via Megan Swabb | hemp stall by Very Fabulous | turquoise decor via Elle Decor| Fushia curtains and outdoor seating via Rajee Sood | hammered tray and tea lights via Gild and Grace | kaftans by Marchesa
Or why not stick to neutral colours inspired by the desert?
White, Gold and Sand
You could hire a yurt for a traditional Moroccan experience for you and your guests. The beauty of them is they can be as minimalist as you'd like. Similarly, you could hire tents for an Arabic feel. I love these soft, neutral tones for a truly elegant wedding.
Dress {with camel} via Wedding Bee | Moroccan lamp light image Elizabeth Messina | Moroccan inspired yurt via Love My Dress | asymmetric dress by Lebanese designer Ella Zahlan | hanging lanterns via 100 Layer Cake | dress with gold detail image Jose Villa | cake inspired by Moroccan architecture via Inspire Bohemia | dress via Wedding Bee
Inspiration Shoot Inspired By The Middle Eastern Desert
This images below are from a shoot for Rue Magazine created by a dream team of vendors and captured beautifully by Jose Villa. It is a perfect example of modern, chic Middle Eastern style. It's light and airy with touches of fushia pink and mixes traditional concepts with modern details. Find out all the details and more stunning images over on Inspired By This.
Entertaining
Al fresco dining surrounded by hanging lights and morocan lanterns. Refreshing mint tea or mint juleps for your guests, a trio of tasty Arabic dips hummus, thoumb {garlic paste} and moutabal {aubergine dip} served with warm pittas. Pretty shisha pipes filled with sweet scented apple or grape flavours, and instead of a cake why not have baklava? {delicious honey and nut pastries}
Dipping trio by Very Fabulous| baklava by Baklasia | outdoor dining via | mint leaves {and mint tea recipe} via A Wooden Nest | mint julep cup and silver hammered tray by Very Fabulous | shisha pipe via Cleopatra Hookah
How To Get The Look
The team at lifestyle online boutique Very Fabulous have some beautiful products to help take these boards from inspiration to reality. Here are their top tips on creating a modern Moroccan look:
Souk Lanterns ~ Create a Kasbah with a fabulous trio of souk lanterns. Use en masse in the gardens of your venue for romantic lighting at dusk or in a trio as centrepieces surrounded by vibrant blooms. (£16.95)
Hemp Footstool ~ This footstool with silver embossed floral detailing and hemp seating base is ideal for guests to perch on for outdoor dining and equally fabulous for weary feet at the end of the evening.(£134.95)
Dipping Trio ~ The culinary delights of Morocco require pretty silver tableware to match. Serve a selection of dips in this exquisite silver dipping tray complete with spoon and crystal detailing for elegant entertaining. A stylish must have item for foodies.(£49.95)
Brass Tray ~ Hammered metal is key to a Morrocan look. Serve fresh mint tea on this large hammered tray with a brass finish, fabulous for entertaining guests. A beautiful and quality on-trend accessory.(£59.95)
Mint Julep Cup ~ Welcome guests to a Moroccan inspired wedding with a cup of mint tea or mojito style cocktail. This silver cup is ideal for afternoon refreshments or alternatively it can be used as a pretty vase. We love them grouped en masse, housing lipstick pink and burnt orange exotic blooms throughout the venue.(£12.95)
Hammered Silver Coloured Tray ~ Heavenly, hammered silver plate trays are stylishly practical and SO multifunctional. Use them to display Arabian candlelit objects of desire or accessories in the ladies' room. Alternatively, place on lounging tables and serve delicious fresh dates and nuts during the evening.(£14.95)
As with so many things I'm discovering now, I really wish Very Fabulous had been around when we were planning our wedding. But for once, it doesn't matter that I'm already married because I could still use some of these beautiful Moroccan inspired items around our home {hurrah!}
Pass me my credit card…and a plane ticket to Marrakesh!
So are you a fan of exotic Morrocan/Middle Eastern inspired decor and details?
