Maghrebi wedding decoration: ideas and tips for an elegant hall

Decoration helps create the visual world of a Maghrebi wedding. It can draw inspiration from Moroccan, Algerian or Tunisian craftsmanship, follow a contemporary style, or combine several cultures.

It is not necessary to fill the entire hall with decorative elements. A few coherent choices regarding colors, flowers, lights and the couple’s area can be enough to create an elegant atmosphere.

Before starting, the couple should choose a theme that suits the venue, the outfits and the available budget.

How to choose your wedding theme?

The theme should represent the tastes of the newlyweds and remain coherent with the reception venue.

The couple can choose from:

• a traditional Maghrebi decoration;
• a modern oriental wedding;
• a white and gold style;
• a romantic floral ambiance;
• a Mediterranean theme;
• a natural decoration;
• a luxurious style;
• a minimalist ambiance.

It is advisable to create an inspiration board gathering the colors, materials, flowers and desired elements. This document can then be passed on to the decorator.

Which colors to choose?

The color palette should be limited in order to keep a harmonious decoration. Two or three main colors are generally sufficient.

Possible combinations include:

• white, gold and beige;
• emerald green and gold;
• terracotta, cream and copper;
• blue, white and silver;
• burgundy and gold;
• dusty pink and ivory;
• midnight blue and gold.

Colors should be chosen taking the venue into account. A dark decoration in a poorly lit space can feel too heavy, while light shades can visually enlarge the room.

Decoration inspired by Morocco

A decoration inspired by the craftsmanship of a Moroccan wedding can incorporate lanterns, metal trays, geometric patterns, rugs or decorative seating.

The couple can also use:

• worked arches;
• colorful cushions;
• candles;
• elements recalling zellige tilework;
• floral arrangements;
• decorative brass objects.

For a modern version, it is preferable to select only a few strong elements and combine them with more understated furniture.

Decoration inspired by Algeria

A Algerian wedding decoration can highlight a region, an outfit or a piece of family heritage.

The newlyweds can draw inspiration from:

• karakou embroideries;
• Kabyle motifs;
• the colors of the chedda;
• regional craftsmanship;
• ceramics;
• traditional jewelry.

These references can appear on menus, the seating chart, welcome signs or the photo area.

It is better to avoid mixing too many patterns in order to keep a balanced decoration.

Decoration inspired by Tunisia

A theme inspired by a Tunisian wedding can pair white and blue, ceramic patterns, lanterns, natural materials and Mediterranean colors.

The decoration can include:

• olive wood objects;
• woven baskets;
• candles;
• citrus or floral arrangements;
• motifs inspired by Tunisian doors and tiles;
• embroidered fabrics.

These elements can be integrated discreetly into a contemporary decoration.

Decorating the entrance of the hall

The entrance is the guests' first impression. It should announce the theme without hindering circulation.

It can include:

• a welcome sign;
• the couple’s first names;
• a floral arch;
• lanterns;
• a carpet;
• a seating chart;
• a few photos of the couple.

The seating chart should be placed in a visible and well-lit spot. If the wedding hosts many guests, several copies can facilitate their placement.

The couple’s reserved area

The couple’s area is often one of the focal points of the decoration. It appears in many photos and therefore should be crafted with care.

It can include:

• a sofa or two armchairs;
• an arch;
• a floral backdrop;
• floral arrangements;
• a rug;
• candles;
• soft lighting;
• a sign with the first names.

The whole should remain comfortable. The newlyweds must be able to sit easily in their outfits and move without risking knocking over a decorative element.

Table decoration

Tables should be elegant while leaving enough space for dishes, drinks and tableware.

Decoration can include:

• floral centerpieces;
• candles;
• menus;
• place cards;
• table runners;
• table numbers;
• small elements recalling the couple’s origins.

Floral arrangements should not prevent guests from seeing and talking to each other.

When the meal includes large shared dishes, the decorator should reserve enough space in the center of each table.

Wedding flowers

Flowers should be chosen according to the theme, the season and the budget.

Local and seasonal flowers can create an elegant decoration while controlling costs. Arrangements can be placed on tables, the arch, the entrance and the couple’s area.

It is possible to mix fresh flowers, dried flowers and high-quality artificial elements. The florist's quote should specify the types of flowers used and the items the couple will be able to keep after the reception.

The importance of lighting

Lighting completely transforms the ambiance of a hall. It should be soft enough to create a warm atmosphere, but bright enough for photos and videos.

The couple can plan for:

• string lights;
• electric candles;
• colored spotlights;
• pendant lights;
• lighting directed at the couple’s area;
• lights adapted to the dancefloor.

The DJ's light effects should be coordinated with the decoration. A test before the guests arrive allows checking the result.

Decorating a henna ceremony

The henna ceremony can have its own decoration, different from that of the main reception.

Green, gold, red or terracotta colors are often appreciated, but any palette remains possible.

The space can include:

• a chair for the future bride;
• a table dedicated to henna;
• decorative trays;
• lanterns;
• cushions;
• a backdrop for photos;
• gifts for the guests.

Appropriate lighting must be planned so that henna application and photos can be done in good conditions.

Creating a photo area

A photo area allows guests to keep a memento of the evening without disturbing the photographer during important moments.

The decor can reprise the wedding colors and include:

• an arch;
• a floral wall;
• a personalized sign;
• a sofa;
• props;
• dedicated lighting.

The location should be easily accessible, but sufficiently far from the dancefloor and the servers' passage.

Rent or buy the decoration?

Renting is often interesting for bulky items like arches, armchairs, chandeliers or panels.

It avoids having to store and transport equipment after the wedding. However, you should check the deposit, delivery fees, installation and dismantling.

Buying can be useful for small personalized items that the couple wants to keep.

Before booking, the quote should specify:

• the equipment provided;
• delivery;
• installation;
• dismantling;
• schedules;
• the deposit;
• the conditions in case of damage.

How to control your decoration budget?

To avoid exceeding the budget, it is preferable to concentrate spending on the most visible areas.

To prepare your detailed budget: Budget of a Maghrebi wedding: expenses to expect and tips to save

Priorities can be:

1. The couple’s area.
2. The tables.
3. The entrance.
4. Lighting.
5. The photo area.
6. The henna ceremony.

Reusing some elements between the henna and the reception can also reduce expenses.

It is advisable to compare several quotes and ask for photos of realizations that truly match the announced budget.

How to choose your decorator?

The decorator must understand the desired style and the constraints of the venue.

Before booking, the newlyweds should check:

• previous projects;
• elements included in the price;
• customization possibilities;
• installation schedules;
• dismantling;
• travel fees;
• availability of the chosen elements;
• cancellation conditions.

A venue visit with the decorator makes it easier to take measurements and organize the different areas.

Find a decorator for your wedding

An experienced decorator can transform the hall while respecting the traditions, the theme and the couple’s budget.

On DreamWeds, you can search for decorators, florists, furniture renters and other professionals to create the atmosphere for your Maghrebi wedding.

Frequently asked questions about Maghrebi wedding decoration

Which colors to choose?

White and gold, emerald green, terracotta, blue or burgundy can be suitable. The choice depends on the theme and the venue.

Should the whole hall be decorated?

No. It is possible to concentrate decoration on the couple’s area, the tables, the entrance and the photo corner.

Can different cultures be mixed?

Yes. The couple can integrate colors, patterns and objects representing both families.

When should the decorator be booked?

It is preferable to book them several months before the wedding, especially during high season.

Who installs and dismantles the decoration?

It depends on the service. These services should be clearly stated in the quote.