Host a Moroccan Theme Engagement Party

Have you always been fascinated by the mystery and romance of Morocco? Then, perhaps a Moroccan themed engagement party based on this exotic place is just the right theme for you! Imagine a scene that is inspired by bustling souks, honey-colored brick kasbahs, and the stunning Sahara sand dunes set against the Mediterranean. Are you ready? Let our extensive party guide covering decorations to food transport your guests to a far-off, exotic place. (*this post contains affiliate links)

Find a Spacious Location with a Moroccan Flair

An indoor venue may be decorated to recreate the luxurious interior of a Moroccan tent.

Ideally, an outdoor location would set the perfect stage for such a celebration.

• Look for a venue would offer ample space to set up that single, major decor element that would immediately say, “Welcome to Morocco”—a pavilion-style tent or a grouping of smaller tents.
• If an outdoor venue is not available, or if the weather is unpredictable, a large indoor terrace or veranda with a view of a garden would work just as well.
• Whether outdoor or indoor, the key is to transform the venue into the luxurious, sensual interior of a Moroccan tent with the right decorating touches—from rich colors to luxurious decorations and dramatic lighting to theme-inspired place settings.

Play With Colors, Luxurious Fabrics, and Sensual Textures

For color, think opulent and rich when choosing a palette for this gathering. Use these tips:

• Bold and vivid hues such as purple, fuchsia, and orange may serve as base colors, appearing in fabrics draped around the interiors and over the tables, in pillows and ottomans, in throws and carpets.
• Gold and jeweled tones of blue may serve as accent colors, appearing in various table details such as luminaries, charger plates, and other elements.
• Sparkly and illuminating features with candlelight that is varied and multi-layered.

When selecting fabrics, consider the following:

• Fabrics that are a visual as well as a tactile delight—such as lamé, organza, satin, chiffon, even embroidered fabrics—are perfect for such a display.
• Each table, set low in the Moroccan tradition, can be swathed in a tablecloth and runner of these fabrics, and flanked by over-sized pillows wrapped in jewel-toned satin.
• For a more authentic feel, a number of poufs or ottomans made of tooled leather may be added among the pillows.
• Have Persian or Oriental area rugs and throws cover the floor. Their intricate patterns and rich colors typify Middle Eastern decor, while their overlapping and angled placement lends a relaxed, inviting atmosphere to the entire occasion.

Aim to Assemble Authentic Details

Shapely and decorative pieces make wonderful table accents for that authentic look.

Many times, it is the little details that truly impress. Some additional touches to consider may be:

• Placing a Kilim carpet as a form of outdoor runner at the entrance to the tent or party venue to welcome guests with a hint of the exotic setting that awaits them. (Hint: As an alternative, a lambswool rug may be positioned at each tent’s entrance—a particularly inviting treat if guests will be asked to proceed barefoot into the tent’s interior for the party.)
• Displaying babouche slippers and tasseled fez hats in strategic spots within the venue, as authentic touches as well as colorful decorative accents. (Hint: Should actual babouche slippers not be available, jeweled thong sandals are a lovely alternative.)
• Filling the party with the heady fragrance of dried rosebuds, broken cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, cumin seeds, and citrus peels presented in small glass bowls; and diffusing the scents of rose, cinnamon, and sandalwood essential oils in burners around the venue.
• Offering guests refreshing mint iced tea or warm, spicy coffee in vari-colored Moroccan tea glasses with ornate gold trimmings; and setting out condiment dishes filled with dried dates, figs, and nuts as appetizers.

What to Use as Moroccan-inspired Table Decor

Play with multiple colors and textures to achieve a Moroccan tablescape.

Worried about finding decor items? Alternatives can actually be sourced from the crafts of other cultures.

• Think Indian brass work, English or Spanish wrought ironwork, and South American pottery have qualities akin to Moroccan decor that make them acceptable options.
• For the truly resourceful, Middle Eastern-inspired sconces, braziers, and lanterns might be discovered at a lighting or landscaping supplies center.
• Vessels for romantic tea lights may be as simple as paper luminaria or terracotta wine pots from a home decor store, or even mosaic or enameled plates, or coasters from a discount tourist shop.
• Brass or gold-finished pitchers or teapots reminiscent of Aladdin’s lamp, or colored glass decanters shaped like a genie’s bottle may be unearthed at a flea market or thrift shop.

Create a Romantic Glow With Lighting Centerpieces

Amidst all these rich colors, fabrics, and textures, carefully-designed lighting casts both a subdued glow and an inviting air of mystery on the entire scene.

Bright gold accents with jeweled highlights make for a truly magical look.

Lighting is key to capturing that perfect ambiance. Here are some tips to consider:

• The general illumination in the venue is best kept dim, or concentrated in key areas for the guests’ convenience, such as the entrance and exit—and if outdoors, along the pathways leading to the tents. Arriving guests should almost feel like they are being led into a private sanctuary where delightful table-top treasures glistening in the light of lanterns and candles are a welcoming sight.
• In place of traditional floral centerpieces, for instance, artfully arrange groupings of glass cylinder luminaries at the center of each table. The luminaries may be simple glass cylinders wrapped half in gold leaf and half in translucent parchment paper, silhouetting Arabic-inspired cutouts when the tea lights inside are lit.

• Alongside this centerpiece composed of luminaries, tiny tea lights in bejeweled candle holders (see above photo) bring a gem-like glitter to the table setting, with the glow of each reflected by a bed of colored glass beads. The varying heights of the luminaries and votives also add dynamism to the display. Moroccan tea glasses in red, purple, yellow, and green can serve as tea light holders as well, further enhancing the colors of the table scene.

Assemble Opulent Place Settings for Guests

The place settings are another focal point for highlighting the richness and opulence of Morocco. The creative twist lies in incorporating the party favors as appealing place setting elements that guests will be thrilled to take home afterwards.

A gold frame (left) and an orange and ruby petite crystal frame (right) double as eye-catching place setting elements.

Start with place settings that aptly reflect the event’s color palette of jewel tones accented with gold.

• For each guest, assemble a gold charger plate set with purple rhinestones, and a fuchsia napkin rolled “Persian carpet style” and tied with a tasseled gold cord.

• Set out a gold picture frame with Arabesque engravings and filled with glittering magenta sequins as a striking decorative piece and, as hinted by its satin ribbon, a gift for each guest as well.

• Or give colorful candles wrapped in sparkling fabric materials with crystal place card holders.

Entertainment and Music for a Moroccan Theme Party

For entertainment and fun, why not consider these ideas?

• Have a belly dancing performance starring the bride and her bridesmaids. It would definitely make a big surprise for the reception guests.

• Play exotic sounds of Morocco featuring instrumental music inspired by African and Middle Eastern influences. Include modern Moroccan dance music, too.

• You can also hire a live band to play for guests as you dance the night away.

Moroccan Food to Serve at the Party

Consider a catered event with Moroccan dishes served in shapely and colorful serveware ala buffet style:

• Moroccan beef tagine that is a stew made with a blend of spices such as curry, nutmeg, and turmeric
• Chicken kebabs with a variety of fresh vegetables
• Include couscous, rice pilaf, and traditional bread called khobz
• Appetizers such as maakouda (potato patties), spicy vegetable pakoras, and Moroccan spiced hummus with chips, and Moroccan beef kefta (ground beef) briouat
• For desserts, try meskouta (orange cake), Moroccan cookies, sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts), and Moroccan ice cream in flavors like dry fruit, coffee, pistachio, orange blossom, and burnt honey.

UPDATED POST WITH MORE PLANNING IDEAS

To allow you to DIY most of the elements for this themed occasion, here is our post update as of November 2018!

Invitations for a Moroccan-themed Engagement Party

You can customize these wedding and party invitations we found to suit an engagement celebration instead, while still highlighting the exotic theme inspired by Morocco. (*this section contains affiliate links)

1 – Moroccan Wedding Invitation Cards – from Amazon

2 – Navy Blue and Gold Moroccan Wedding Invitation – from Zazzle

3 – Bright Colors Arabian Moroccan Wedding Invitation – from Zazzle

4 – Magical Moroccan Lanterns Wedding Invitation – from Zazzle

5 – Moroccan Themed Party Invitation – from Zazzle

Table Decor Elements to Set a Morocco-style Mood

To capture that look and feel of Morocco on your party tables, we suggest these striking decor finds. (*this section contains affiliate links)

1 – String Lanterns Moroccan Lantern – from Amazon

2 – Morocco Glass Charger Plates – from Koyal Wholesale

3 – Decorative Metal and Wood Lanterns – from Consumer Crafts

4 – Hanging Candle Holders – from Luna Bazaar

5 – Mona Glass Place Card Holder – from Luna Bazaar

6 – Teal Quatrefoil Paper Napkins (16 count) – from Amazon

7 – Amber Marguerite Glass Bottle (set of 3) – from Luna Bazaar

8 – Mercury Tea Glass Votive Holders – from Amazon

Engagement Dinner Favors with a Moroccan Flair

Thrill your guests with mementos of this Morocco-themed affair by giving them exotic gift items like these, presented in a fancy favor bag. (*this section contains affiliate links)

1 – Casablanca Market Moroccan Morjana Glasses – from Amazon

2 – Henna Jewel Lantern – from Beau-coup

3 –Travel Candles – from Amazon

4 – Tea Forte Moroccan Mint Green Tea – from Amazon

5 – Teal Quatrefoil Gift Bag – from Amazon

6 – Marikei Fleur-de-lis Porcelain Keepsake Box – from The Bellenza SHOP

7 – White Mini Rose Candles in Aqua Fabric Wraps – from The Bellenza SHOP