How to Create a Magical Arabian Wedding Experience in Doha

Doha is the capital city of Qatar, a country that has become famous for Arabian weddings. Though Qatar has Islamic traditions under Sharia law, they welcome diversity. The country is full of luxurious venues, world-class services and beautiful traditions. whether you want a grand scale wedding or a cosy ceremony with your immediate family, you can find something to suit your style in this oasis. Here is how you can start creating your dream wedding in this paradise.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

The venue is one of the key elements in setting the tone of your wedding. You can choose from grand ballrooms to picturesque outdoor areas. You can pick locations that will give you a magical view of the Arabian Gulf. If you want some of the most unique wedding photos, you can pick a hotel like Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli. It is located at the heart of Souq Al Najada, next to the historic marketplace Souq Waqif. The intricate architecture of the Grand Ballroom radiates a royal Arabic aura suited for a grand wedding.

Decor with an Arabian touch

Most hotels in Doha excel at transforming wedding spaces into elegant works of art. Gold, deep red and emerald green are luxurious Arabic colour schemes. Using these colours will make your wedding look like an authentic Arabian wedding. Arabian glamour at your wedding will be enhanced if you can pick hanging lanterns, golden accents, Arabian carpets, crystal chandeliers and beautiful floral arrangements.

Traditional pre-wedding events

The Arabian weddings are full of elegant wedding traditions. If you want an authentic Arabian wedding, you can incorporate a few of these traditions. A wedding ceremony is usually 4-6 hours. The Milcha ceremony is a signing ceremony where you and your partner sign the marriage contract. Usually, this event is done separately with the immediate family. But you can also do this during the main wedding ceremony.

During the Hena ceremony, temporary body tattooing with Hena leaves is done. Only the bride and all the women of the wedding party attend this. Everyone wears vibrant colours and the bride usually wears a Qatari gown made of classic Qatari fabrics. The beauty of the dress is enhanced with golden embroidery and gold jewellery. At this event, there will be gift giveaways typically goodie bags with Bukhoor (traditional incense), Kohl (traditional black eyeliner), chocolates, oud or attar (traditional oil perfumes). Each guest will be given a jasmine flower bracelet to wear. They also have a common ritual called Yallouh, where the bride sits in the middle of a circle of unmarried girls holding a shawl above her, fluttering it up and down to the background music.

Embrace the local cuisine

Every wedding needs an amazing buffet or a meal. Plan the menu to offer Arabic cuisines and international flavours. A fine balance between fusion food will make sure everyone has a type of food they can enjoy. For weddings at Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli, the executive chefs prepare a signature menu tailored to your wishes. The types of Arabic dishes you can find in a Qatari wedding include Machboos, Harees, Saloona, Marinated grilled meats, Samboosa and Luqaimat. You can pick the dishes depending on your taste palate and to cater to the guests.

Top Tips to Consider When planning the wedding.

Always hire a local wedding planner from Doha who can help you make your Arabian wedding more authentic. Have a budget plan before deciding on the location and number of your guests. Find a local photographer who is familiar with unique places in Doha. A unique rule in Qatari weddings is not allowing phones with cameras at the ladies' event. Another rule is wedding gifts are not given during the actual wedding ceremony. If you have a gift, you have to give it before or after the function.