NO MARMITE IN TUNISIA

A Week Of Celebrations

Henna, hot weather, beautiful gowns, singing and dancing, pop and baklavas;  with summertime beckoning once again, the Tunisian wedding season is almost upon us!

If you are in receipt of a Tunisian wedding invitation this year, even the most distant of relatives will notice if you don't put in at least an appearance! 

Be prepared for something totally unlike any wedding you have ever experienced, as the Tunisian celebrations can last up to a week, with many different nights to attend.  From the signing of the marriage certificate, the convoy of cars winding their way through the streets to the honking of horns, ladies' nights and men's nights, the traditional night at the hammem, and the decorating of the bride's hands with henna, all accompanied by the loudest of music, to the final night which is one of music and dancing with the bride and groom proudly perched upon an elaborate throne in front of all of their guests!

For the uninitiated, it can seem a daunting prospect to decide upon what to wear.  For those who have already attended Tunisian weddings, they can often pass on the information, that it can sometimes be like attending an oscar night in Hollywood!  Every Tunisian lady will try to be the best dressed belle of the ball, and will spend most of the night eyeing up all of the other ladies and what they are wearing, to satisfy herself that this is the case!  A fortune will be spent to achieve an elaborately-styled hairdo, with the hairdresser earning extra to provide the Tunisian lady with her often over-exaggerated make-up to match!

On the ladies' hen night, the bride will often have about 3 or 4 different changes of dress, all of them exquisite ball gowns.  Thus said, it is normally the case that a simple suit and hat from Marks and Spencer would leave you feeling decidedly under-dressed on such an occasion!

                              All Dressed-Up And Ready To Go!

If you are marrying your Tunisian fiance, and planning your wedding in Tunisia, help is at hand! 

Kate Bahri has lived in Tunisia for over 15 years and has a range of beautiful dresses, all imported from the United Kingdom.  With each dress comes a variety of accessories and you are able to make your choice from veils, tiaras, bags and jewellery. 

The minimum price of hire is £50 (around 125 Tunisian Dinars) and the maximum is £90 (around 225 Tunisian Dinars) depending upon the dress you choose. 

Traditional Tunisian wedding dressses are also catered for.  Kate has the Keswa, which is a separate bodice and skirt ensemble made up of thousands of sequins, all pain-stakingly hand-sewn, very ornate and normally extremely expensive to buy!  This can be hired for £100 (around 250 Tunisian Dinars) a night.

Those of you interesed in viewing or trying on any of the dresses displayed in Kate's catalogue, can call her directly on (00 216) 98488117, or email her at kate.bahri@gnet.tn .

                          Ladies' Night, Nabeul Centre, March 2007