Chilanga Mulilo (Icilanga mulilo) is a local Zambian tradition, practiced predominantly by people from the northern part of the country that is among the first public activities that are held leading to marriage. See here for more information as to why this ceremony is held.
As Chilenje Event’s and Hire, we specialize in providing décor for traditional Zambian ceremonies such as rustic Kitchen parties, rustic weddings, Chilanga Mulilo, Vipikho and Matebeto among others. Given the traditional nature of these functions, décor themes are normally traditionally oriented but this is not always the case as some brides prefer a modern take on décor. Below is a feature Chilanga Mulilo that we recently did.
The photobooth…
Chilanga Mulilo Photobooth with red chitenge in the décor
This is basically the face of the Chilanga Mulilo. Our rustic photo booths come decorated with various traditional items like chitenge wrappers, vases, lanterns, baskets, sieves, motors and pounding sticks etc. We include traditional reed chairs or peacock chairs with our décor. A message for the function completes the phot booth.
The tablescape…
Typical Chilanga Mulilo table set up
The colours for this particular event were red and white. Red can be a very bright and overbearing colour if used in excess. As such, we opted for white table linen and used red in the napkins and chitenge table runners. On the tables were an assortment of rustic and traditional décor pieces such as traditional vases (locally known as nongo), stick underplates, napkins, table numbers, small pounding sticks with motors and wooden napkin holders.
The details…
Wooden table numbers
Wooden table numbers, centre pieces and traditional vases with pampas grass interspaced with artificial flowers gave this décor a very unique finish.
Red chitenge table runners and red napkins
Wooden crates are so versatile….
A wooden motor and pistle are a must in a tradtional zambian home…
Tips for DIY
Pampas grass and traditional lanterns used to decorate rustic photo booth
- Pampas grass is trending currently. Be sure to include an element of this in the décor on the tables or photobooth.
- Have fun with the photo booth. Pretty much any traditional items may be used to spruce up the photo booth. Instead of a grass carpet, you can use a reed mat (mpasa). Include the chitenge that the bride, groom and/or committee wear in the décor. This gives the décor a personal touch.
- Keep the message on the photo booth simple and short. Long messages make the board look busy and may not be visible when people stand in front of it to take photos.
- If you opt for bright colours such as red, orange or yellow, be sure to minimize the bright colours so that they do not overwhelm the whole décor. Here are more photos of a red chilanga mulilo.
