Queen Rania hosted a Henna Party for Rajwa Khaled

Queen Rania of Jordan hosted a dazzling Henna Party at the Madareb Bani Hashem ahead of the wedding of her elder son Crown Prince Hussein and Saudi Arabian daughter-in-law-to-be Rajwa Khaled Al-Seif. The dinner party was attended by various female members of both the Jordan Royal Family and Rajwa’s family.

The prominent names on the guest lists included Princess Muna, Princess Iman, and Princess Salma with Princess Sarvath, Princess Alia, Princess Miriam al-Ghazi, Princess Aisha, Princess Zein, Princess Majda Raad, Princess Dana Firas, Princess Dina Mired, Princess Fakhrelnissa Raad, Princess Sana Asem, and Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan.

Rajwa was looking absolutely stunning in a white dress with golden embroidery designed by Saudi Designer Honayda Serafi. We will discuss the details of the outfit in details shortly.

The Party had traditional Zaffeh for the bride-to-be and Henna drawings for guests. Local artists Nedaa Shrara, Diana Karazon, and Zain Awad, as well as performances by Haleem Musical Group, Al-Salt Girls Band, and Misk Dance Company, provided the traditional Jordanian and Saudi Musical touch to the party.

Addressing the gathering, Queen Rania said, “I’m so happy that you could all be here to celebrate with us. Today is a special day for us, and for our entire Jordanian family: Our joy is one and the same… near or far, you are all in our hearts today. Al Hussein is your son as much as he is mine – you are his family and this is your celebration.”

About Rajwa, Queen Rania said that she is the sweetest and most beautiful bride-to-be. She is as precious to her as her daughters Princesses Iman and Salma.

“I’ll never forget how happy His Majesty and I were when Al Hussein told us he wanted to marry Rajwa. She is the perfect answer to all my prayers for him. May you always be each other’s source of happiness and support” – Queen Rania at Rajwa Khaled Al-Seif’s Henna Party

Assuring Rajwa’s mother, Mrs Azza Al Sudairi, Queen Rania said, “We and Al Hussein will take the very best care of Rajwa. This is her country, and she is among her family and her people.”

What Rajwa Khaled Al-Seif wore to her Henna Party

As a nod to her home country, The bride-to-be Rajwa chose a stunning White and Gold outfit inspired by Traditional Saudi Najdi Dress designed by Saudi designer Honayda Serafi. Sometimes known as Sahabi thoub, Najdi dress originates from the Najd region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Rajwa’s dress featured both Jordanian and Saudi elements in it.

 

Rajwa’s dress and veil were made of silk, metallic threads and traditional reed strings (a signature element of Najdi embroidery) featuring 3D ornaments.

Honayda said that the dress was designed keeping Rajwa’s grace, the rich tradition of her homeland and new home as well as her contemporary spirit. The dress featured a high neckline with full sleeves, Najdi-style triangle-shaped bodice and a mermaid-style skirt.

The bodice of the dress features soft organza flowers and Arabic motifs with geometrical shapes reflecting the traditional embroidery style of Saudi Arabia.

Her 10 meters long handcrafted tulle veil also reflects the Saudi and Jordanian sides of her life – the seven stars from the Jordanian flag were embroidered on the veil.

The seven stars have a religious significance –  the seven verses in the opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an, and they also reflect the seven mountains of Amman. Palm trees – which are a symbol of Saudi were embroidered on the veil.

Words from Tunisian poet Abu al-Qasim al-Shabi “I see you, and life becomes more beautiful” gave a romantic touch to the veil. The veil alone took almost 760 hours to finish.

“I am very proud and honoured to be part of this historic union between His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of the honourable Hashemite family, and Miss Rajwa Khalid Alseif. May they be blessed with happiness and their union be crowned with success” – Honayda Serafi

Rajwa teamed up the outfit with a pair of stunning Gold earrings featuring yellow diamonds that have a special meaning. The earrings were designed by her maternal aunt, Afraa Al Sudairi.

Rajwa and Al Hussein will tie the knot in front of family, friends and international dignitaries on June 01st.

Queen Rania was looking gorgeous in a bespoke Saiid Kobeisy Crepe Beaded Kaftan. That she paired with Mattar Jewelers Pearl Embellished Clutch and her Vanleles “Kilimanjaro” Small Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold & Titanium. Thanks to The Hashemites on Tumblr for the ids.

Rajwa’s mother Mrs Azza Al Sudairi also wore a custom-made gown by Honayda Serafi.