Family

Plan your dream wedding: mid-range style

Rebecca McLaughlin Duane

April 17, 2016

The capital’s wedding show returned bigger and better to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre over the weekend. The event, which ended on Saturday, gave visitors a glimpse of the best regional and international abaya designers, wedding-dress couturiers and event planners. Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane scoured the halls of Bride Abu Dhabi for one-of-a-kind solutions – from a lavish 100-guest bash to simpler celebrations for those on a budget.

Mid-range: Approximate total spend excluding transportation and any additional elements Dh88,900

Catering

The Dubai World Trade Centre events team plan weddings across the country. The company also has a dedicated Emirati kitchen that can prepare traditional dishes – including ouzi, camel meat and gourmet meze – for hundreds of guests at a time. A couple with a wedding party of about 100 guests can expect to pay between Dh50,000 and Dh80,000 for a celebration at a DWTC venue. As for the cake, a six-tier confection measuring about 50cm can be decorated with photographic images or have videos projected onto it. All table settings are included in the price – currently in vogue is glassware and crockery trimmed in silver. With privacy of utmost importance to local brides, most wedding packages include a complimentary bridal suite, valet service and security team.

Flowers

Flowers and candles for table settings are included in DWTC’s wedding deals, unless specified otherwise.

Hair and make-up

The Nail Spa offers a Decisive Bride off-the-shelf package of treatments starting at Dh1,000. Alternatively, the Bridal Butler package includes a bespoke itinerary of appointments and access to VIP services – including wedding planners Cloud 9. Ladies will also be chauffeur-driven to and from their appointments. Prices upon application. Call 600 544 001 for bookings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Braids are big for brides this season. A stylist from Marquee can come to your home, or other location, to create plaits for Dh3,000. Salon prices vary. For a consultation, call 02 449 4044.

Dress

Two of this year’s most unique gowns at Bride Abu Dhabi can be traced back to a late couturier and a rising star.

Left: Oscar de la Renta strapless gown with appliqué flowers and fishtail train, Dh34,900.

Right: A voluminous, champagne skirted wedding gown with bronze-beaded bodice by Filipino label Glamourosa, Dh40,000.

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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

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