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.
[ www.dwtc.com ]
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.
[ www.marquee.ae ]
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.