Bride Club ME is an online resource that answers all manner of queries on wedding planning. Founder and blogger Rhiannon Downie shares her tips for the big day.
Hire a coordinator on the big day
If you are not going to hire a wedding planner or do not have the budget to do so, I really recommend hiring a professional just for the day of the wedding. An ‘on the day wedding coordinator’ will contact all your vendors at least a week before the big day to ensure all is on track and will be on hand during the day to ensure all runs smoothly with your hotel events team and vendors.
Have a plan B
I honestly wished there was a helpful website in Dubai when I was planning my wedding. At the time, I was also meeting vendors for my website and learning about the industry. Therefore, my advice is to utilise sites like the one I’ve created in addition to wedding expos like The Bride Show and local wedding blogs. All of these are packed with useful information and supplier contacts. Also, if you are having a wedding outdoors, most definitely have a plan B. It rained on my wedding day, in Dubai! Thanks goodness the hotel and my ‘on the day coordinator’ worked quickly to solve the issue, they had a back-up plan.
Sign contracts and pay deposits
I would highly recommend backing-up every email or phone agreement with a contract. Be extra meticulous with every important detail of the wedding, and ensure that you have the sufficient contracts or permits in place and have paid the deposits required. I have personally received emails from brides who were in tears because of vendor cancellations due to there having been no contact or a deposit paid.
rduane@thenational.ae