Three top tailors

For brides to be, the dress is bigger than the day itself. Look no further than these three reliable Dubai tailors (the last has some options for the groom, too).

Elizabeth Di Naya Bridals: Established over 25 years ago, this bridal salon’s collection is designed and manufactured in New York, and includes a large number of lavish and custom-made gowns, as well as evening outfits, veils, headpieces
and bridesmaid dresses.
Al Mina Road, Bur Dubai (056 605 2693).

Susanna Rachel: Using fabrics sourced from all over the world, British designer Susanna Rachel’s dresses aim to create flattering silhouette shapes, draping elegantly over the figure and accentuated with understated detail. Whether you know exactly what you want made, or you haven’t got a clue where to start, Susanna will guide you through the couture process.
www.susannarachel.com (055 294 8760).

The Bridal Room: This bridal boutique brings 15 years experience to the fitting room, with a collection of designer gowns from names including Maggie Sottero and Benjamin Roberts. They also have a small selection of menswear for hire, as well as expert in-house seamstresses.
Jumeirah Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Road (04 344 6076).

Bring the bling

Looking for that extra sparkle for your engagement ring or wedding band?

Try these three jewellers
Phioro: Clare Pardoe sells a variety of gorgeous silver pieces in contemporary designs. If you don’t find something that suits your taste or want something more personal, Phioro creates
one-off pieces to customer’s requests.
clare@phioro.com (050 351 1210).

Bond Street Jeweller: This UK-headquartered jeweller has stores in London, Delhi, Antwerp, Dubai and Mumbai, and sells European designs in platinum, white and yellow gold, which are crafted in the latter location’s in-house factory. Whether you’re looking for rings, or just cufflinks for the big day, Bond Street knows its diamonds, and can offer detailed guidance.
Royal Diamond Building, Gold Souk, Deira (04 226 2247).

Hot wedding trends

Find out what everyone’s doing this year.

Customising: ‘People are customising their weddings a lot more now. As well as personalising the whole wedding, they are customising an element, such as putting their initials on a teacup that guests can take home. In Dubai, souvenirs are quite popular, such as sand in a bottle from Souk Madinat, names written in Arabic calligraphy, flip flops, keyrings with initials on them, or people’s names on fans. If non-residents are getting married here, they usually want to [give guests] something that’s quite Dubai,’ says Ebbs.

The UK Royal Wedding: It seems the Wills and Kate effect is still having an impact on wedding plans a year on from the royal couple’s own big day. ‘The whole English tea-party theme is still quite a strong trend, particularly in pastel colours,’ Ebbs adds.

Plants: ‘People are opting for plants rather than big floral displays these days. I think people are really coming away from flowers and moving towards quirkier decorations, such as candles, vases and plants,’ says Ebbs.

Click here to view Five Dubai wedding venues