Your big fat UAE wedding guide

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Your big fat UAE wedding guide
A Rasit Bagzibagli dress

Published: Sat 8 Jul 2017, 2:40 PM

Last updated: Wed 26 Jul 2017, 10:25 AM

"ALWAYS GET MARRIED in the morning. That way if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted the whole day." Wise words from the late, great Mickey Rooney there, but we're hoping our advice may be a little more constructive. Have you been caught up in the flurry of summer weddings? While here in the UAE it may be a little hot at the moment (although we did see one marriage take place this week in a Jumeirah Beach hotel), you will either have been invited to a nuptial gathering abroad, be thinking of packing up yourself and taking the plunge overseas in a few weeks or in the throes of planning a beautiful UAE winter wedding - October/November aren't far off!
With that in mind we thought we'd bring you a big fat wedding edition to calm those nerves and hopefully give you a spark of inspiration. 
DESTINATION UNKNOWN?
Home
. Like horsing around? Wedding days are supposed to be fun and Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club has tailored packages including the Ivory, Pearl or the Blush Wedding Packages from Dhs110 per person, all designed to your specific needs and requirements.
. There are always seasonal promotions going on at the Rixos The Palm Dubai. The resort's culinary professionals and service experts can cater to the most extravagant occasions with up to 1,000 guests. Couples can choose between the Rixos Beach lawn or I-Chill Beach Lounge as a venue.
. With 14 indoor and outdoor venues on site, including two ballrooms and alfresco settings, Hilton Abu Dhabi offers a majestic Middle Eastern backdrop for your special day including the Hiltonia Beach Club, a beachfront space which hosts up to 1,000 guests.
Away
. For those who wish to 'take the plunge' look no further than Alila Manggis and its underwater wedding. Couples can profess their love beneath the ocean waves in the beautiful clear waters off Bali's east coast. Rehearse in the pool and then (try to) say your vows.
. The Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali's latest wedding venue, Affinity Wedding, is set upon a clear floating platform on the Presidential Villa's infinity pool.
.Nestled in the Tuscan hills with iconic views of Siena, newly-opened La Bagnia Golf & Spa Resort is an overseas venue packing a serious dose of wow factor. Scenic terraces provide a beautiful vista for a cocktail or champagne reception, alongside the Ballroom function room and smaller suites, suiting wedding parties from 70 - 540 guests.

By David Light

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LOOK THE PART
Put a ring on it
We don't have anything clever to say about the above bridal collection from Mouawad. We just love to see the sparkles.
Suited and booted
Quite possibly the most important thing about your day, besides with whom you choose to say 'I do', is what you wear. We like this new bridal collection from Rasit Bagzibagli (above and main), which fuses lace and chiffon into free-flowing creations. Or, there's Marchesa's recently previewed Bridal Collection (right), which takes inspiration from Eos, the Greek goddess of the dawn.
Million-watt smile
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital dentist Dr. Catherine Wynne shares top tips on how to prepare your smile ahead of your wedding to look picture perfect on your big day. "Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life - you will be sharing this happy moment with your loved ones and of course there will be plenty of photos taken. Every smile is important. The best way of ensuring a radiant smile is to maintain your dental health. A professional cleaning or scaling and prophylaxis done in a dental practice before your wedding can help remove stains and tartar buildup that might detract from your smile. A thorough and gentle cleaning also keeps gums healthy and brings a freshness to the mouth. Depending on the person, I'd also recommend whitening, cosmetic bonding, orthodontics or veneers."


Hair today
Celebrity hairdresser Asgar Saboo has these suggestions for your do.
. Bun with braided ponytail
Brush your hair thoroughly and tie securely at the back of your head just above the nape of your neck. Separate a small section of hair and pin loosely. Braid the remaining hair in whichever style you choose and secure with a hair band the same colour as your hair. Take the remaining loose section of hair and wrap securely around the top of the ponytail and fasten securely with hair grips. Add as many embellishments as you dare and spray to hold.
. Side swept waves
Make sure your hair is clean and straight before you start. Then, using a curling wand, separate individual 2 inch sections of hair and hold around the curling iron for 10-15 seconds. Leave the curls to hang loosely until all your hair has been curled. Once complete, gently shake out your hair to loosen but do not run your fingers through the curls as this will deconstruct them. Finally, sweep all your hair over your shoulder and spray to hold, then finish with a shine spray for extra sheen.  
. Half-up half-down
Run your finger through your hair to soften the hair but try and avoid brushing curly hair as this can lead to a frizzy look. Separate two small strands from either side of your hair and pull back and secure, braiding the strands always adds an add an extra touch to the look. For more volume, separate the top section of your hair and pull back to form a beehive before combing over to give a clean finish.

BECOME A PLANNER
What do you think it takes to be a wedding planner? Have you been swept away with the romance of the job, based on what you've seen in the movies? Think of Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner, Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses, and even Martin Short in Father of the Bride! While the end result can certainly show-stopping for the couple and their guests, the behind the scenes reality is vastly different from that shown on the big screen.
If you want to take on the challenge, The Arabian Academy of Wedding & Event Planning will aim to make sure you are fully equipped to turn a dream wedding into a reality. The UK-based institute, which opened its regional office in Dubai last year, offers a variety of courses from as little as 12-weeks long for those aspiring to be wedding planners while also providing experienced professionals an opportunity to gain a certification or diploma.
A DECENT ARRANGEMENT
Taking the stress out of matching the right flowers to your themed wedding is difficult. Thankfully Priya Jelly from Dubai's Maison Des Fleurs has some advice.
. French Connection
This season redefines romanticism with overabundant blooms of hydrangea, garden roses, peonies, and ranunculus. Add a rich blend of textures to floral designs with natural accents like raspberries and seeded pods such as poppies.
. Go Green
Coloured flowers will never go out of style but for that more natural look, greenery will be taking a step forward in the overall design scene this year. Garlands, tall branches designed to mimic trees and simple sprigs are great.
.  Flower Chandeliers
Hanging flowers create a real visual treat, whether you are updating a simple dining table setting, or giving your event space a rustic feel. These are simplistic in nature, yet have the wow factor and the best way to bring the outside indoors.
david@khaleejtimes.com


Marchesa's recently previewed Bridal Collection
Marchesa's recently previewed Bridal Collection
Another from the Rasit Bagzibagli collection
Another from the Rasit Bagzibagli collection
Destination home: Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Destination home: Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
Destination away: Alila Manggis, Bali
Destination away: Alila Manggis, Bali
Become a planner at The Arabian Academy of Wedding & Event Planning
Become a planner at The Arabian Academy of Wedding & Event Planning
Get your teeth cleaned says Dr. Catherine Wynne of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital
Get your teeth cleaned says Dr. Catherine Wynne of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital
The Mouawad bridal collection
The Mouawad bridal collection

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