BellaNaija Weddings in Dubai! | Tips for Planning a UAE Wedding – Part 2 of 3

BN Bride Anwuri in Dubai wedding dress designer Warda Haute Couture | Photo: Atunbi

Welcome to Part 2 of our BellaNaija Weddings in Dubai series! Yesterday we talked about why Nigerians wed in Dubai, wedding planners and photographers. Missed it? For Part 1 of the series, click here.

Today we explore wedding attire! From wedding dresses to suits, from bridesmaids to reception dresses, a lot of Nigerian couples shop for wedding attire here … let’s find out why!

Enjoy & be inspired!

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Wedding Dresses – Contessa Dubai

Contessa Dubai is probably the biggest stockist of international bridal brands in Dubai. From exciting designers like Tarik Ediz and Tadashi Shoji to established brands like Justin Alexander, they have something for all brides.

Contessa started in 2010 by Palestinian brothers Mohammed & Ahmed. The day we were visiting, one of the brothers had just had an invasive surgery a few days prior, but FaceTime-d us from his house to make sure he answered all our questions.

He also gave instructions to the seamstresses and said hello to a bride in for a consultation. Now, that’s dedication!

Contessa Extended This Dress Train By a Few Feet at a Bride’s Request!

First Time In A Wedding Dress! #TeamMermaid ?!

The store gets a lot of Nigerian brides. They told me Naija brides say like the experience of buying their dress in a foreign country as it takes them away from the hustle and bustle in Nigeria… do you agree?! Lastly, they told me their latest Nigerian bride chose a fishtail gown… No surprise there! Lol 😀

Wedding Dresses – Warda Haute Couture

We’ve posted amazing dresses from new Dubai designer Warda Haute Couture before {click here for more}. So we had to stop by her showroom. It’s on the famous Jumeirah Road, where you can find a lot of other designers and shops.

The details were so exquisite in person!

A BN Bride in Port Harcourt – Anwuri wore a Warda dress for her wedding this April 2014! Atunbi of The Atunbi Experience has shared these first photos with us.

You like?! See more of Anwuri’s Dubai gown in her full wedding feature – coming to BNW soon 😉

Groom & Groomsmen Suits – Franklin Eugene

Franklin Eugene was founded by the owner with the same name, an African American who moved to Dubai over 10 years ago. He calls Dubai home now and when we asked what prompted his initial move, the cosmopolitan at heart said “it’s a place where East meets West”.

Franklin Showing Us His Facebook Page

On new trends for grooms he said he prefers more classic looks – “I encourage grooms to wear something that’ll look classic & timeless, and will also accentuate their best assets.” He recently loved working with a fellow African – a Kenyan groom, as his best experiences are when he gets to know the entire groom party.

Reception Dresses – theDRESSroom.com

Us Naija ladies love our sparkly reception dresses! We’ve noticed reception dresses are often a last minute decision for some brides, with a few options on the table close to the wedding. Our next stop, The Dress Room, started off online only but has expanded to include a store in the Jumeirah Towers.

The store is owned by two friends who met as University students in Lebanon. They gave me a little of the bridal experience when I sat down on the swing and was offered some tea.

There were little knick knacks at the door! “J’Adore Dubai” – et tu?

I checked out a few dresses I liked, but once I saw this dress, I had to try it on! Jovani style #90676 in red.

So feel free to stop by for a last minute option or during your regular wedding shopping!

Wedding/Reception/Bridesmaids Dresses – Al Hanaa Center

Al Hanaa Center is a 3-storey shopping mall with a LOT of bridal designers, located in Satwa. They can custom make dresses and also have a wide variety of bridal accessories. It’s far from the city center but if you have spare time it’s worth a visit.

Beauty – Hair, Face & Nails – Sera Beauty Lounge

Now you’ve found your perfect dress, suit and accessories (presumably) , you can’t forget about your bridal ‘look’!

Sera Beauty Lounge in Media City is a lush beauty lounge run by sisters – Sema & Raqi, adding the first letters in their names to make ‘Sera’.

Walking In…

The Spa

They do all things beauty – lash extensions to long lasting nail polish they recommend for brides 4-5 days before the wedding, which will last through your honeymoon. And Yes! They also do black/afro hair.

Mani/Pedi Area

Tara, Me, Owner

The stylist Tara (in black, on the left) works a lot with African – especially Kenyan – air hostesses from Emirates and Etihad for their weddings as they get a special discount. She also works with a lot of African Americans.

An alternative to going to a hairdresser in ‘Dubai proper’ is to get someone from Derai – it’s the older part of Dubai – a little bit on the outskirts, but a lot of Nigerians and Africans live there.

With a lot of looking around and a little bit of research, you can find someone to do your hair/makeup in Dubai.

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That’s it for Part 2! Watch out tomorrow for the final installment of BN Weddings in Dubai, where we’ll talk hotels, invitations and general tips!

Vendors

PR/ Wedding Consultants: Grace & Garbo – graceandgarbo.com

Wedding Dresses: Contessa Dubai – contessa.ae

Wedding Dresses: Warda Haute Couture – wardahautecouture.com

Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Franklin Eugene – franklineugene.com

Reception Dresses: The DRESS Room – thedressroom.com

Reception/Bridesmaids Dresses: Al Hanaa Center – alhanaa.ae

Hair, Face & Nails: Sera Beauty Lounge – serabeautylounge.com
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We love weddings as much as you do – get in touch for inquiries, inspiration & more!