Getting the bridal treatment: Crashing the Bride Show

And that’s when I decided to crash “The Bride Show Dubai.” The four-day event launched on the last day of Dubai Fashion Week (April 7).
Abdul Rahman Al-Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Commerce and Industry, officially inaugurated “The Bride Show Dubai” with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Dubai International Exhibition Center. The show was filled with both regional and international exhibitors and attracted many renowned names from the industry — from coveted designers and celebrity make-up artists, to the best jewelers and top-rated wedding planners.
Over the next four days, I followed the crowds into the 14 fashion shows. Surprisingly, I did not abuse my press pass, but instead hid among the brides-to-be and shared their amazement over the ethereal creations that glided down the runways.
Choosing a wedding dress is by far the most crucial decision, after picking the husband, of course. You only get to wear this dress once — unless you’re planning on becoming another Elizabeth Taylor. But, for most of you anyway, you only got one shot. And we all know hundreds of pictures will be taken of the bride from all angles during her big day, so you need to make sure the dress flatters you from all sides. Therefore, the dress is key and no expense should be spared.
So, when the latest collections from designers, Vikram Phadnis and Zeena Zaki for Julea Domani, came down the catwalk, I studied them with a merciless eye. They did not disappoint. Domani conquered Dubai with her skillfully cut dresses just two days after winning Best Female Designer for Prêt a Porter at Dubai Fashion Week. The work was flawless, the designs surreal and with each dress, another girl’s dream gown was manifested.
It was also really great to see veteran designers of DFW once again — this time displaying their more couture and fantastical designs that they may have omitted at Fashion Week — while hearing the scouts discussing possible talent for next season’s show.
The first day began with Phadnis, a hot Bollywood designer and celebrity favorite, as he debuted his latest collection on the runway. His ornate creations were comprised of defined silhouettes of a warm color palette.
The remaining opening day fashion shows amazed the audience as models graced the runway in contemporary abayas by Al Motahajiba Abayas, jalabiyas and kaftans by Indulge by Divya Oswal and intricately crafted bridal gowns by local favorite and long-time Bride Show supporter, Jalal M. Khan Est. “Demetrios.”
Between shows, I hung around the new Bridal Lounge — an interactive demonstration area for brides-to-be to gain inspiration, advice and tips on everything related to weddings. I sat and confessed my anxiety over my imaginary mother-in-law. We then spoke about florists that had been recommended and discussed ways to cut unnecessary costs from catering.
Every now and then, I made my way to the biggest feature of the whole exhibition: a 16-foot-tall wedding cake created by the culinary masters at the Shangri-la Hotel in Dubai. One of the largest cakes ever to be made in the region, this masterpiece was definitely the main attraction. 
Senior make-up artists from MAC Cosmetics and top hair stylists from Jamil Style — a l’Oréal Professionnel salon — revealed their special techniques and tricks they use in order to achieve flawless, natural looking make up and hair.
UK celebrity make up artist, Nina Ubhi, used a magical combination of products from MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Make Up Forever and Screen Face to achieve stunning results. Ubhi states she was witnessing a trend toward subtlety for bridal make up in the region.  Her top tip for brides-to-be is:  “to scour magazines for inspiration, piecing together looks and being realistic in expectations.”  Her must-have beauty treatment is, “a mirco-dermabrasion facial, which should start at least three months before the wedding day.”
The bridal force appears to have survived through the whole global economic downturn, with the average cost of a wedding in this region staying at approximately 300,000 AED for the last three years. However, the tastes of Middle Eastern brides have evolved.
Heba Rumheim, of Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, added, “There has been a definite shift in the last four years in terms of the styles of weddings requested in this region.  We have seen huge Western influences and a bigger focus on the theme and decorations of a wedding rather than the food.  Brides want classic designs and elegance.”
The jewelry section was hands-down my favorite part. Emerald, baguette, or even princess cut, each piece had it’s own narrative trapped within its sparkling cage. Millions of dollars worth of diamonds were on display. Most visitors seemed to involuntarily gravitate toward the diamond necklace carrying 60 carats of diamonds, which retails for $390,000 but is being sold at the show for a discounted price of $195,000.
“We do not solely cater for the most expensive tastes; our diamonds range from $20 to $500 million, with any kind of certification,” said Gary Shuster, owner of South African Jewels.  “We buy our diamonds from De Beers, the largest mining company in the world and cut, polish and set the stones in South Africa.  The designs are classical, timeless and especially popular in this region.”
One lucky bride-to-be went home with a 50-carat fancy, intense, radiant and yellow diamond engagement ring. I often visit my canary diamond ring at the window displays of Graff. An exotic beauty, I believe she will one day fly home to me, right where she belongs. But until that day comes, I need to call a bunch of new friends and “un-invite” them to my wedding that never really existed.