11 March 2006
Dubai: Innovative services and products in line with the latest industry trends will be showcased during The Bride Show Dubai 2006. At least 250 exhibitors from more than 12 countries around the world will be taking part in the show, from April 4 to 7, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.The Bride Show 2006 is held under the patronage of Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Ladies Club and wife of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Everything from wedding gowns, jewellery, beauty and hair, international couture fashions, wedding organisers, venues, honeymoon destinations will be presented.
"It is interesting to note that every year newer product categories and bigger names are making their way to the exhibition area," said Charlotte Proudman, event manager, The Bride Show Dubai 2006.
MarriageMent, the Dubai-based wedding planner for instance, will look to familiarise visitors on the role of wedding planners during weddings.
The company plans to conduct a raffle draw for visitors at the exhibition where one winner will win a free wedding planning package. "Once hired, we literally take the burden off our clients' shoulders, not by taking over the wedding, but by helping them with the wedding day details," said Rochelle Malaika, Head of MarriageMent.
Trends in wedding venues in Dubai are moving towards outdoor sites, with the most popular being Jumeirah Events Arena, The Ritz Carlton and The Royal Mirage, she said.
Also another fast moving trend is finding unconventional wedding venues such as the desert, mainly in demand by customers of Asian or European backgrounds. "We have had a lot of enquiries recently for outdoor wedding venues such as beaches and lately desert sites. We even get enquiries from London for destination weddings," added Malaika.
Prices for desert wedding could range from Dh180 to Dh400 per person.
By Maey Al Shoush
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
