Here comes the wedding season.

While the Bride Show Abu Dhabi 2011 showcases its biggest array of exhibitors this year from 2nd-5th February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi Week runs through some of the smaller essentials you’ll need to create the perfect Abu Dhabi wedding.

The make-up

It’s safe to say that Gita Rouhani is the capital’s most trusted when it comes to bridal cosmetics, having worked her magic on more than 26,000 brides.

“Everyone loves my make-up, I think simply because I don’t look at my work as a business – I prefer to take a more professional approach; after all, brides are every sensitive: it’s a very important day, and they want everything to be perfect,” she says.

A professional make-up artist who has her very own range, Gita’s Cosmetics, Ms Rouhani is passionate about her work. “I love my job. Each customer is different so I tailor my craft to suit; each face is a canvas."

According to Gita, 60 percent of her clients like to go for what she calls “red carpet make-up”. “A lot of brides like heavier make-up which works great during the winter months. In summer, brides tend to choose more natural, lighter make-up."

The bridal make-up can take from 45 minutes to around one-and-a-half hours to apply. A bridal package starts from AED 2,500 at Gita’s salon.

02 634 0008 | Al Ain
Al Jimi Mall: 03 763 4288

Henna

While gold leaf and platinum designs tend to be all the rage for those with an bottomless purse, those looking for a more traditional style (and budget) seek out salons in Abu Dhabi such as The Beautiful Henna Centre. A session there can start from AED 1,000 for a bridal package.

“Hands and feet are the most traditional areas of skin to decorate,” says co-owner Ruby Adalja, who set up the salon with her sister Purvi. “From the hands to the shoulders are covered, and from the feet up to the knees, covering both the front and backs of legs – creating a stocking effect.

“A lot of brides like traditional floral designs, but the trend now is to match the henna to the bride’s dress – picking out the detailing so each bride has an exclusive design.

Henna is normally applied two days before a wedding as “the colour is generally best on the third day”.
The Beautiful Henna Centre: 02 634 3963

Flowers

For Petals Flowers and Events, February is a very busy time of year; brides-to-be start thinking about dressing not only themselves but also their wedding venue – with flowers.

“Flowers are simply a really important part of any wedding – a wedding with no flowers is like a garden with no greenery!” believes Sumaya Al Maskari, partner at the popular specialist store.

According to Sumaya, the stage – known as the kosha – is quite possibly the most important area to consider when planning flowers for a wedding.

“The stage design sets the whole theme of the wedding. Right now, a lot of people are choosing more contemporary style – lilies and hydrangeas are very popular this year.”

As well as considering the kosha, centrepieces and bridal bouquets take some consideration. “Flowers don’t tend to feature on the groom’s side of a wedding – the main focus is for the bride’s area,” says Sumaya.

A good job too – the average package can cost AED 75,000.

Petals Flowers and Events (02 443 9880) will be at this year’s Bride Show Abu Dhabi.

Charlie Kennedy

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi runs from 2nd-5th February at ADNEC in Halls 1-3 from 2.30pm-10.30pm. Entry is AED 10; children under 12 are not permitted. www.thebrideshow.com