Planned to Perfection: This Dubai-Based Wedding Planner Shares His Dos and Don’ts For Your Special Day 

Forging his own dazzling path when it comes to designing, styling and executing luxurious events, CEO of Eventchic Designs, Jardel Silva is the Dubai-based name everybody is talking about

For Jardel Silva, designing luxurious events is second nature. Responsible for curating some of the finest parties in the region, the Brazilian CEO of Eventchic Designs has quickly carved a name for himself, since the inception of his event-planning and design company in 2015.

Having worked his way up the ladder through various hospitality giants including the Jumeirah Group, Jardel’s flair for leadership coupled with a deep passion for design, has provided the building blocks to catapult him on the path to becoming one of the Middle East’s most successful entrepreneurs.

With a long list of clients including royals and VIPs, Eventchic Designs is the go-to for many couples planning a wedding – particularly those looking for a team of experts to elevate their big day to dizzy heights.

Editor Nina Catt caught up with the visionary behind the burgeoning empire to discover why a professional planner is so important, and to get a sneak peek behind the scenes at what it takes to create a wedding.

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride (HBAB): What would you tell couples that are unsure about whether to hire a professional planner?

Jardel Silva (JS): A wedding is such an important day for the couple, and whilst it is lovely to have family and friends be a part of the magic and assist with various elements of the wedding – this in itself can be extremely stressful for the bride and groom. To pull all aspects together, a wedding really requires someone to oversee the process. Expert planners have great relationships with suppliers to source the best of everything. So I would simply advise, whether it’s a big or small wedding, to have a planner. Sometimes the smallest logistics can become very stressful if they’re not thought through at the beginning. A wedding planner will go above and beyond to ensure everything is perfect.

HBAB: How long does it take to plan a wedding for 1,000 guests compared to a celebration for 100?

JS: The bigger the wedding, the more time and manpower is required. Firstly, we have to consider sourcing the perfect venue to accommodate 1,000 people. A wedding of 1,000 guests can take around three months, whereas a wedding for 100 can take less than half of this time.

HBAB: Please tell us about the creative process?

JS: We meet the bride and groom to go over their hopes and dreams for the big day. Some couples have big ideas, and some not many at all. If they already have ideas we ask that they provide images, colours and textures they love, so we can create a mood board and ensure we are all on the same page. I normally go all-out with ideas, creating a few mood boards so that we can develop a final vision.

HBAB: Sounds great, and then what happens?

JS: Each of our clients receive a folder with all of the checklists and the vision boards. I then liaise with our trusted suppliers and source the best décor according to the mood board. I also go out and source my own décor and finishing touches, as I have a true understanding of the couples’ requirements. In most cases if we cannot source a prop or product we usually create it ourselves. With regard to the planning, we have a project manager who takes the lead on that aspect, from A-Z. I am personally more involved in the overall design, from ideas through to the final day – even helping place centrepieces on the tables to ensure they are perfect. My style is very contemporary. When I am developing designs I love to incorporate two things; nature and interiors. I love nature, everywhere I travel I take photos of aspects of nature that inspire me. I also love fabrics and unusual furniture – it is this element that excites me. The client already understands our style and identity through our social media and previous weddings, and this is why they come to us.

HBAB: How do you help couples choose a venue?

JS: This is quite simple for me. Once I know what type of wedding the couple want, I will show them suitable venues to match. For example, if a couple wants an all-white wedding, I would take them to a handful of venues that have mainly white elements.

HBAB: What is your favourite part of planning weddings?

JS: The styling. Showing the client the ideas I have and hearing their ‘wow’ reaction. I then always aspire to elevate the idea and make it even more spectacular on the day. My favourite part of the actual planning process is getting to know the couple at the beginning, growing with them on their journey, and then seeing their faces on the day of the wedding. I never get bored of the process, every couple brings their own individuality and character.

HBAB: What is the most challenging part?

JS: The last minute requests. Time can be against us. For example, when a prop or piece of furniture takes 15 days to build, it’s out of my hands if the request comes in with less time than we have. I of course always see how we can make the requests possible and come up with a solution. We have been known to achieve a lot in a small timeframe! Our clients are always so appreciative, which makes it worth it.

HBAB: What is the number one piece of advice you give couples embarking on their wedding planning journey?

JS: Find a planner you feel chemistry with. This is so important. You are entrusting your big day in their care. Secondly, the location and venue is key. Finding a space you connect with and have a good feeling about is vital.

HBAB: What is the most memorable wedding you have ever created?

JS: This is such a tough question as all of our weddings are so special and have their own uniqueness – no two weddings are the same. But one wedding that always springs to the front of my mind is the one I designed and planned in the Burj Al Arab. The father of the groom owns a furniture shop and is a celebrated interior designer. For me, this was a dream collaboration. We created every individual piece from scratch, including the tables, chairs, chandeliers and candle holders. We even made engraved napkin rings. It was an incredible journey and one of those ‘this is why I love my job’ moments.

HBAB: That sounds like a lot of fun. Where is the most magical destination you’ve planned a wedding?

JS: It was a wedding in Mumbai, for ten thousand people! By far the largest wedding I have designed and planned – the bride arrived on an elephant. It was an unforgettable event and experience. Working in India was fascinating. I loved exploring the bold and bright colours. The flowers were beautiful and the fabrics were out-of-this-world. We made a marquee big enough for 10,000 guests.

HBAB: Wow. Finally, what’s next for Eventchic Designs? Where do you see yourself in five years?

JS: We will be operating internationally with offices based in Dubai, Europe and London, with an expertly crafted team of staff who will be curating luxurious weddings, and chic social and corporate events across the globe. Watch this space!

Visit eventchicdesigns.com

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride’s Spring/Summer 2022 issue.