How To Choose Your Wedding Dress According To A Bridal Expert
With the dreamiest of dresses living happily-ever-after under this very beautiful roof, a visit to The Bridal Atelier should be on top of your to-do list
Choosing a bridal gown is one of the most important decisions a bride can make (other than saying ‘I do’). Thankfully, Dalia Abu Issa, founder of The Bridal Atelier has a selection of bespoke gowns, curated from around the globe gathered together in one stunning space. From Rami Al Ali to Tony Ward, the varying selection of dresses is arguably the best in the Middle East. When asked what makes brides here so special, Dalia says: “I feel very lucky to operate a business in a market with such a diverse mix of cultures amongst residents and tourists. Dubai brides are a good mix. They are very cosmopolitan and cannot be categorised easily which makes our jobs so much more complex but very interesting.
One common truth is that the Dubai bride, regardless of her style, seeks the perfect experience, and appreciates and values good service. They want to enjoy shopping for the dress of their dreams. From classic to cosmic, the Dubai bride cares about the details.”
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What is the most commonly asked question when someone comes to The Bridal Atelier for the first time?
Dalia Abu Issa (DAI): Their main interest is knowing the extent of the services we provide in dress modifications and customisations. For example, can we add sleeves, alter necklines or incorporate beadwork? As a result, we have expanded our team of seamstresses to create an atelier capable of meeting our brides’ needs. While significant alterations may involve collaboration with designers, resulting in a complete redesign, many modifications can be executed in-house. Additionally, we craft exquisite veils, sleeves, off-shoulder styles, and overskirts in-store, ensuring they complement the dress perfectly.
HBA: What are the timelines involved with finding, and making, the perfect dream dress?
DAI: In today’s world, the answer varies. Some brides will come to us a few weeks before the wedding and others will come over a year before their big day. I would always recommend giving us four to six months to find the perfect dress. It gives us enough time to work with our designers on accessing more of their collections, order dresses according to specific measurements and allows us to place style modifications. If a bride has less than three months to shop for a dress and the designer she picks cannot accommodate her needs in due time, she can explore from our vast in-store collection. Our in-house atelier can also handle many alterations, provided the dress design allows for it. Regardless of how close the wedding date is, there’s always a solution, although options may become more limited as the date approaches.
HBA: Do you find ladies getting two or more dresses is prevalent in this region or is it still the norm to opt for just one?
DAI: Oh yes absolutely. More brides today want to change out of their classic ceremony dress into something fun and dance floor-ready, however this also varies by culture. Since our city is rich with diverse cultures, a lot of brides will still choose one look for their wedding. At The Bridal Atelier, we curate many collections to accommodate for the second and third look from flirty short dresses to contemporary fitted styles.
HBA: What are your thoughts on wedding dresses with colour?
DAI: Over the past 12 years, I’ve noticed that brides have become more open to incorporating subtle undertones of colour into their dresses, like light pinks and nudes. I find this particularly appealing on certain dresses because it enhances the visibility of the intricate details, unlike ivory on ivory. However, ivory remains the predominant choice, and I believe will continue to be so. There’s a timeless allure to the idea of getting married in a ‘white’ dress that every girl dreams of.
HBA: When you travel the globe to buy the dresses, how do narrow down your selection?
DAI: Operating in Dubai, a city known for its multiculturalism and attracting people from around the globe, requires me to keep of the ladies in mind, adding a new dimension to my buying experience. Naturally, my focus is always on my clientele; they are my top priority. Bridal and fashion trends do overlap at times, so I ensure we stock the latest styles in-store, incorporating creatively designed pieces. However, many brides continue to prefer the timeless elegance when choosing their wedding dress.
HBA: What did you wear for your big day?
DAI: I chose a classic, strapless dress with a straightcut neckline in satin, adorned with pleats. It was exactly the style I had envisioned. To complement the gown, I opted for a simple tulle veil embellished with small crystals scattered delicately across its surface. My goal was to ensure that even 20 years later, I would still pick the same dress when I look back at my wedding photos. Now, after 13 years of marriage, I still feel the same way. One thing I regret was not wearing a headpiece, a detail that was forgotten amidst the planning.
Diala’s Top 5 Tips on choosing the perfect dress:
- Explore variety: Take the time to try on different silhouettes and fabrics to truly understand what you love and what you might not like as much.
- Limit your options: Try not to overwhelm yourself by limiting your search to two or three stores. Having fewer options can make choosing a dress less daunting and more enjoyable.
- Trust the team: It’s important to establish a strong connection with the boutique team or your designer. This relationship is vital as you embark on the journey from selecting your dress to attending fittings.
- Enjoy the journey: Cherish the entire process as it can be a truly magical experience. Celebrate each step, from finding the dress to fitting sessions.
- Stay true to yourself: Choose a dress that reflects your personality and makes you feel authentic then you’ll radiate confidence and beauty on your special day.
Images: Supplied
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Bride Spring/Summer 2024 issue.