Hidden Wedding Gems in Dubai
Written by on August 23, 2015.
Tagged under: Dubai Weddings, Hidden Wedding Gems in Dubai, Weddings in Dubai, wedding planning in Dubai
Hidden Wedding Gems in Dubai
Many a Dubai-based bride-to-be turns to Etsy.com to find her trinkets, favours and DIY elements for her special day. Yet, with a little research, almost everything you need can be found right on your doorstep, without the anxious wait and worry about the post. During my own wedding planning in 2013, I made it my mission to seek out everything I needed in Dubai. Here, I share some of my hidden wedding gem finds in the emirate:
Dragon Mart:
Often used by Dubai-based wedding planners, Dragon Mart is a maze of Chinese stores filled to the brim with bargains and wedding gems. The more you buy, the bigger the discount too. I purchased two vintage-style white easel boards at Dragon Mart for my wedding signage, as well as gift boxes and pretty dressing gowns for my bridesmaids, 60 hand fans for my outdoor ceremony and 60 wedding favours for my guests. Items such as vases and chocolates can also be purchased in bulk.
Location: Emirates Road, next to International City. Website: www.dragonmart.ae
Daiso:
The Japanese homeware store, famous for its 7AED products, was a staple for me during the wedding planning process. Everything from mini pegs to confetti punchers and favour bags can be found at this awesome store.
Location: Dubai Mall (lower ground floor, near Emirates Bank). Website: www.thedubaimall.com
Creative Minds:
If you are a DIY chick like myself and want to get crafty when planning your wedding, Creative Minds is a must visit. I picked up spray paints, wooden letters that spelt out ‘CARDS’ for my card tray and so much more during my visits.
Location: International house, Street 1,Umm Suqeim Road, Al Barsha 2. Website: www.creativemindsdubai.com
Sunny’s POP:
Not long opened, Sunny’s POP has quickly established a name for itself as Dubai’s premier gourmet popcorn supplier. Not only can Sunny’s POP supply delicious multi-flavoured popcorn favours for your guests, they also stock an array of fabulous party straws in numerous colours ranging from gold to pink. You can also order toffee apple edible favours and cotton candy for something a little different.
Location: European Business Centre, Green Community, Dubai. Website: www.sunnyspop.com
Paperchase:
Not such a secret to the average expat, but when it comes to weddings, you’ll be surprised at the amount of handy products you can find in this famous stationery store. Everything from ready made wedding invites to confetti and gorgeous scrapbooks are available for purchase. I picked up my wedding scrapbook at Paperchase and filled it to the brim with memorabilia from our day.
Location: Dubai Mall (lower ground floor). Website: www.thedubaimall.com
The French Touch Co:
For our wedding day, I chose to have large tassel balloons on the back of our sweetheart chairs. While I was happy with the balloons, I was not too happy with the customer service I received from the company in question..So, I have found a wonderful alternative. The French Touch Co, are Dubai based event planners who also specialise in handmade decor, including gorgeous giant tassel balloons. Team Bride Club ME recently purchased some balloons from The French Touch Co, and can vouch for quality and great customer service!
Location: Dubai, UAE. Instagram: @THEFRENCHTOUCHCO
ARTE:
Held on Fridays, this colourful market provides a platform for locally based artisans to promote their arts and crafts. There’s a host of creative talent and you’ll spot plenty of handy weddings items while browsing the stands, from custom-made cufflinks for the groom and flower crowns for the flower girls to cupcakes and edible toffee favours. ARTE is a must visit for any bride in Dubai.
Location: Times Square Centre, Dubai. Website: www.arte.ae
I hope the above hidden gems bring you some inspiration! Happy wedding gem hunting and feel free to leave your very own ‘wedding gem’ suggestions in the comment box below!
Simone Baumgartner says
Hi Rio,
Can you tell me in which shop in dragonmart you found the hand fans? I would like to buy 50 piece for my wedding all in white, pink or natural tone like yours. Dragonmart is so big, so I would appreciate to know which store I should search up.
Many thanks,
Simone
Fairy Bride Mother says
Hi Simone, unfortunately, I cant remember :( It’s in the old part of Dragon Mart, not the new section.
Linda M says
Hi Simone.. i am also looking for fans…. but plain ones. if you have any luck please let me know :) I have searched Dragon Mart but didnt have too much success as many of the fans were to decorated for what i was looking for.
Cheers
anam says
Dearest Rio,
I hope you are having a wonderful wedding life and must say that your hubby is a lucky chap to have you.
Thank you so very much for posting this blog, my wedding is due in less than 2 months and I am running around like a headless chicken…this is very helpful.
Fairy Bride Mother says
Aw bless you. Best of luck with everything – Rio x
Gillaine Polintan says
Hi Rio.
Your blog is very informative.
We are also going to have a DIY wedding however we are having a hard time finding the venue as most of the hotels and resorts will charge for it along with catering.
Would you have any idea on where can we rent a place with a beach front at a reasonable price and every thing else will be provided by us.
We want a simple and intimate wedding as we are on a budget.
Hope to hear from you.
Many thanks in advance.
Gill
Fairy Bride Mother says
Hi Gill.
Please can you email me your requirements at Rhiannon@brideclubme.com x