Real Dubai Bride Amy Cowin: What Did Brides Do Before Google?

Our real Dubai bride Amy Cowin has had a productive October planning her wedding, which is now less than five months away! Below, Amy talks us through what she got up to last month and wonders exactly how brides-to-be planned their big day before Google (and BCME, of course!). Read on to find out more…

This month started in the most amazing way! I entered a competition and won the most stunning bouquet of hydrangeas by Upscale and Posh Flowers, that looked like it came straight from a wedding editorial shoot in Dubai. It really made my day!

My wedding countdown tells me it’s five months until the big day. I actually can’t believe it. This time last year I was dreaming of a proposal, trying on engagement rings at Tiffany & Co. at the Dubai Mall, and now the big day is hurtling towards me faster than I ever imagined. Even though work is busier than ever and I’ve just started an eight-week fitness challenge with F45, I think I’m finally in control of all the plates spinning above my head! I’ve decided that the only way to tackle wedding planning is to stay in my pyjamas on a Saturday morning, grab a coffee, sneak back into bed with my iPad and attack Google.

Google has become my best friend alongside the BCME vendor club. For brides on a budget (I have realised this month after some calculations how easy it is to go completely overboard on the budget and have had to keep reminding myself that it’s only one day) Amazon and Etsy are simply fabulous. I’ve managed to source so many props for the wedding from these places and they deliver to Dubai. I’ve ordered a complete set of 10 apothecary style candy containers for 100AED online which in Dubai cost more like 100AED each. I’ve also realised how important it is to shop around and compare quotes when looking for vendors such as florists, furnishings, props, entertainment, etc etc. Every company varies in price enormously and this could change your wedding wish lists into wedding must-haves. That’s something I’ve been doing this month, a list of must-haves for the wedding and a wish list if the budget allows.

I’ve realised by looking through endless wedding photographs how important it is that you bring individual touches to your wedding as they provide unique opportunities for photographs. Liz from Lizelle Goussard Photography reminded me of this in our recent conversation (I am so happy to have her as our wedding photographer, not only is she a fabulous person but her photographs tell the story of the wedding –something which I feel is so important).

I am currently working on a few little surprise touches for my bridesmaids and I have ordered a beautiful wedding charm to insert a photo for my bridal bouquet from Save The Date By Lily. Sadly, due to illness, my Dad is unable to attend the wedding but he will be walking down the aisle with me in a different way. We had a special wedding service in the UK over the summer so he could be with us. So as well as having a very special family celebration, the legal side of things is also all done and dusted – phew!

In other news, the invites are out. I cannot believe how nerve-wracking it is waiting for the RSVPs to come in via our wedding website. I am permanently checking it as I really want everyone to be at our wedding. However, as an expat bride, I know this may be impossible for some. I’m thinking positive and keeping my spirits high as I look forward to the big day.

xX Amy Xx

Don’t forget to log on next month to see Amy’s latest bridal diary post!