From designers to wedding planners, who are more in the know than most about weddings. We chat to them to get their top tips and advice, for the perfect day.
Jelena Bin Drai
Designer & Entrepreneur
Jelena Bin Drai
Serbian born Jelena Bin Drai became an entrepreneur, following her move to Dubai. She used her extensive knowledge of the fashion industry, which she gained as one of the regions first supermodels, to build an empire of beauty salons, health clinics and nurseries, before launching her own fashion brand. Jelena Bin Drai is a luxury clothing brand, which uses exquisite craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics to create chic and wearable collections.
Tell us about your dress and shoes?
Dubai-based fashion designer and close friend Rami Al Ali designed my wedding gown. Just like every other bride-to-be, I was very picky with the details and style of what I pictured my wedding dress to be. In fact, Rami said I was his most difficult client ever. I wore Dior heels to compliment my beautiful, elegant gown.
Where and when did you wed?
I got married in 2008 and had my wedding at our family farm in Al Awir, Dubai. We felt it was the perfect place to hold the ceremony and celebrate with our closest family and friends.
How did you make the flowers your own?
I ordered huge bouquets of hydrangea from a boutique located on Jumeirah Road. Because of its size and enchanting colors and varieties, I was so mesmerised by the ornamental flowers I knew it would be perfect for my magical day.
Tell us about your cake?
My three tier stacked vanilla and fruit flavoured cake was decorated with white icings on top in the form of hydrangea flowers, while the bottom of the cake had vine leaves. I wanted my cake to have the nature element.
What was your personal touch?
The invitation cards were the item I mostly added my personal touch to and tried to create on my own. It was a big envelope that looked more like a champagne coloured clutch covered in pure raw silk and was wrapped with a delicate silver rope. Then, I sealed the card with two beautiful Swarovski crystal drops. The invitation was translated into three languages: English, Serbian and Arabic and included a map to our venue.
Best advice you were given for the day?
Before my wedding, a close friend told me to just relax and enjoy my special day and that no one will take notice if things don’t go as planned.
Your top tip for future brides?
My top tip for future brides is to just take it easy on their big day and to enjoy their day without worrying about things not turning out the way they were expected to. Nobody will ever know!
