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.
Negin Fattahi-Dasmal
Founder & Chief Executive of the Grooming Company
Negin Fattahi-Dasmal
When Negin Fattahi-Dasmal returned to Dubai in the late 1990s after a spell in Los Angeles, she decided to launch her own take on the nail bars that she had loved in LA. Negin began by opening the first N.Bar in 2001, which has since hugely expanded, encompassing male grooming lounges and blow dry services. The mother of four tells us about her American style wedding day.
Tell us about your dress and shoes?
My dress was by Vera Wang. I set my eyes on the gown when in Barneys New York with my mother and sister at my side. It was the first dress I saw and I fell in love with it instantly. Although I continued to look, I eventually went back to this first design.
Where and when did you wed?
In July 1999, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles
How did you make the flowers your own?
It was a summer wedding so I went for a soft palette of pink, peaches and ivory, with touches of green, peonies, hydrangeas, and roses. The Beverly Hills Hotel is a historical landmark, so I wanted to go with classic arrangements that would tie in with the understated yet elegant feel of the location. Especially the main feature of the Crystal ballroom, which is a large chandelier with blown glass roses.
Tell us about your cake?
The cake was an eight tier cake with butter cream icing, it was decorated with alternating tiers of the same flower arrangement of fresh flowers.
What was your personal touch?
The name Negin means diamond. So I personalised my husband Salem’s platinum band with a .25 carat diamond on the inside of the band, inscribed with ‘Your (diamond) forever’.
Best advice you were given for the day?
The best advice was to enjoy every second and always remember to smile. It is your special day and you never know when the camera will capture a moment.
Your top tip for future brides?
Always remember the camera is on you at every moment and most importantly be yourself. The bride and groom set the tone for the party, and the guests will follow your lead. It is also important for the bride and groom to make a point to greet every table and have a personal exchange with guests so they don’t come across as inaccessible. I especially recommend having a speech room, so your guests can leave personal messages which you can watch later.
by Eliza Scarborough
