PLAN YOUR DREAM

InterContinental Doha The City offers up bountiful amount of tips and trends with their Wedding Events Manager and showcases why they are a popular venue for weddings in Qatar.

The unique cultural aspects of Weddings in Qatar are something to be experienced. Wedding celebrations are usually separate for women and men. While the women celebrate and enjoy in the privacy of halls or ballrooms, the men traditionally have their weddings in tents in the desert (although nowadays the more modern grooms prefer to hold their celebrations in big halls!). The men also have a traditional sword dance called the ‘dabke’. Food is a main part of the event. Sumptuous buffet spreads featuring traditional Qatari and Middle Eastern spreads are the norm, with hosts ensuring all their guests are well fed. Chocolates and sweets are also brought and placed on the tables to share among guests during the celebration. Other traditional items on offer are lamb ouzi and sometimes even roast baby camel.

The setup of a wedding event for the women usually features a stage for the bride at the head of the venue. On the stage you will find a Kosha or Sofa which is where the Bride sits and receives her guests, and also where the groom will come to pick up his bride at the end of the family. A catwalk or walkway is usually also placed in the center of the hall for the guests to walk to greet the bride, or dance on.

During the summer months how do you ensure that the wedding party is comfortable on account of the humidity?

The ballroom, and hotel in general, is well equipped for the high temperatures and humidity that Qatar faces every summer. The ballroom especially has continuous check-ups prior to events to ensure that everything is in working order, especially the air conditioning. The engineering team is also on hand to ensure that any glitches will be taken care of immediately.

Tips And Trends

While before, the style was classic with white floral settings, the designs lately have been all about black and white. The Black Stage is very on trend this season, with many guests choosing to have it as the main feature rather than the traditional white raised stage. The shape of the walkway has also moved away from the more traditional ‘runway’ shape and more interesting designs coming into play. White florals are still on trend and are usually paired with gold and bold coloured accessories to give a contrast.

Give A Last Minute Checklist That Brides Need To Be Aware Of

A checklist is very important for every wedding – or any event for that matter. Though the checklist may differ from bride-to-bride, the important basics remain standard.Run through the day of the event in your head and take note of all actions and activities that need to be taken care of then add them to your checklist to make sure it is complete. Ensure all bookings have been made and contracts with suppliers signed. Call all suppliers to re-confirm plans and arrangements several days before and also the day before the event. If you haven’t yet, get samples of things like flower arrangements and cakes to ensure everything will be to your taste. A train run for hair and makeup a few days before the event would help quell any fears of what you would end up looking like on the day itself. Remember to also have a food tasting for your chosen menu! If you do not have a wedding or event planner, ensure you have the assistance of loved ones who will help tick off every action on your checklist. Also, don’t forget to RELAX! Take care of yourself and do not panic. Everything will go without a hitch with proper planning and forward thinking.

For more information please call: +974 4015 8888