READING TIME: 4 min 13 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/04/2024
UPDATED: 11/05/2024
When it comes to wedding planning in the Middle East, one name consistently stands out: Zainab Alsalih, the founder and creative director of Carousel Events. Since 2008, Zainab has been creating magical experiences for couples, turning their visions into unforgettable realities. Based in Dubai, her journey into wedding planning is as inspiring as the breathtaking events she designs.
Zainab’s journey to becoming one of the most sought-after wedding planners in the region didn’t follow a traditional path. “I started my career in banking,” she shares, “but I quickly realized that my true passion lay in creative design and event management. It was actually my husband who suggested that I transition into event planning, starting with corporate events, which eventually led me to discover my love for weddings.”
It wasn’t long before she found her true calling in weddings. “Planning corporate events was a great start,” Zainab reflects, “It wasn’t long before I found myself drawn to weddings, where I could fully express my creativity and design stunning, memorable experiences for couples.”
Zainab vividly recalls the first wedding she ever planned—a pivotal moment in her career. “It was an intimate and personalized wedding,” she explains. “I was involved in every detail, from the floral arrangements to creating the perfect atmosphere. That experience gave me the confidence to continue pursuing wedding planning. It marked the beginning of Carousel Events and set us on the path to becoming one of the most recognized names in luxury wedding planning in the Middle East.”
The success of that wedding opened the doors to a rewarding journey, where Zainab’s creative vision and meticulous attention to detail took center stage.
When asked what inspired her to become a wedding planner, Zainab points to her deep love for creating beautiful experiences. “I’ve always had a creative flair,” she says. “Wedding planning gives me the chance to use that creativity to make couples’ dreams come true. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the joy on their faces when everything comes together perfectly on their special day.”
At Carousel Events, every wedding is a unique reflection of the couple’s story. Zainab doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. “We don’t work with predefined packages,” she explains. “Every couple is different, and their wedding should be a true reflection of their personalities and love story. Our approach is entirely bespoke, and no two weddings are ever the same.”
By focusing on personalization, Zainab ensures that each wedding is a distinctive experience. “This commitment to personalization means that no two Carousel weddings are ever the same, and I treat every wedding with the same level of care and attention as if it were my very first.”
While each wedding holds a special place in her heart, Zainab admits that her first wedding remains particularly memorable. “All of my weddings hold a special place in my heart, and it’s impossible to choose just one as a favorite, much like a mother can't choose between her children,” she recalls. “However, my first wedding remains particularly dear to me because it marked the beginning of my journey in this incredible field.”
Even the most meticulously planned weddings come with challenges. Zainab is no stranger to the unexpected, whether it’s inclement weather or a global pandemic. “One of the biggest challenges is preparing for unforeseen circumstances,” she explains. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for adaptability in planning, as restrictions and health concerns changed frequently. Additionally, unexpected situations, such as travel restrictions or emergencies, can disrupt even the most meticulously planned weddings. These challenges require careful anticipation, contingency planning, and a calm, solution-oriented approach to ensure that the wedding can proceed smoothly despite any hurdles.”
Her ability to remain calm and resourceful in the face of unexpected events is one of the reasons Carousel Events is so highly regarded. “It’s all about having backup plans and staying flexible,” she says. “You have to be ready for anything.”
In addition to creating stunning weddings, Carousel Events is dedicated to helping couples stay on budget without compromising their vision. “To help couples stay within their budget, it’s crucial to focus on the most important elements of the wedding,” she advises. “By focusing on what truly matters to the couple and scaling back on less essential details, it's possible to create a beautiful and memorable event without overspending.”
This approach allows Zainab to deliver weddings that are both luxurious and financially manageable. “Less is often more,” she explains. “By focusing on the journey, the wedding becomes more than just a single event; it transforms into a cherished memory that reflects the love and collaboration of the couple.”
For couples embarking on the wedding planning journey, Carousel Events offers one key piece of advice: “To help couples stay within their budget, it's crucial to keep in mind that less is often more. Prioritizing the most important elements of the wedding can make a significant difference. By focusing on what truly matters to the couple and scaling back on less essential details, it's possible to create a beautiful and memorable event without overspending. This approach not only keeps costs down but also ensures that the wedding remains a reflection of the couple's unique vision.”
She encourages couples to appreciate every step of the way, from selecting the venue to finalizing the menu.
As someone who has planned weddings in some of the most beautiful locations in the Middle East, Zainab has a particular fondness for the Dubai Opera. “The Dubai Opera is my dream venue,” she shares. “And I have had the pleasure of planning two weddings there.”
With its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, the Dubai Opera offers a level of sophistication that aligns perfectly with Zainab’s vision for luxury weddings.
As Zainab continues to expand Carousel Events and push the boundaries of wedding design, one thing remains clear: her passion for creating unforgettable weddings is as strong as ever. With her unwavering dedication to personalization and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities, Zainab is sure to continue making dreams come true for couples across the Middle East.
