From Dream Dresses to Award-Winning Service: A Q&A with Christina Allen of Ilume Bridal Studio

Dubai is known for its luxury and glamour, and when it comes to finding the perfect bridal gown, one name stands out: Ilume Bridal Studio. Recently honored with the WeddingsOnline Award for Best Bridal Boutique 2024, Ilume has solidified its reputation as the go-to destination for brides seeking elegance and style.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Christina Allen, the passionate owner and manager behind this award-winning bridal boutique, to dive into her journey in the world of bridal fashion. From curating the most stunning collections to helping brides find their dream dress, Christina’s insights into the bridal industry are as invaluable as the gowns she offers. In this Q&A, Christina shares her experiences, challenges, and what it truly means to create unforgettable moments for brides-to-be in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Tell us about the inspiration behind Ilume’s setup.

Ilume was founded by four of us who saw a gap in the Dubai bridal market for a Western-style approach. Two of the owners already run a successful bridal shop in Wales, and I live in Dubai, where I recognized the demand for a modern, high-end bridal experience, but with an affordable option.  With our combined business and bridal expertise—plus excessive business experience with two of us owning a recruitment business in Wales since 2008—we created a brand that brings some of the world’s top designers to Dubai. 

We wanted to offer more than just beautiful gowns—we wanted to create an unforgettable experience. Many of our brides come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations, and we take pride in making each appointment special. Our “Yes to the Dress” moments are celebrated with confetti cannons, and because so many brides in Dubai are away from their families, we offer Zoom calls to include loved ones in the experience. For those wanting a little extra luxury, we provide luxe appointments with canapés, mocktails, and a stunning selfie shimmer wall for the perfect bridal moment.

How long has Ilume been in business?

Ilume launched in 2022, and in under two years, we’ve become one of Dubai’s top bridal boutiques, we have won two awards, one for ‘brand to watch’, and also Best Bridal Boutique 2024 by weddingsonline.

What do you love most about working at Ilume?

I love that we’ve built something so special from the ground up. From working with incredible designers to creating unique bridal content, it’s amazing to see our vision come to life. The best part is helping brides find their dream dress and making their experience unforgettable, and building a reputation for offering the finest bridal dresses tailored to our target market, ensuring top-quality selections, and staying ahead of bridal trends and designers to provide the best options for our brides. And also the fun we have creating bridal content that truly connects with our audience. We strive to be relatable to all brides because every style is unique, and we want everyone to see something that resonates with them. We’re often complimented on our socials for being fun, engaging, and a huge help in guiding brides toward a style that feels just right for them!

What are the latest bridal trends for 2025?

2025 is all about bold yet timeless styles. Think elegant draping, statement sleeves, and unique textures like 3D florals. High-fashion minimalism is still in, but with modern twists like sculptural silhouettes and detachable details. Pearls and soft shimmer fabrics are also making a comeback. We are able to offer all of these styles to our Brides.

What is your top piece of advice for brides choosing their dress?

Our top tip is to trust yourself! While it’s great to hear other opinions, too many can be overwhelming—remember, your opinion matters most. Keep an open mind, as many brides end up loving a dress they never expected. Most importantly, trust your gut—when you feel amazing in a dress, that’s the one!

Which is your favourite designer right now?

We love so many designers, but a few stand out for different reasons:

• Some offer fully customizable gowns, allowing brides to create a truly unique look.
• Others focus on cutting-edge, modern designs for the fashion-forward bride.
• Some brands provide stunning styles that cater to a wide range of brides.
• And there are those that offer more affordable options, ensuring we have something for every style and budget.

Do you have a favourite celebrity wedding dress?

There have been so many iconic bridal looks, but two that stand out are Hailey Bieber’s custom gown with “Till Death Do Us Part” on the veil—a perfect mix of classic and contemporary—and Meghan Markle’s timeless dress with its clean lines and elegant simplicity, embodying modern sophistication and royal grace.

How can brides book a fitting at Ilume Bridal Studio?

Brides can reach out to us via Instagram, WhatsApp, or our website to book a private appointment. We offer a luxury experience in our Dubai studio, where they can try on gowns from our stunning designer collections.  We’re known for creating an unforgettable experience, and our glowing reviews speak for themselves! Many of our brides come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations, which is the biggest compliment.  We make every “Yes to the Dress” moment special, with confetti cannon celebrations and even Zoom call options to include family who can’t be there in person. For those wanting something extra special, we offer luxe appointments with canapés, mocktails, and a stunning selfie shimmer wall for the ultimate bridal experience.

Ready to find your dream dress? Visit Ilume Bridal Studio in Dubai or reach out to their team for a consultation. You can connect with them through their profile page, or by calling or sending a WhatsApp to the boutique directly on +971 58 587 6027.