The world was surprised when Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck announced they'd married in a spontaneous Las Vegas wedding in July, but we were watching closely when they hosted their far more lavish second ceremony last week.
The nuptials were held at Affleck's $8.1 million Georgia estate amid famous friends and family members, as the couple, known colloquially as Bennifer, said "I do” — again — almost 20 years after their first relationship.
They’re not the only celebrities to have more than one wedding ceremony — and they certainly won't be the last.
Only a few months ago, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker famously held three ceremonies — one also in Vegas, a second in California to make it legal, followed by a big bash in Italy.
In the Arab world and the subcontinent, having several wedding events is the cultural norm, but it’s also a rising, post-pandemic trend in the West.
In the US, for example, couples are having two or three events, something Steve Kemble, a wedding planner in Dallas, told The New York Times he calls “sequel weddings”. He said it allows “couples to create authentic moments of celebration at times that work for them and their loved ones”.
Brides magazine also named "full wedding weekends" a top trend for 2022. "With welcome parties, daytime activities and day-after brunches, many weddings are expanding their scope outside of the simple ceremony and reception," the publication wrote.
Mark Khawaja, co-founder of La Table Events in Abu Dhabi, says it's becoming more popular in the UAE, too. “There has been a surge in events happening in the Emirates from people coming from all over the world ever since they announced civil marriage," he tells The National, describing these as "truly exciting times”.
The events company, which specialises in weddings, has had many couples get in touch with them to organise their nuptials in the UAE, with plans for another ceremony in their home countries. "They have different themes, fashion and crowd. One can imagine the incredible experience.”
Arun Bablani, of Vivaah Weddings, recalls one couple who used eight properties to host 10 events across Dubai during a seven-day wedding extravaganza with more than 500 guests.
“Another couple who live in Benin, West Africa, held a traditional wedding over seven days in Benin City for over 1,000 guests. Then they held another three-day event in Paris, followed by four days in Dubai.”
It's quite usual for the company to organise multi-day weddings in Dubai, he says. “Many of the couple’s guests will be travelling from overseas to attend the wedding. So, planning a number of different events to keep guests engaged and occupied is pretty standard.”
It's particularly common for Indian weddings, he says, which can last between two to five days. "The need to honour the cultural history and in deference to their elders, couples will happily follow the same wedding plans that their parents and grandparents did."
Scroll through the gallery below to see inside a lavish, multi-day Indian wedding in the UAE, with laser shows, fireworks and Ain Dubai ceremony
Destination weddings simply can't be a one-day event, Bablani continues. "These days, it is not unusual to have family and friends scattered all around the world. Holding events over numerous days gives everyone a chance to really reconnect and spend quality time together.
"It helps create many wonderful memories in a way that a singular event cannot.”
It just makes sense for guests flying into the UAE, says Rasha Badran, founder of weddings and event planning company The Purple Chair. “Given that there is so much the country has to offer, couples are creating memorable events for their guests by giving them unique experiences," she says.
“Day one can be dedicated to people meeting each other and reconnecting. Day two can be the day of the ritual and celebrations without the formalities. Most couples are so overwhelmed on their wedding day that they feel it passes quickly and are trying to juggle their time between enjoying the night and meeting guests' expectations.
"By having multiple events, you tend to be more relaxed and have a smoother process of matrimony.”
But while it's nothing new in the UAE, there has been a noted rise in recent interest. Bablani, who also founded the Middle East Wedding Alliance, says that as Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted across the world, they've seen a "higher average spend”, since people had more time to save for their ceremonies, leading to more than one event.
There's also a religious and cultural aspect, he says. “With the rise in marriages of people born into different religions and the tolerance and acceptance that may have been missing in the past, couples feel more able to have celebrations that can encompass and honour both faiths. There are so many wonderful traditions and symbolic elements that are part of a marriage ceremony be they Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist or Jewish.
“Apart from the fun of having more than one wedding, it is also a great way of showing true respect to the family of your partner that you are about to become a part of.”
Badran, who has organised several three-day events in Dubai, says anyone considering a multi-day wedding should focus on providing guests with completely different experiences for each event.
“The pre-wedding can always be themed and the main focus is to have fun and have all friends and family get together. Weddings should be more timeless and classic.
"The third day is usually more relaxed and laid-back. It can be a dressed-up brunch where guests say their goodbyes in a relaxed environment.”
Bablani says it's most important to know your budget. “It's easy for costs to spiral if you're not careful. Think about what elements of a wedding are really important to you. Remember past weddings you have been to and what bits you did and didn’t like.”
Khawaja also says balancing the budget is of utmost priority, but ultimately a multi-event wedding is a no-brainer — if you can afford it. “If one has the ability, resources and will to create and enhance these memories and share it with as many loved ones as possible, then why not?
"Covid taught the world that without joy, love and gatherings, we are just empty souls with filled-up bank accounts."
THE SPECS
Engine: six-litre W12 twin-turbo
Transmission: eight-speed dual clutch auto
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh940,160 (plus VAT)
On sale: Q1 2020
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
More from Armen Sarkissian
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor
Power: 843hp at N/A rpm
Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km
On sale: October to December
Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)
Mica
Director: Ismael Ferroukhi
Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
3 stars
RESULTS
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Lady Snazz, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Rich And Famous, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Rio Angie, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB) Dh 92,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Kinver Edge, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai,
HBKU Press
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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Palestine and Israel - live updates
WWE Evolution results
- Trish Stratus and Lita beat Alicia Fox and Mickie James in a tag match
- Nia Jax won a battle royal, eliminating Ember Moon last to win
- Toni Storm beat Io Shirai to win the Mae Young Classic
- Natalya, Sasha Banks and Bayley beat The Riott Squad in a six-woman tag match
- Shayna Baszler won the NXT Women’s title by defeating Kairi Sane
- Becky Lynch retained the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing match
- Ronda Rousey retained the Raw Women’s title by beating Nikki Bella
Schedule for show courts
Centre Court - from 4pm UAE time
Johanna Konta (6) v Donna Vekic
Andy Murray (1) v Dustin Brown
Rafael Nadal (4) v Donald Young
Court 1 - from 4pm UAE time
Kei Nishikori (9) v Sergiy Stakhovsky
Qiang Wang v Venus Williams (10)
Beatriz Haddad Maia v Simona Halep (2)
Court 2 - from 2.30pm
Heather Watson v Anastasija Sevastova (18)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (12) v Simone Bolelli
Florian Mayer v Marin Cilic (7)
THE SPECS
Engine: 3-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 424hp
Torque: 580 Nm
Price: From Dh399,000
On sale: Now
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
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Saturday's results
Women's third round
- 14-Garbine Muguruza Blanco (Spain) beat Sorana Cirstea (Romania) 6-2, 6-2
- Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) beat Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) 6-2, 6-1
- 7-Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) beat Polona Hercog (Slovenia) 6-4. 6-0
- Coco Vandeweghe (USA) beat Alison Riske (USA) 6-2, 6-4
- 9-Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) beat 19-Timea Bacsinszky (Switzerland) 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
- Petra Martic (Croatia) beat Zarina Diyas (Kazakhstan) 7-6, 6-1
- Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) beat Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) 6-2, 6-1
- 7-Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) beat Polona Hercog (Slovenia) 6-4, 6-0
Men's third round
- 13-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat Dudi Sela (Israel) 6-1, 6-1 -- retired
- Sam Queery (United States) beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, 1-6, 7-5
- 6-Milos Raonic (Canada) beat 25-Albert Ramos (Spain) 7-6, 6-4, 7-5
- 10-Alexander Zverev (Germany) beat Sebastian Ofner (Austria) 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
- 11-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) beat David Ferrer (Spain) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3
- Adrian Mannarino (France) beat 15-Gael Monfils (France) 7-6, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2
SERIES INFO
Schedule:
All matches at the Harare Sports Club
1st ODI, Wed Apr 10
2nd ODI, Fri Apr 12
3rd ODI, Sun Apr 14
4th ODI, Sun Apr 16
UAE squad
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Zimbabwe squad
Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
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RESULTS
5pm Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Munfared, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Sawt Assalam, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Dergham Athbah, Pat Dobbs, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Rajee, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
7pm Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Kerless Del Roc, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Pharoah King, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
8pm Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Sauternes Al Maury, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
US Industrial Market figures, Q1 2017
Vacancy Rate 5.4%
Markets With Positive Absorption 85.7 per cent
New Supply 55 million sq ft
New Supply to Inventory 0.4 per cent
Under Construction 198.2 million sq ft
(Source: Colliers)
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
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The specs
Engine: Turbocharged four-cylinder 2.7-litre
Power: 325hp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh189,700
On sale: now
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