Questions, answered.

A Premium tier order (ten-plus items, full bridal wardrobe and home setup) typically totals AED 32,000 to AED 49,000 all-in: coordination fee, curated pieces, and shipping. A lighter curated order can land at AED 15,000–20,000. Brides choosing heavy real gold and fully bespoke tailoring can exceed AED 80,000.

Every quote is itemised so you see exactly what each line costs and approve before anything is sourced.

50% to start. Half of coordination fee plus half of the quoted curated pieces once you approve the quote. We begin sourcing the next day.

50% before box sealed. Remaining balance: the rest of your coordination fee plus the curated pieces from your accepted quote.

Shipping paid separately. Invoiced after the sealed box is weighed, quoted exactly, paid before courier pickup.

We operate as a curated supplier, not a shopping agent. When you accept a quote, you're buying the listed pieces from us at the listed prices. What you see is what you pay.

We use our buying relationships and Dubai presence to source efficiently, and the difference between our cost and your quoted price is how this business works. We don't quote one price and charge another. We don't add hidden fees. We don't claim to pass items at "retail" when we aren't.

Honest, transparent, simple.

Let us know as soon as possible. We can trim the shopping list, swap to more affordable alternatives, or pause items for a later order. As long as items haven't been purchased yet, changes are easy.

Once we've bought something on your approval, it's yours, but we always confirm each significant purchase before we commit.

Once your quote is approved, we send a secure payment link directly via WhatsApp. Payment isn't taken on this site, each invoice is sent separately with a clear breakdown. You receive a confirmation and record of every payment.

No. Ilaya started in the Somali bridal community and we know that world most deeply, but every bride is welcome. Whether you're shopping for a Western gown, a Gulf bridal abaya, a South Asian wedding or any other tradition, we'll help you build it. You don't need to know any Somali words to work with us.

Every significant item gets a video walk-through before we buy it. You see the piece in your hand, in daylight, from multiple angles. You approve or reject on WhatsApp, in your own time.

If something isn't right, we go back and try again. Nothing enters the box that you haven't said yes to.

Yes. We work with trusted vendors in Deira Gold Souk. Real gold purchases require written WhatsApp approval per piece, including weight, karat and price per gram, before we buy. You receive a receipt for every gold item.

We recommend starting your gold discussion early. The best pieces are often made-to-order with 3-7 day lead times.

Because we approve every piece by video before purchase, fit issues are rare. If a custom-tailored piece comes back from the atelier with a fit problem, we go back for adjustments at no extra cost.

For ready-made items, sizes are approved in the video stage. Once shipped, returns are difficult because of the distances involved, which is why the video approval step exists.

Starter (single category): 3-7 days.

Standard (multi-category): 2-3 weeks.

Premium (full bridal with custom tailoring): 4-8 weeks. Custom diracs (Somali bridal gowns) and lace gowns need time for fittings.

Bespoke VIP: 6-12 weeks depending on complexity.

Plus shipping time: 2-5 business days with Aramex to Somalia/East Africa, 3-7 business days worldwide via DHL and FedEx.

Worldwide. Aramex for Somalia and East Africa. DHL and FedEx for Europe, North America, UK, Gulf, and Australia.

Brides we've served recently are in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Nairobi, Kampala, London, Minneapolis, Toronto, Stockholm, Birmingham, Doha, Melbourne and Muscat.

The courier handles all customs clearance. Any duties payable at destination are your responsibility and vary by country, typically 5-25% of declared value. We provide a full commercial invoice listing every item.

Ask us before ordering if you'd like a rough estimate for your country.

Yes. Groom's kanduras, bishts, shoes and accessories, all part of Category 08 on our "What we source" page.

Bridesmaids and flower girl outfits can be coordinated to match your palette. Best to include these in the original order so the full wedding party arrives together.

Brides with beautiful dresses lend them to brides who want to wear them. Owners ship direct to renters. Both sides verify with time-stamped photos. Ilaya holds a security deposit until everyone confirms the dress was returned in good condition.

See the full rental page for details on how to rent or list.

Yes, that's the Premium and Bespoke tier speciality. One box, everything inside: your dress, henna night baatis (patterned dresses), jewellery, perfume, prayer gown, skincare prep, groom's outfit, bridesmaid pieces and wedding favours.

This is the most common order type because it consolidates your shopping into one coordinated delivery instead of twenty messy WhatsApp threads.