This review is published in
London Area
Elegantly Unique weddings are all about modern décor, flexibility and a customized approach
Reviewing Dash and Mercy, Elegantly Unique
Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
Check out Elegantly Unique's brand new website complete with photos galore and lists of their services: www.elegantlyunique.com
London-based decorating company, Elegantly Unique, is a family-owned business focused on offering flexible, limitless decorating services and rentals that can help any London bride up the ante on her wedding day style. Owned by Dash and Mercy, it's about taking pride in their work, delivering on promises, and offering everything a bride could want and love - from chair covers and sashes to table linens, centrepieces, and a long list of décor details and elements that can transform any wedding day. They don't believe in decorating packages. It's all about putting together your package, à la carte style. Their goal is to give you exactly what you want. And for brides who want to keep a hands-on approach, Elegantly Unique will rent their decorating supplies too.
When we met Elegantly Unique in person, we knew brides would love them. Dash and Mercy are outgoing, professional and ultra chic in person. They're the first to admit that they're always excited to try something completely new, are willing to incorporate anything the bride wants, and their goal is to make each wedding stand out for its own design and style. Then, add in the fact that they offer high quality, modern décor (for rent or with decorating services) and a style that's all about colour, layers of fabrics, textures and light... and we were sold. Let us explain...
Dash and Mercy took their natural design talents to the next level with hands-on practice and a number of design and décor courses and research. They built up their decorating inventory, including finding unique supplies and trends, and in 2007 this stylish couple opened their company, Elegantly Unique. This big step was more than just business for them. "We surround our brides with this positive energy, that comfort level, and the rest is accomplishable."
With their popularity growing each year and a knack for even the largest affairs (some with 600+ guests), Elegantly Unique says they're confident in handling multiple weddings each weekend. Dash and Mercy have brought in a staff to help coordinate events, and say that each person on their team is experienced and well-trained. The couple themselves are always the ones to meet with brides and grooms for their consultations, and either one or both of them are present at each wedding to make sure every design detail goes smoothly and is done on time.
They take a package-free approach to choosing the many details that make up wedding day décor. So instead of choosing from several decorating packages, Elegantly Unique brides put together whatever they want, need and love - à la carte style. There's plenty of decorating elements to choose from but Dash and Mercy say that if they don't have what you want, there's a good chance they can find it. It's all about hassle-free, limitless decorating services and rentals.
Elegantly Unique strives to make the bride’s comfort level their number one priority. They want their clients to be in love with their wedding day style. And to make sure that happens, they take a team approach. "Our key players are the brides/clients; they come first, then our coordinators... The fusion of this is amazing! Our team's ideas combined with the bride's input breed mind-blowing décor."
Rola Abdul Karim’s biggest reason for hiring Elegantly Unique to decorate her wedding (which included backdrop, head table, ceiling, centrepieces, entrance, cake table, receiving table, flowers, and more) was Dash and Mercy’s confidence in their work. “They came across as very understanding and it made me feel like they were very trustworthy,” she told us. “They sat down with me and took their time in helping me achieve exactly what I wanted. Thanks to them, I felt very relieved… Mercy and Dash are wonderful, very understanding and patient people.”
Brides are welcome and encouraged to show Dash and Mercy pictures of décor styles they like for inspiration and Elegantly Unique says they will work with those while still ensuring that your look will be completely unique. Plus, they’ll add their own input and ideas to complete the look.
Between making their brides feel like they're part of the family and ensuring that their every requested detail is taken care of, we're not surprised that so many of Elegantly Unique's couples feel at ease working with them and end up becoming friends with the decorating duo.
Though we're sure that their 100% dedication to each event and their easy going nature helps, too. In fact, Dash and Mercy told us a story about a wedding they decorated in 2009 that ended up having fifty-six last-minute (literally, the day-of) guests added. Without even breaking a sweat, the pair happily accommodated and decorated the extra tables.
It’s not just brides who recommend Elegantly Unique as Sue Hickmott, Director of Catering for the Hilton London, has worked with Dash in person and told us that he goes the extra mile for his clients, especially if there are last minute changes. “He cares and wants to make their day very special,” she adds.
If you look through their portfolio, you can see layers and layers of linens, textures and tons of lighting details. "Elegantly Unique utilizes decorative elements and accessories that bestow a magical feeling that will enhance the surrounding and transform any setting before your eyes."
Olha Frankiv had Elegantly Unique decorate her October 2009 wedding and found Dash and Mercy to be a very professional couple to work with. She says that their style perfectly matches their company name. “I always recommend them to all of my friends because I know that a wedding takes up a lot of your mind, and with Elegantly Unique’s decorations, part is done for you.”
Shannon Wood, Catering Coordinator for the Four Points by Sheraton London, told us that she gives Elegantly Unique’s name to brides who book their reception at the Four Points. She adds that their décor is fantastic and they do “an outstanding job transforming the look and feel of the room.”
On top of their elegant and unique décor, Elegantly Unique specifically offers chair covers, sashes, table linens, overlays, centrepieces, ceilings, backdrops, table designs and pretty much anything that has to do with the design of your wedding, including lighting, accessories and even custom invitations.
This means, they can decorate your entire wedding from the backdrop to the head table, and the cake table to the ceiling. Or, if you're more of a DIY bride, Elegantly Unique also offers items to rent – like chair covers, linens and vases, to name a few.
Yolla Dahrouj rented white satin chair covers from Elegantly Unique for her October 2009 wedding and told us that Dash and Mercy were nice and truly helped her with what she needed. In fact, if it wasn't for them, Yolla wouldn’t have had the 525 chair covers she needed for her reception as she was having trouble finding that amount anywhere else. “When I got in touch with Elegantly Unique and they had exactly what I was looking for, I booked them one week before my wedding,” she says. “Thank god they were available and they were amazing to work with… They are professional and go out of their way to help you.”
While they have their most popular items, Dash and Mercy told us that they can do anything you’re looking for, even if that means finding unique items to suit your style that they didn't originally have.
Recent bride, Suzette Chase, was impressed when she first saw Elegantly Unique’s portfolio and noticed that they used ostrich feathers in their décor – something she had never seen done before. “It was quite unique and different than the use of flowers,” she told The Ring. “Elegantly Unique’s style of decorating was exactly what they say they are – elegant,” and she adds, sophisticated.
Suzette says Elegantly Unique worked within their budget. “I would definitely recommend Elegantly Unique to other couples..."
Rola loved the fact that Elegantly Unique didn’t make her feel like she had to choose a specific package. Instead, she says “they were very flexible with their options.” Dash and Mercy followed Rola's budget even though she was specific about some of her needs and knew certain things would cost more. In the end, the final price tag was still within her budget.
Varying options also means varying prices, but to give you an idea, your customized package can be as low as $500, or as high as $3,500. The average bride spends between $1,500 and $2,500 on their décor at Elegantly Unique, but it's really all about the bride. "You can have as much or as little as you’re looking for."
Email or phone work best for contacting them and they love meeting with couples in person to discuss your needs face to face. They say they can meet with couples at their place or yours, and recommend meeting at the reception space to get a feel for what you're looking for in the space you’ve rented.
During the meeting, Dash and Mercy talk vision, colours, venue, number of guests, and all of the details pertinent to creating your design. They'll also present a selection of samples that they think go with the bride's vision while throwing in suggestions.
A typical one hour appointment usually ends up being more like two or three hours after Dash and Mercy get chatting with couples. We could see by their personable and down to earth nature that this wouldn't be hard to do!
After the consultation, a price for what you're looking for will be quoted, and when you're ready to book a 50% deposit is required with the balance due two weeks before the wedding.
Between booking and your wedding day, there's no limit to the amount of meetings you can have with the Elegantly Unique team – you can email with questions and ideas any time – and they will set up a schedule for the day-of with you, and with your venue.
Shannon from the Four Points told us that Dash and Mercy were easy to get along with and very flexible in their services. “They were in communication with the venue, which is great,” she adds. “We knew what they were doing and the time that they were going to set-up.”
On the wedding day, the team will do their thing at the discussed place and time, and they'll always leave their emergency contact number with the couple just in case there's last minute guests added or changes that need to be taken care of, which they’re more than happy to accommodate.
• Packages are all customizable at Elegantly Unique, but the average bride spends between $1,500 and $2,500.
• A 50% deposit is required to book, with the balance due 2 weeks before the wedding.
When we met Elegantly Unique in person, we knew brides would love them. Dash and Mercy are outgoing, professional and ultra chic in person. They're the first to admit that they're always excited to try something completely new, are willing to incorporate anything the bride wants, and their goal is to make each wedding stand out for its own design and style. Then, add in the fact that they offer high quality, modern décor (for rent or with decorating services) and a style that's all about colour, layers of fabrics, textures and light... and we were sold. Let us explain...
Personally speaking…
Elegantly Unique is a family owned business, run by Dash and Mercy – a husband and wife team who has had a passion for creativity and design for as long as they can remember. That passion is ultimately what led them towards the art of wedding decorating and design. The pair was inspired by the idea of using décor for fulfilling a bride's dream of her perfect wedding day look.Dash and Mercy took their natural design talents to the next level with hands-on practice and a number of design and décor courses and research. They built up their decorating inventory, including finding unique supplies and trends, and in 2007 this stylish couple opened their company, Elegantly Unique. This big step was more than just business for them. "We surround our brides with this positive energy, that comfort level, and the rest is accomplishable."
With their popularity growing each year and a knack for even the largest affairs (some with 600+ guests), Elegantly Unique says they're confident in handling multiple weddings each weekend. Dash and Mercy have brought in a staff to help coordinate events, and say that each person on their team is experienced and well-trained. The couple themselves are always the ones to meet with brides and grooms for their consultations, and either one or both of them are present at each wedding to make sure every design detail goes smoothly and is done on time.
Brides should always get what they want
We loved Dash and Mercy's flexibility and willingness to try anything. It’s your wedding, so why shouldn't you have what you want, right? This is the mindset that Dash and Mercy have when they go to work on a wedding with a bride and groom. There are no limits, according to them.They take a package-free approach to choosing the many details that make up wedding day décor. So instead of choosing from several decorating packages, Elegantly Unique brides put together whatever they want, need and love - à la carte style. There's plenty of decorating elements to choose from but Dash and Mercy say that if they don't have what you want, there's a good chance they can find it. It's all about hassle-free, limitless decorating services and rentals.
Elegantly Unique strives to make the bride’s comfort level their number one priority. They want their clients to be in love with their wedding day style. And to make sure that happens, they take a team approach. "Our key players are the brides/clients; they come first, then our coordinators... The fusion of this is amazing! Our team's ideas combined with the bride's input breed mind-blowing décor."
Rola Abdul Karim’s biggest reason for hiring Elegantly Unique to decorate her wedding (which included backdrop, head table, ceiling, centrepieces, entrance, cake table, receiving table, flowers, and more) was Dash and Mercy’s confidence in their work. “They came across as very understanding and it made me feel like they were very trustworthy,” she told us. “They sat down with me and took their time in helping me achieve exactly what I wanted. Thanks to them, I felt very relieved… Mercy and Dash are wonderful, very understanding and patient people.”
Brides are welcome and encouraged to show Dash and Mercy pictures of décor styles they like for inspiration and Elegantly Unique says they will work with those while still ensuring that your look will be completely unique. Plus, they’ll add their own input and ideas to complete the look.
Between making their brides feel like they're part of the family and ensuring that their every requested detail is taken care of, we're not surprised that so many of Elegantly Unique's couples feel at ease working with them and end up becoming friends with the decorating duo.
Though we're sure that their 100% dedication to each event and their easy going nature helps, too. In fact, Dash and Mercy told us a story about a wedding they decorated in 2009 that ended up having fifty-six last-minute (literally, the day-of) guests added. Without even breaking a sweat, the pair happily accommodated and decorated the extra tables.
It’s not just brides who recommend Elegantly Unique as Sue Hickmott, Director of Catering for the Hilton London, has worked with Dash in person and told us that he goes the extra mile for his clients, especially if there are last minute changes. “He cares and wants to make their day very special,” she adds.
Balancing glamour, style and a bit of magic
Dash and Mercy describe their décor style as high quality, unique, beautiful and modern. They say that the vibrant colours they use bring a balance of glamour and style to the events they decorate.If you look through their portfolio, you can see layers and layers of linens, textures and tons of lighting details. "Elegantly Unique utilizes decorative elements and accessories that bestow a magical feeling that will enhance the surrounding and transform any setting before your eyes."
Olha Frankiv had Elegantly Unique decorate her October 2009 wedding and found Dash and Mercy to be a very professional couple to work with. She says that their style perfectly matches their company name. “I always recommend them to all of my friends because I know that a wedding takes up a lot of your mind, and with Elegantly Unique’s decorations, part is done for you.”
Shannon Wood, Catering Coordinator for the Four Points by Sheraton London, told us that she gives Elegantly Unique’s name to brides who book their reception at the Four Points. She adds that their décor is fantastic and they do “an outstanding job transforming the look and feel of the room.”
On top of their elegant and unique décor, Elegantly Unique specifically offers chair covers, sashes, table linens, overlays, centrepieces, ceilings, backdrops, table designs and pretty much anything that has to do with the design of your wedding, including lighting, accessories and even custom invitations.
This means, they can decorate your entire wedding from the backdrop to the head table, and the cake table to the ceiling. Or, if you're more of a DIY bride, Elegantly Unique also offers items to rent – like chair covers, linens and vases, to name a few.
Yolla Dahrouj rented white satin chair covers from Elegantly Unique for her October 2009 wedding and told us that Dash and Mercy were nice and truly helped her with what she needed. In fact, if it wasn't for them, Yolla wouldn’t have had the 525 chair covers she needed for her reception as she was having trouble finding that amount anywhere else. “When I got in touch with Elegantly Unique and they had exactly what I was looking for, I booked them one week before my wedding,” she says. “Thank god they were available and they were amazing to work with… They are professional and go out of their way to help you.”
While they have their most popular items, Dash and Mercy told us that they can do anything you’re looking for, even if that means finding unique items to suit your style that they didn't originally have.
Recent bride, Suzette Chase, was impressed when she first saw Elegantly Unique’s portfolio and noticed that they used ostrich feathers in their décor – something she had never seen done before. “It was quite unique and different than the use of flowers,” she told The Ring. “Elegantly Unique’s style of decorating was exactly what they say they are – elegant,” and she adds, sophisticated.
Incorporating culture & tradition
Originally from Southern Africa, and being well-known in the cultural communities in and around London, Dash and Mercy are experienced and equipped with providing multicultural and diverse décor. "We understand the different cultural traditions and will make sure they are incorporated into your wedding décor," they told us. Without having to explain everything to them, the two say that they can help couples incorporate any traditions into wedding day décor. Plus, they frequently import items from back home so they have unique items to offer.Décor for every budget
Because of their package-free, à la carte approach, budgeting for an Elegantly Unique wedding is easy, and it's custom designed to your guest count, ideas and dreams. "We work within the bride's budget and provide glamour to the wedding... No matter what your budget is, our creative team will transform your ideas into a custom and unforgettable décor."Suzette says Elegantly Unique worked within their budget. “I would definitely recommend Elegantly Unique to other couples..."
Rola loved the fact that Elegantly Unique didn’t make her feel like she had to choose a specific package. Instead, she says “they were very flexible with their options.” Dash and Mercy followed Rola's budget even though she was specific about some of her needs and knew certain things would cost more. In the end, the final price tag was still within her budget.
Varying options also means varying prices, but to give you an idea, your customized package can be as low as $500, or as high as $3,500. The average bride spends between $1,500 and $2,500 on their décor at Elegantly Unique, but it's really all about the bride. "You can have as much or as little as you’re looking for."
Walking you through your Elegantly Unique wedding
Dash and Mercy recommend booking Elegantly Unique at least six months (or more) before your wedding, though they're happy to accommodate last minute bookings if they’re available.Email or phone work best for contacting them and they love meeting with couples in person to discuss your needs face to face. They say they can meet with couples at their place or yours, and recommend meeting at the reception space to get a feel for what you're looking for in the space you’ve rented.
During the meeting, Dash and Mercy talk vision, colours, venue, number of guests, and all of the details pertinent to creating your design. They'll also present a selection of samples that they think go with the bride's vision while throwing in suggestions.
A typical one hour appointment usually ends up being more like two or three hours after Dash and Mercy get chatting with couples. We could see by their personable and down to earth nature that this wouldn't be hard to do!
After the consultation, a price for what you're looking for will be quoted, and when you're ready to book a 50% deposit is required with the balance due two weeks before the wedding.
Between booking and your wedding day, there's no limit to the amount of meetings you can have with the Elegantly Unique team – you can email with questions and ideas any time – and they will set up a schedule for the day-of with you, and with your venue.
Shannon from the Four Points told us that Dash and Mercy were easy to get along with and very flexible in their services. “They were in communication with the venue, which is great,” she adds. “We knew what they were doing and the time that they were going to set-up.”
On the wedding day, the team will do their thing at the discussed place and time, and they'll always leave their emergency contact number with the couple just in case there's last minute guests added or changes that need to be taken care of, which they’re more than happy to accommodate.
A few fabulous wedding trends and ideas by Elegantly Unique...
For the upcoming wedding season, Elegantly Unique is seeing some trendy décor ideas, such as fine linens, matte finishes to fabrics, lots of bling, reversible vases (great for height), lanterns, trees, and lights in centrepieces.Details, details, details
• It's recommended to book Elegantly Unique at least 6 months before your wedding, but they will take bookings with less notice if they're available.• Packages are all customizable at Elegantly Unique, but the average bride spends between $1,500 and $2,500.
• A 50% deposit is required to book, with the balance due 2 weeks before the wedding.
Contacting Elegantly Unique
Dash & Mercy at Elegantly Unique can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 1-866-801-1229 or 226-234-7776. You can also visit Elegantly Unique online at http://www.elegantlyunique.com.Good to know: Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Elegantly Unique. Please contact Dash & Mercy at 1-866-801-1229 or 226-234-7776 with any questions or concerns regarding the photos seen above.