Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Adding an extra touch of magic

SYMA AHMED RAJA ON MAKING A WEDDING LOOK WONDERFUL 

Couples getting married want to look their best on the big day, but they also want their surroundings to be beautiful and that is where a top décor company comes in to add an extra special touch.


Enchanted By Syma is a bespoke luxury decor company specialising in making events like weddings and receptions look magical.

At the centre of it all is London-based company founder Syma Ahmed Raja, who uses her creativity and in-depth knowledge to produce exceptional bespoke settings designed to leave guests awestruck.

Eastern Eye caught up with Syma to talk about her creative job, top tips she would give couples and the hottest design trends.

What made you set up a wedding décor company?

I am a creative person. If I wasn’t doing hair and make-up, then I would be designing outfits. Coming from a law background, which never interested me, I was eager to do something more exciting. After a few years of working as an event manager, learning from my experiences, I decided to embark on a journey to expand my knowledge and began this exciting new journey of Enchanted By Syma.

How would you describe your time working in this field?

It has truly been an amazing journey so far with hurdles, success and goals still to achieve. Every event is a new learning chapter, which enables me to enhance my creativity, problem solving-skills and passion within décor. The most incredible part of this field is being able to work within a loyal and hardworking team, and a group of suppliers who make it possible to achieve what we promise.

Tell us about the services you provide for your clients?

We customise every event for our brides and grooms, focusing on their likes and working hand-in-hand with them to turn their vision into a reality. Enchanted is 100 per cent focused on research and development when it comes to creative designs. We always keep up with trends. That is why at the start of every year, we launch our latest collections, keeping in mind the new trends for the following year.

What is the most challenging aspect of the job?

There are two aspects; one is keeping up with the expectations of big, fat Indian weddings and the other is the amount of detailed planning that goes on behind the scenes.

What tips would you give couples selecting the right décor company?

Choosing a décor company is like choosing a partner. It will make or break your wedding. The main factors to consider are the reputation and reliability of a company. It is important to do research on the company and the calibre of events they have done.

How can a couple tell they are hiring the right person?

Do a lot of research beforehand, which includes checking their online credibility. Also, observe the time and effort they’ve put into designing the look, right down to the finer details and trust word-of-mouth recommendations.

Are there any tips for those working on a lower budget?

In that case, couples should take into consideration how much compromise needs to be involved. They should also be prepared for a more simple, but effective décor look.

What has been the most memorable wedding you have worked on?

It was a wedding where we launched our Emerald Paradise collection. The couple were lovely to work with and what I had envisioned turned out to be even more spectacular.

What inspires your creativity?

To be honest, anything and everything inspires my creativity. I could be walking down the street and see a tree and be inspired to create something with that in mind. I love travelling the world to enhance my ability to create unique and inspiring events. I have never been that person who follows trends and will strive to design and introduce my own trends.

Décor-wise what are the hot trends?

Clean cut with pops of colour.

Why do you love the job you do?

It’s not a job. It’s my passion, it’s within my soul to design, create and produce exceptionally unique looks.

www.enchantedbysyma.com

More For You

Mounjaro price rise

Eli Lilly has agreed a discounted supply deal for its weight-loss drug Mounjaro

iStock

Mounjaro’s highest dose to rise from £122 to £247.50, not £330

Highlights:

  • Eli Lilly had announced a steep price rise of up to 170% for Mounjaro.
  • A new discount deal with UK suppliers will limit the increase for patients.
  • Pharmacies will still apply a mark-up, but consumer costs are expected to rise less than initially feared.
  • NHS pricing remains unaffected due to separate arrangements.

Eli Lilly has agreed a discounted supply deal for its weight-loss drug Mounjaro, easing fears of a sharp rise in costs for UK patients. The new arrangement means that, from September, pharmacies and private services will face smaller wholesale increases than first expected, limiting the impact on consumers.

Why the price rise was announced

Earlier this month, Eli Lilly said it would raise Mounjaro’s list price by as much as 170%, which could have pushed the highest monthly dose from £122 to £330. The company argued that UK pricing needed to align more closely with higher costs in Europe and the United States.

Keep ReadingShow less
chicken-pox-istock

The Department of Health said the rollout would reduce missed days at nursery and school, cut time parents take off work, and save the NHS about £15 million a year. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

England to introduce free chickenpox vaccine for children from 2026

CHILDREN in England will be offered a free chickenpox vaccine for the first time from January 2026, the government has announced.

GP practices will give eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Around half a million children each year are expected to be protected.

Keep ReadingShow less
Naga Munchetty urges women to prioritise their health

Naga Munchetty

Naga Munchetty urges women to prioritise their health

WHEN broadcaster and journalist Naga Munchetty began speaking openly about her experiences with adenomyosis and debilitating menstrual pain, the response was overwhelming.

Emails and messages poured in from women who had endured years of dismissal, silence and shame when it came to their health. That outpouring became the driving force behind her new book, It’s Probably Nothing, which calls for women to be heard and to advocate for themselves in a medical system that has too often ignored them.

Keep ReadingShow less
London temple project for Shree Banke Bihari launched

London temple project for Shree Banke Bihari launched

Mahesh Liloriya

The Shree Kunj Bihari Vrindavan (UK) Temple has officially launched its project to establish a grand home for Shree Banke Bihari in London.

The inaugural event, held in Harrow from 4 pm, featured devotional chants, the Deep Pragtya ceremony, and a presentation outlining the temple’s vision. Speaking at the gathering, Shalini Bhargava described the planned temple as “a spiritual home promoting bhakti, unity and seva for generations to come.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Dickie and Watt

Dickie and Watt launched BrewDog at the age of 24

Getty Images

BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie leaves after 17 years as James Watt steps back

Highlights:

  • Martin Dickie has announced his departure from BrewDog and the alcohol industry.
  • He co-founded the Ellon-based brewer with James Watt in 2007.
  • Dickie cited family time and personal reasons for his exit.
  • His departure follows recent bar closures as part of a company restructuring.
  • BrewDog confirmed no further leadership changes will follow.

BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie has announced he is leaving the Scottish brewer and the wider alcohol industry for “personal reasons.” Dickie, who founded the Ellon-based business with James Watt in 2007, said he wanted to spend more time with his family after more than two decades in brewing and distilling.

Early beginnings

Dickie and Watt launched BrewDog at the age of 24, starting from a garage in Fraserburgh and selling hand-filled bottles from a van at local markets. The company grew rapidly to become one of the UK’s best-known craft brewers.

Keep ReadingShow less