With so much happening in the UAE – National Day holidays coming up, followed by Christmas, the country is also welcoming the wedding season. Reports suggest that many UAE couples are opting for mass weddings and joint ceremonies to save up. However, there is also a segment of people who go to great lengths to ensure their big day is remembered forever. If you’re keen to explore trends in the wedding sphere, here’s what we know from experts.
Arun Bablani, Founder of Vivaah Weddings, highlights how Dubai has established itself as one of the most sought-after wedding destinations globally with its world-class venues, exceptional services, and luxurious experiences.
“For a typical 3-day destination wedding in Dubai, comprising 6 to 8 events and catering to approximately 350 guests, the all-inclusive costs range from $500,000 to $1,200,000. This estimate covers every essential aspect of the celebration, including exquisite food and beverage services, guest accommodations, seamless transportation, intricate decor and design, and even celebrity entertainers to elevate the experience,” he notes.
Arun remarks that customization has become a cornerstone of destination weddings, with couples increasingly seeking personalized touches that make their celebrations unique and reflective of their personalities. Highlighting a few of the trends and specifications, he adds, “We’ve observed several trends and preferences that have emerged, particularly for high-end weddings in destinations like Dubai. Couples are opting for fully themed events, where each day or function tells a different story. For example, a celestial-themed reception or a culturally inspired sangeet is meticulously designed with bespoke decor, lighting, and even menu selections to align with the theme.”
Similarly, Stephanie, Founder of JAM Wedding Planners also shares insights on this topic saying, “There’s a different plan for each client. We usually cater to the clients who want to make it big.” She mentions that many in the UAE prefer a close-knit affair, and when it comes to a wedding planner, they usually don’t have the budget for a larger celebration.
Highlighting her key observation on the spending people make, she adds, “There are budgets ranging from, believe it or not, AED5,000 to AED1 million. For us, the average cost is around AED200,000, and this is for 100 to 200 people.” She also mentions that the most popular months for people to choose to get married in the UAE are October to April.
