Planning the dream wedding can be a very challenging task. Most people don’t know that the average pricing for saying the magical words “I do” ranges between $25,000 to $120,000 USD and above. 

In this blog, we will help you navigate the process of managing your budget for an exceptional, fairytale-like destination wedding in Dubai. Let us discover the cost of destination wedding in Dubai:

Cost of Destination Wedding in Dubai: Evaluating the Costs of a Destination Wedding in Dubai

Venue Rental Costs in Dubai

Dubai and the UAE offer numerous luxurious venues for hosting weddings, right from resorts with a beachfront view to expensive, high-end hotels. For instance, renting out the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah typically costs over AED 50,000. Selecting the Madinat Jumeirah Resort might set you back approximately AED 30,000. 

If you are eyeing The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, be ready to pay around AED 15000 to AED 25,000.  These costs clearly show the wide range of options which are readily available across Dubai’s exceptionally-iconic locations for individuals’ special days.

Besides the aforementioned places, hosting a wedding event in any of Dubai’s five-star hotels generally ranges between $100 to $180 per person. The cost of renting Ballrooms begins around $6,000. These costs depend on numerous factors like the venue’s size and location. 

Catering Costs in Dubai

Catering services’ cost in the city of Dubai varies majorly depending on the selected format of dining for the wedding event. For instance, if an individual wishes to add a touch of elegance and extravagance, the choices for fine dining could range between AED 400 and AED 1500 per person. 

Those who prefer a laid-back setting could opt for a buffet-style service of catering, which costs between AED 150 to AED 350 per person. Dining arrangements which provide a warm and cozy experience, such as family-style meals, are far more affordable, i.e., their prices range between AED 100 to AED 200 per individual. 

Decoration & Lighting Costs

Decoration and lighting hold the potential to turn a basic wedding venue in Dubai into a mind-boggling one. The costs of basic flower-based setups for an intimate gathering begin at $1,500. Opting for seasonal flowers aids in keeping the overall costs down. 

Lighting establishes the mood and sheds light on the elegant arrangements, but the cost varies depending on the complexity. Live music or opting for a DJ adds life to events. The price of hiring a DJ starts at around $1,400, whereas live bands might ask for a $4000 fee or more. 

Cost of a Wedding in Dubai: Important Factors Affecting Wedding Expenses in Dubai

The Impact of Selecting a Wedding Date

Selecting the correct wedding date in the city of Dubia makes a major difference in terms of cost. High season, which typically covers the months between October and May, witnesses higher costs because of pleasant weather. On the other hand, summer months give lower costs but are accompanied with extreme heat. 

Selecting a day that does not fall on popular holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Islamic celebrations, etc., can aid in saving money. Choosing a mid-week wedding as opposed to a weekend facilitates couples in cutting down venue expenses and service costs. 

Opting for an off-peak time or weekday for celebrating can pave the path towards saving significant amounts on vital elements like venue rentals, services of catering by top-tier restaurants in Dubai, as well as skilled waiters. 

Influence of Venue Location

Selecting the correct venue in the city of Dubai can make major differences in a wedding’s overall expenses. For instance, upscale locations such as the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah begin at AED 50,000 whereas options such as the Westin Dubai have costs ranging between AED 15,000 to AED 25,000. 

Popular places for getting married include extravagant resorts like Royal Mirage One & Only and the Emirates Palace. Every location possesses its own unique charm, thereby providing settings from beach views to traditional Bedouin camps. 

The venue’s selection also has an effect on other costs related to an individual’s special day. Selecting a downtown hotel or a private island may also contribute to transportation expenses for guests. 

Wedding Cuisine Choices

The selection of food items for your wedding in the Middle East, specifically Dubai, can majorly affect your total budget. The options for fine dining, as mentioned earlier, could range between AED 400 and AED 1,500 per person.  A more pocket-friendly option is a buffet-like meal which typically costs between AED 150 and AED 350 per individual, with family-style food items being the most affordable option, ranging between AED 100 and AD 200 per guest. 

By going for a limited food menu or buffet, one can efficiently manage the costs while still offering a memorable set of meals for the invited guests. The choice of cuisine also has an impact on the food budget. Choosing traditional Emirati dishes could offer a genuine local flavor that will satisfy the guests without burning a hole in budget. 

Tactics to Reduce Wedding Expenses

Opting for Off-Peak Wedding Times

Choosing off-peak periods for weddings can significantly minimize costs. Choosing a summer date between the months of June and September or even planning a destination wedding as a mid-week event instead of a weekend celebration makes a major difference in the Venice of the Gulf. You can also take the help of Google to determine the perfect time to get married in Dubai so that you do not burn a hole in your pocket. 

Such choices aid in avoiding the high season rush which takes place from October to May. By avoiding busy periods, one might find better deals in terms of venues and services. Taking into consideration the place’s local traditions as well as seasons can further have an impact on the expenses in a positive way.

Caterers might also provide competitive pricing outside of the peak season, thereby allowing your budget to further stretch on numerous different elements like decoration, lighting, wedding cake, etc., without worrying about the hassle of managing taxes or surcharges, which are generally applied during peak times. 

Collaborating with Local Service Providers

Collaborating with Dubai’s local service providers facilitates couples to manage their wedding budget in an efficient way. Delegating tasks like decoration, catering, and even the planning process aids individuals in benefitting from experienced professionals’ proficiency. 

Local decorators can amplify the charm of a venue without overstepping financial constraints. Food providers provide a scrumptious peek of regional cuisine that the invited individuals will praise, all while maintaining reasonable prices. 

Employing a reputed firm that provides exemplary event planning and management services ensures easy access to insider trades and deals that are generally hidden from outsiders. These experts utilize their well-established network in order to negotiate competitive costs on everything, right from venue hire to floral setups.

Advantages of Using Complimentary Hotel Facilities

After going through the benefits of joining forces with Dubai’s local service providers, it is very evident that using free hotel facilities and amenities can significantly aid in minimizing wedding costs. Hotels located in Ajman frequently offer complimentary extras, each of which can substantially enrich the wedding package. 

For instance, they may provide a 2-tier wedding-themed cake, thereby saving the amount that otherwise would have been spent on purchasing one separately. Moreover, there are some hotels which offer a free one-night stay for the newly-married couple, thereby infusing an additional bit of luxury. 

Final Thoughts

Dubai stands tall as a very beautiful destination for couples who are looking to celebrate their major day with a backdrop that is unforgettable. Entering into the holy bond of marriage in Dubai allows couples to enjoy a unique blend of modern-day vibes paired with traditional Arabic culture’s elegance. Wedding expenses here vary widely, ranging from affordable options to highly-luxurious ceremonies. 

The management of wedding expenses mandates careful and smart planning, especially with factors such as the choice of venue and selection of meals playing significant roles. Smart tactics, like choosing off-season times and collaborating with local vendors, can make the possibility of having dream weddings more attainable. 

When planning a destination wedding in Dubai, consider seeking help from a reputed firm offering services related to matrimonial events, such as photoshoots, video shoots, event coverage, etc. Doing so can help you acquire an idea about the different forms of wedding expenses in addition to simplifying the entire process of hosting events.