How far UAE residents can go for luxury weddings

UAE weddings

Step into the opulent world of weddings in the UAE, where extravagance knows no bounds. From underwater ceremonies to holographic processions, wedding planners in the Emirates cater to the most extravagant requests, turning dreams into reality.

Florian Unghetti and Liz Nunez, the brains behind Easy Wedding, have seen it all. They've fielded requests for underwater wedding ceremonies accompanied by personalized marine life shows and fireworks displays with embedded QR codes. They even had a couple envisioning a holographic wedding procession, but practicality and cost considerations often led to turning down such extravagant ideas.

Not too long ago, the world witnessed the grandeur of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani's pre-wedding celebrations in India. With lavish décor, designer attire, and a performance by Rihanna, it set a new standard for opulence. But the UAE is not far behind in hosting such grand affairs.

Tasneem Alibhai, founder of TA weddings and events, recalls a particularly unique request involving a white tiger and elephants in the groom's procession. However, legal restrictions meant that this request couldn't be fulfilled. Rhiannon Downie-Hurst, founder of Bride Club ME, echoes the sentiment, having witnessed planes releasing color clouds and giant 6ft tall cakes suspended from ceilings at weddings.

The cost of such extravagance knows no bounds, ranging from as little as Dh4,000 to a staggering Dh5 million. Some couples spare no expense, chartering private jets to fly in guests and booking out hotels for up to a week to accommodate hundreds of attendees. Flowers, production expenditures, and other luxuries can rack up hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, it's not all about breaking the bank.

For couples on a budget, there are still options to create a memorable wedding experience without draining their savings. Florian suggests exploring diverse venue options beyond luxurious hotels, such as parks, beaches, and community halls. Opting for local vendors for catering, photography, and entertainment can also significantly reduce costs compared to high-end alternatives.

Rhiannon recounts a favorite budget-friendly wedding featuring a mixed Emirati/Thai/Uzbek couple who planned a retro-style wedding in a local café. With friends pitching in for DJing and decor, the wedding was intimate, personalized, and likely cost between Dh10,000 and Dh25,000.

In the UAE, weddings are not just ceremonies; they're experiences crafted to fulfill dreams and leave lasting memories. Whether it's an extravagant affair with white tigers and holographic processions or a modest celebration in a local café, couples have the freedom to tailor their weddings to reflect their vision and budget.

As the Emirates continue to attract couples from around the world, the landscape of weddings in the region evolves, pushing the boundaries of creativity and luxury. From the depths of the ocean to the heights of the sky, there's no limit to how far residents will go to create the perfect wedding day.