Organizing a wedding in the UAE has gained popularity among the expatriates and the local citizens because of a variety of venues and modernity of facilities available in the country.
Nevertheless, UAE wedding planning is not just about picking a date and a place because the couple should also take into account the law, budgeting, and strict timeframes. The UAE has an easy time planning a wedding with the proper legal paperwork, a realistic wedding budget, and a systematic wedding checklist.
What are the standard procedures in planning a wedding in the UAE?
When a wedding is planned in the UAE, it becomes easier when divided into specific steps. To ensure that the couples remain organized and fulfil the requirements of the cultures and the localities, a basic wedding checklist in UAE is as follows:
- Make a decision about a budget and a guest list – Begin with an achievable budget and the amount of guests. This will affect the choice of venue, catering and general planning.
- Select and book a venue – Select a location based on your budget, number of guests and cultural requirements. Make sure the venue meets the rules and regulations of the UAE and is reserved as early as possible.
- Contract suppliers and services – Hire vendors that are necessities in the book like caterers, decorators, photographers and entertainers. Verify schedules and approvals needed by the location or government.
- Plan pre-wedding events – Make engagement, mehndi, or other customary celebration arrangements in case they are required. The approval of venues might be individual, especially in large gatherings.
- Send invitations and finalize schedules – Invite guests to the wedding early and build a schedule of events to be followed on the wedding day to avoid delays or last minute arrangements.
Cultural customs should be aligned with the UAE rules, including noise levels, event timings, as well as the guest count, and a well-organized and law-abiding party is guaranteed.
Court Marriage Dubai
Consult with us: With over 20+ years of experience
Timeline of wedding planning in the UAE
A properly organized schedule will assist the couples in controlling cost, venue and legal arrangements of a wedding in UAE. Big weddings can take between 6-12 months to plan, whereas, in smaller weddings, the time taken can be less based on the venue and the number of guests.
Typical UAE wedding planning timeline:
- 6–12 months before: Determine a budget, complete the guest list, secure the venue and lock in key suppliers including catering and photography.
- 3–6 months before: Invitations, wedding dress and pre-wedding activities, such as engagement or mehndi ceremony.
- 1–2 months before: Confirm décor, menus, and event schedules and liaise with vendors on schedules and access needs.
- 1 month before: Complete logistics, recheck bookings and check on the response of the guests to prevent last minute problems.
The early planning and periodic review of milestones will also contribute to the reduction of stress and make sure that all arrangements will comply with the UAE regulations and cultural practices.
Average wedding cost in UAE
The cost of an average wedding in UAE is determined by the size of the wedding, the venue, and the number of guests. A small wedding can be between AED 50,000 and AED 100,000 whereas a medium size wedding is usually between AED 150,000 and AED 300,000.
Premium venues and large weddings (with a massive amount of décor) can cost above AED 500,000, particularly in such big cities as Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Average wedding cost break down:
- Venue: AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, according to the size and location.
- Catering: AED 150 to AED 500 per guest
- Decoration and flowers: AED 10,000 to AED 50,000
- Photography and videography: AED 8,000 to AED 25,000
- Entertainment: AED 5,000 to AED 30,000
They can reduce the number of guests, select off-peak periods and focus on the necessary services to budget effectively. Shopping around and finishing the price early will prevent unwelcome surprises and make the wedding affordable.
Legal marriage requirements for foreigners in UAE
To marry a foreigner in the UAE, one is required to fulfill some legal documentation and verification requirements. The procedure itself may differ based on nationality and the type of marriage involved (civil or court marriage) though standard documents are usually needed.
The documents that are commonly needed are:
- Both parties must have valid passports.
- Birth certificates (attested, where it is necessary)
- Emirates ID or valid UAE visa copies
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant embassy or consulate
- Proof of marital status (single status certificate or divorce decree, if applicable)
In certain scenarios, an approval of the embassy or a check of the documents might be required before they are submitted to the authorities in the UAE. As an illustration, foreign couples will be required to obtain a No Objection Certificate in their embassy and present the documents in Dubai Courts or any other authority.
The requirements might be different in the case of civil marriages and court marriages, and certain nationalities might use a particular embassy process, so one should make sure that the required regulations are taken into consideration beforehand.
General guidelines to successful wedding planning in UAE
Wedding planning in the UAE is a delicate exercise that needs to be carefully coordinated with the vendors and authorities. Ensure that timelines and any local regulations are known to all service providers including caterers and decorators as well as photographers. Effective communication prevents last-minute problems and makes the event a smooth one.
Early booking of popular places is also important and particularly when the wedding seasons are high. The demand is high in many of the venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and therefore, it is better to ensure that you date well ahead of time to avoid scheduling conflicts and get your preferred venue.
In expat weddings, keep in mind cultural and legal issues. Make sure your wedding planner or coordinator knows the legal documents procedure in the UAE such as application of marriage license and approval by the embassy to prevent postponement or hustle. As an example, saving time and stress can be achieved by making sure that all the certificates and permits are prepared prior to the wedding date.
Conclusion
Our marriage lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage provide full services to couples intending to have a wedding in the UAE. We assist in determining your eligibility, marriage license applications, authentication of marriage certificates, and all the legal formalities that surround your special day making sure your special day is smooth, legal, and memorable.
Court Marriage Dubai
Consult with us: With over 20+ years of experience
