Planning your wedding in Dubai? Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious ballroom celebration at a five-star hotel or a beachside ceremony under the stars, knowing what a typical wedding budget looks like in the UAE can help you make smart, informed choices.
While wedding budgets vary based on guest count, location, and personal preferences, most expat weddings in Dubai range from AED 100,000 to AED 250,000, while larger Emirati weddings can reach AED 300,000 to AED 500,000+.
This guide breaks down average wedding costs in Dubai and how couples typically divide their budget—so you can plan your big day without any surprises.
Average Wedding Budget Breakdown in Dubai (2025)
Here’s a sample percentage-based allocation, adjusted to reflect Dubai market rates:
| Category | % of Budget |
| Venue & Rentals | 28% |
| Catering, Cake & Drinks | 25% |
| hotography & Videography | 10% |
| Floral Design & Decor | 9% |
| Music & Entertainment | 8% |
| Couple’s Attire & Beauty | 6% |
| Wedding Rings | 5% |
| Wedding Planner | 4% |
| Guest Entertainment | 2% |
Note: These are averages. You can shift budget based on your personal priorities.
Key Wedding Categories Explained (Dubai Edition)
Venue & Rentals (28%)
High-end venues in Dubai like beachfront resorts, desert palaces, and luxury hotels charge anywhere from AED 40,000 to AED 100,000+, depending on the package, guest count, and location. Venue rental usually includes tables, chairs, linens, and basic lighting.
Catering, Cake & Drinks (25%)
Expect to spend AED 150 to AED 350 per guest for buffet-style catering and AED 400 to AED 1,500 per guest for premium plated menus and international cuisine. Add-ons like mocktail stations and wedding cakes cost extra.
Photography & Videography (10%)
Top Dubai photographers charge between AED 8,000 and AED 25,000. Drone footage, same-day edits, and cinematic videography add to the total.
Floral Design & Decor (9%)
Basic décor starts around AED 5,000, while elaborate floral installations, chandeliers, and themed styling can reach AED 30,000 to AED 70,000+.
Music & Entertainment (8%)
Live bands, Arabic performers, DJs, or string quartets range from AED 3,000 to AED 15,000 depending on duration and type.
Attire & Beauty (6%)
Designer bridal gowns, custom suits, hair, makeup, and accessories often cost AED 5,000 to AED 15,000. Add more if you’re covering attire for your bridal party.
Wedding Rings (5%)
Excluding the engagement ring, wedding bands typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the metal and design.
Wedding Planner (4%)
Hiring a full-service planner in Dubai can cost AED 10,000 to AED 30,000+, but day-of coordination or partial planning is available for less.
Guest Entertainment (2%)
Extras like photo booths, live painters, or henna artists make the event memorable. Budget AED 2,000 to AED 8,000.
Transportation (2%)
Limo rentals, luxury cars, or shuttle buses for guests may cost AED 1,000 to AED 5,000.
Stationery & Invitations (1%)
Save-the-dates, acrylic invitations, menus, and signage range from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000. Digital invites are also a popular, cost-effective option.
Officiant (0.5%)
In Dubai, civil or symbolic ceremonies may require a celebrant or officiant, which can cost around AED 1,000 to AED 2,500.
Sample Wedding Budgets in AED
AED 100,000 Wedding Budget
- Venue: AED 28,000
- Catering: AED 25,000
- Photography: AED 10,000
- Attire & Beauty: AED 6,000
- Decor: AED 9,000
- Music: AED 8,000
- Planner: AED 4,000
- Rings: AED 5,000
- Stationery: AED 1,000
- Transportation & Misc: AED 4,000
AED 200,000 Wedding Budget
- Venue: AED 56,000
- Catering: AED 50,000
- Photography: AED 20,000
- Attire & Beauty: AED 12,000
- Decor: AED 18,000
- Music: AED 16,000
- Planner: AED 8,000
- Rings: AED 10,000
- Stationery: AED 2,000
- Transportation & Misc: AED 8,000
AED 500,000 Wedding Budget
- Catering: AED 125,000
- Photography: AED 50,000
- Attire & Beauty: AED 30,000
- Decor: AED 45,000
- Music: AED 40,000
- Planner: AED 20,000
- Rings: AED 25,000
- Stationery: AED 5,000
- Transportation & Misc: AED 20,000
Additional Wedding Costs to Plan For
- Engagement ring (often separate from wedding budget)
- Rehearsal dinner or Mehendi night
- Gifts for guests or bridal party
- Honeymoon
- Attire & beauty for bridesmaids or groomsmen
- Courier fees or postage for printed invites
Customize Your Dubai Wedding Budget
Use this guide as a starting point—but tailor it to what matters most to you. Love live music? Allocate more for entertainment. Prefer a simple beach wedding? Cut down on décor and venue rental. Dubai offers wedding options for every style and budget.
Free budget planners from vendors like Arabia Weddings or The Knot can help calculate AED allocations based on your total amount.
Catering Service Dubai: Elevate Your Wedding Dining Experience
When it comes to exceptional wedding catering in Dubai, Catering Service Dubai stands out as a premier choice. Renowned for their exquisite culinary offerings, impeccable presentation, and personalized service, they specialize in creating unforgettable dining experiences tailored to your wedding theme and preferences. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Catering Service Dubai ensures that every dish delights your guests, making your special day truly memorable.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a “normal” wedding budget in Dubai? For expats, AED 100,000 to AED 250,000 is typical. For Emirati or luxury weddings, AED 300,000 to AED 500,000+ is common. No matter your budget, thoughtful planning will ensure a meaningful, beautiful celebration.
Pro Tip: Start with a realistic budget breakdown, stay organized, and always get written vendor contracts to avoid last-minute surprises.