The Real Cost of a UAE Wedding in 2026
The question every engaged couple asks — and nobody gives a straight answer to. Wedding costs in the UAE vary enormously, but the vague "it depends" answer is not useful when you are trying to build a budget.
This guide gives you real numbers across three budget tiers: economy (under AED 100,000), mid-range (AED 150,000–350,000), and premium (AED 400,000+). All figures are based on 2026 pricing across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The Major Cost Categories
A UAE wedding budget typically breaks down as follows:
| Category | % of Budget |
|---|---|
| Venue + catering | 40–50% |
| Photography + videography | 10–15% |
| Decor and floral | 15–20% |
| Bridal outfit + MUA | 5–10% |
| Mehndi event | 4–8% |
| Music / DJ / entertainment | 3–6% |
| Invitations + stationery | 1–3% |
| Contingency (always include this) | 10% |
Economy Budget: Under AED 100,000
Guest count: 100–150
What this looks like:
- Standalone hall hire in Sharjah or outer Dubai: AED 8,000–15,000
- Independent caterer: AED 45–65 per head
- Mid-range photographer (one day): AED 6,000–10,000
- Basic decor package: AED 10,000–20,000
- Mehndi artist for the event: AED 1,500–2,500
- Bridal MUA: AED 1,500–3,000
Total estimate: AED 70,000–100,000
What to expect: No hotel, no in-house catering coordination, more DIY. Manageable for a close family wedding but requires a highly organised couple (or a family member willing to project-manage).
Mid-Range Budget: AED 150,000–350,000
Guest count: 200–400
What this looks like:
- 4-star hotel ballroom: AED 100–150 per head (all-in package)
- Professional photographer + videographer team: AED 18,000–35,000
- Upgrade decor package or independent decorator: AED 30,000–60,000
- Full bridal mehndi + mehendi night: AED 3,000–6,000
- Bridal MUA + hair: AED 3,000–5,000
- DJ or live dhol: AED 3,000–8,000
Total estimate: AED 150,000–350,000
What to expect: This is the most common tier for Pakistani and Indian weddings in Dubai. A hotel handles catering and logistics; your main coordination effort is on vendors outside the venue package.
Premium Budget: AED 400,000+
Guest count: 400–800+
What this looks like:
- 5-star hotel (Palm Jumeirah, Downtown): AED 200–350+ per head
- Award-winning photography team: AED 40,000–80,000
- Custom decor (floral walls, custom lighting, stage build): AED 80,000–200,000
- Multiple bridal outfits, international MUA: AED 20,000–50,000
- Live band, choreographed dhol entry, entertainment: AED 15,000–40,000
Total estimate: AED 400,000–1,000,000+
The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
These line items surprise almost every couple:
- Service charges: Hotel quotes often exclude 10% service charge and 5% VAT. On a AED 200,000 package, that is AED 30,000 extra.
- Overtime: Venues charge per hour after your contracted end time. Confirm the rate in writing.
- Vendor meals: Most contracts require you to feed photographers, decorators, and other vendors. Budget AED 50–80 per vendor.
- Gratuities: Not mandatory in the UAE but customary for excellent service. Budget 3–5% of total spend.
- Guest count creep: Your approved list of 250 will become 310 by the wedding day. Build in 15–20% buffer.
How to Build Your Budget
- Set your total number first — not a range, a specific number.
- Allocate 45% to venue and catering immediately.
- Protect photography — this is the one vendor whose work you will look at for decades.
- Hold 10% in contingency and do not touch it until the week of the wedding.
- Compare at least three quotes per vendor category before committing.
Use Shaadi Bazaar to Compare
Browse vendors across all categories on Shaadi Bazaar, see starting prices on each profile, and use the compare tool to place up to three vendors side-by-side. No commitment until you send an inquiry.
