Where to Start with Your Wedding Planning in the UAE

Posted on August 31, 2025September 1, 2025 by Wedding Planner

Your wedding is one of the most memorable days of your life — but let’s be honest, planning it can feel overwhelming. From selecting the perfect venue to choosing the right wedding planner in Dubai, there are countless decisions to make. If you’ve just started your wedding journey, this guide will walk you through the essential first steps of wedding planning.

Define Your Vision and Budget

Every wedding begins with a dream. Some couples picture a grand ballroom celebration, while others prefer an intimate garden ceremony. Before you dive into details, sit down with your partner and:

Discuss the type of wedding you both envision (luxury, beach, traditional, intimate).
Create a realistic budget range — and decide where you want to invest the most (venue, décor, photography, entertainment).
List your non-negotiables (e.g., must-have live band, specific cultural traditions, or a luxury hotel).

Having a clear vision ensures that both you and your wedding planner are aligned from the start.

Choose the Right Wedding Planner in UAE and Dubai

Wedding planning can be stressful, but a professional wedding planner in UAE and Dubai can make the journey seamless. A planner will:

Recommend trusted vendors and suppliers.
Help manage contracts, timelines, and budgets.
Bring creative ideas that align with your theme.
Reduce stress by coordinating every detail on the big day.

When choosing a wedding planner, look at their portfolio, read reviews, and schedule consultations. Ask questions about their experience with weddings similar to your vision. Remember, the right planner is not just an organizer — they are your creative partner.

Explore Wedding Venues in UAE

One of the biggest decisions is selecting your wedding venue in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking locations, from luxurious five-star hotels to beachside resorts and desert retreats.

Popular types of wedding venues in UAE include:

Luxury Hotel Ballrooms: Perfect for glamorous celebrations with hundreds of guests.
Beachfront Resorts: Ideal for sunset ceremonies and destination-style weddings.
Garden Venues: For couples who love outdoor elegance surrounded by nature.
Unique Cultural Spaces: Heritage sites and palaces for a traditional touch.

When shortlisting wedding venues in UAE, consider:

Guest capacity
Indoor vs. outdoor options
Catering packages
Availability on your preferred dates

Tip: Many venues book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season (October–April). Secure your venue as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Build Your Guest List

Your guest list plays a huge role in shaping your wedding. A 500-guest ballroom wedding is very different from a 50-guest beach ceremony. Begin with a draft list and divide it into “must-invite” and “nice-to-invite.” This will help you finalize a venue that matches your numbers.

Select Your Wedding Style & Theme

From opulent Arabesque décor to minimalist chic, your wedding theme should reflect your personality. Work with your planner and venue team to decide on:

Color palettes
Floral arrangements
Entertainment (live band, DJ, traditional performances)
Lighting and stage design

Having a consistent theme ties every detail together and makes your wedding more memorable.

Book Key Vendors Early

Once your planner and venue are secured, book your key vendors:

Photographer & Videographer
Caterer (if not provided by venue)
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Entertainment team
Florist & Decorators

Top vendors in the UAE get booked months in advance, so prioritize this step early.

Enjoy the Journey

Wedding planning in Dubai and across the UAE should be exciting, not exhausting. Trust your team, delegate tasks, and take time to enjoy the process with your partner. Remember: the planning journey is just as special as the big day itself.

Final Thoughts

Starting your wedding planning journey can feel overwhelming, but with a clear vision, the right wedding planner in UAE and Dubai, and careful selection of wedding venues in UAE, you can make the process enjoyable and stress-free. Take one step at a time, secure your dream venue early, and let your planner handle the details — so you can focus on celebrating your love.

Wedding Champs is one of the best online wedding planning services in the UAE for couples looking for an easy and cost-effective way to plan their special day. With our expert wedding planners, couples can find and book the perfect venues and vendors, as well as receive planning and coordination help, all while saving time and money.

OUR CLIENTS LOVE US

-Adity, Emcee at client’s wedding-

Maryam, you have been incredibly kind from the very beginning of this event. The three days spent with you were absolutely fantastic! You are so much more than a wedding or event planner. From our first conversation, you made me feel at ease, and as an anchor, it truly meant a lot to have your trust in me and my work.

Thanks to you and Wedding Champs, we were able to create something truly special and successful together. I would highly recommend you and Wedding Champs to anyone looking to make their event seamless and unforgettable. Thank you once again for making everything run so smoothly!
-Ayesha-

Working with Maryam was such a pleasant and breezy experience. With a go-getter attitude, I was able to rely on her completely. She has been responsive and transparent in her communication, which was also comforting to witness. I would recommend her 100% and will surely be coming back to her for future event management.
-Bilal-

When planning your big wedding day, you definitely want to have Maryam in your corner. She’s always available and ready to help at a moment’s notice. Really knows her way to get you what you are looking for within your budget, and more. Definitely the person you need to get you the perfect location with amazing offers. Would absolutely recommend.
-Kk Tharian-

I would like to put on record my hearty appreciation on Ms Maryam’s assistance in consultancy services rendered by her in our pursuit for reception venue and related matters with regard to Wedding party organisation in August. Speed and perfection of her services are worth mentioning and we are quite satisfied with the overall achievement. Tharian
-Sarah-

Due to Corona, our Wedding date was decided just a month in advance. Our date could not be changed, and the time was short. Somehow, I stumbled across Maryam’s company. She was Alhumdulillah such a big blessing at that crucial time. She went over and beyond her role. From finding a great venue to negotiating an excellent rate with the organisers and a custom menu, she managed everything. Thank you so much Maryam.
-Manahil-

So… I got in touch with Maryam from Wedding champs, for my brother in laws Wedding reception.. Maryam did an amazing job organising everything within my budget and at the same time , meeting the other requirements like styling , decor, arrangements.. She was available even at odd times and was very accommodating.. She made sure all the arrangements were up to the mark.. Am glad I chose Wedding champs for the function..
-Asma-

Maryam proactively supported us in finding our Wedding venue. She is enthusiastic, listens to your concerns and challenges and works accordingly. Her negotiation skills are fab! She got us the best deal and ensured everything went smooth till the day of the event. I’d totally recommend her especially if you’re short on time or do not want to go through the hassle of contacting every vendor with your queries. Thank you for handling this for us.