With Wedding Guru Priti Raichura
I had the pleasure of being hosted in Dubai by EPEX, and I can confidently say that Dubai is a destination that steals your heart the moment you arrive. Known worldwide as the land of luxury, this glittering city offers everything couples could ever dream of for their big day – glamour, romance, culture, and experiences that stay with you forever.
Picture credit: EMAAR Hospitality
One of the questions couples often ask me is: “Doesn’t a wedding in Dubai end up being really expensive?” My answer is always, not necessarily. Dubai gives you incredible value for money. With its abundance of world-class hotels, Michelin-level dining, and impeccable service, couples can create
a wedding that feels truly once-in-a-lifetime without compromising on quality. In fact, Dubai allows you to stretch your budget further while ensuring every moment feels extraordinary.
During my visit, I explored some of Dubai’s most breathtaking venues. The Armani Hotel, with its chic interiors and unbeatable views of the Burj Khalifa, is a setting that left me in awe. Equally impressive, the Sky Lounge Hotel offers an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance – the kind of space where a wedding feels like a cinematic masterpiece. Another standout for me was the Jumeirah Tower Bridge Hotel. Its striking architecture and versatile spaces left me imagining endless possibilities for an unforgettable wedding celebration. For me, it combined the grandeur Dubai is known for with a warmth that felt surprisingly personal.
Picture credit: EMAAR Hospitality
Couples will also be delighted to know that Dubai is home to a vibrant wedding community. Many experienced planners, décor specialists, and caterers from India and the UK have made Dubai their base, ensuring couples can find trusted professionals who understand how to deliver exceptional celebrations. Most hotels also boast award-winning chefs capable of creating menus tailored to every vision – whether traditional Indian, contemporary European, or an inspired fusion. And speaking of Indian food, one of the things I truly loved about Dubai was how readily available authentic Indian cuisine is. Whether it was fine dining or casual street eats, the flavours instantly made me feel at home.
One of my personal highlights was exploring Mina Bazaar, often described as a “little India” within Dubai. I absolutely adored wandering its lively streets, where couples can find everything from ceremonial items to bridal jewellery and traditional outfits. For me, it was a complete sensory experience – colourful fabrics spilling out of shopfronts, the buzz of bargaining, and the aroma of freshly cooked chaat filling the air. I even indulged in pani puri and masala dosas, and for a moment, I forgot I was in Dubai at all. It felt like being transported straight to Mumbai. The contrast between this cultural hub and the ultra-modern luxury of Downtown Dubai fascinated me – two completely different worlds existing side by side, yet both equally part of the city’s magic.
Picture credit: EMAAR Hospitality
But what truly sets Dubai apart is the world it opens up for wedding guests. Beyond the celebrations, friends and family can marvel at the Burj Khalifa, enjoy the dazzling Dubai Fountain shows, shop at the Dubai Mall, or soak up the charm of the historic Al Fahidi district. Those with a love for adventure can head into the desert for camel rides, dune bashing, and starlit Bedouin-style dinners. Others may prefer to relax on pristine beaches, sail on luxury yachts from the Dubai Marina, or explore the architectural wonder of the Palm Jumeirah. Every experience feels like part of the wedding story.
Of course, timing is important. Summers in Dubai can
be extremely hot, but couples who don’t mind indoor celebrations will find excellent hotel packages during this period. For outdoor weddings, the season from October
to March offers pleasant weather and the opportunity to celebrate under glittering starry skies. It’s worth noting that most outdoor venues allow music until 11 pm, so a chic indoor after-party is always a smart plan.
Dubai is more than just a destination; it’s a promise. A promise of romance, luxury, and unforgettable memories. For couples dreaming of a wedding that blends glamour with adventure, and tradition with modernity, Dubai is the perfect stage to begin a beautiful forever.
For more information on destination wedding planning, contact Priti Raichura, Multi-Award winning, Luxury Wedding Planner:
www.pritiraichura.com
