How to Plan the Perfect Destination Wedding in Dubai - Plan a memorable nuptial ceremony in Dubai

Often regarded as one of the Middle East's prime locations for destination weddings, Dubai offers engaged couples a plethora of exciting venues in which to host their big celebration. Blessed with breathtaking landscapes that are not just limited to stunning beaches and captivating deserts, Dubai's highly cosmopolitan setting can serve as the perfect backdrop for a world-class wedding event. Here are some tips on how to plan a memorable nuptial ceremony in Dubai.

Image via Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

1. Timing the Event

The timing of any wedding ceremony is a significant aspect of the planning process as it determines who can attend the nuptials as well as the ideal weather conditions for the occasion. This is especially true for those who are planning a Dubai wedding as timing the event during the wrong time of year can result in a disaster rather than an ill-timed celebration in this unbearably hot and humid city in the Middle East. As a rule of thumb, the best time of year to host a wedding in Dubai is from the month of October to May as the temperatures are tolerable during this time of year. The timing of the event itself may also be determined by the prevalent climatic conditions as morning or afternoon weddings can be difficult to organize compared to a night-time ceremony due to factors such as how exposed the venue is and whether it is comfortable to be outside when the sun is out.

2. The Booze Rule

While the desert, the sandy beaches and other outdoor garden spaces in Dubai make picturesque and ideal wedding venues, most couples will be surprised to find that 99% of all weddings hosted in the city take place indoors. Hosted in a hotel ballroom or resort dining hall, the main reason why couples opt-out of dramatic settings is due to the strict alcohol licensing and serving laws in place in the UAE. Those who wish for the wine to keep flowing and for their guests to be served with alcohol during the reception must select Dubai wedding venues such as ballrooms located inside Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and other accommodation hubs.

3. Take Care of the Paperwork

Although it is easy for couples to get distracted by the more glamorous elements of planning a destination wedding in Dubai, it is equally important to ensure the nuptials are legally binding since it is being performed outside of one's homeland. Anyone who wishes to legally tie the knot in Dubai must have residency in the UAE.  It is not necessary for both the bride and groom to be residents of the UAE but at least one partner must meet this criteria. Islamic marriage licences and paperwork will differ greatly from non-Islamic marriages (which are usually conducted at the respective embassy of the couple's nationality) while the Dubai Court is a venue option only for residents of the UAE.

4. Find the Best Vendors

The next step is securing wedding vendors that match one's budget and personal taste. This includes everyone from photographers and beauticians to florists, caterers and local bands. It is important to do online research and narrow down the list of vendors for your event and request quotations months in advance.  Hiring a Dubai wedding planner may also come in handy as most planners have contacts among the main vendors in the city while also enjoying certain discounted rates.

5. Plan the Honeymoon

The advantage of having one's wedding in a strategically located global city such as Dubai is that travelling to the honeymoon destination is all the more convenient. Dubai is connected to nearly every major city in the world with a wide network of flights heading in and out of the city at all hours. This makes planning a honeymoon trip a real adventure as one can visit any part of the world with ease when setting out from one of the key transit hubs on the planet.