Planning a wedding in Dubai is exciting but also overwhelming. From beachfront venues to grand ballrooms, the options seem endless. The right planner removes stress and brings your vision to life. Here’s how to choose the best wedding planner in Dubai with confidence.
1. Define Your Wedding Vision
Every couple has a different idea of what their dream wedding looks like. Before reaching out to planners, take some time to figure out your ideal celebration. This will help narrow down your options and ensure the planner you choose can bring your vision to life.
- Intimate or grand?
- Beachside, desert, or ballroom?
- Traditional, modern, or themed?
Write down a few keywords or create a simple vision board. This gives your planner a clear reference point.
2. Shortlist Dubai-Based Wedding Planners with Local Expertise
Dubai has its own event culture, regulations, and weather considerations. A wedding planner with local experience will know how to navigate these smoothly. Their network of trusted vendors and venue familiarity can save you time and money.
- Venue logistics and permits
- Cultural expectations and vendor norms
- Seasonal challenges (like outdoor weddings in summer!)
Dubai’s legal and venue systems are unique. Having someone who can navigate them saves time and avoids stress.
3. Read Reviews & Ask for Referrals
Real feedback from other couples is one of the most powerful tools in your search. Reviews can give insight into a planner’s communication, creativity, and reliability.
- Google and social media reviews
- Testimonials with specifics ("kept everything on time," "nailed the decor theme")
- Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or venues
Red flags include vague praise or consistently poor communication. Always read beyond the star rating.
4. Review Their Portfolio & Style Match
A planner’s past work is the best indicator of what they can deliver. Don’t just glance at a few Instagram posts—take time to assess their full wedding galleries.
- Do their weddings reflect your taste?
- Are they strong with design, logistics, or both?
- Can they execute multicultural or destination weddings if needed?
Ask to see full albums from recent weddings, not just Instagram highlights.
👉 I know we said “not just instagram highlights” but we promise there’s a lot more than wedding highlights on our Instagram page, See real weddings we’ve brought to life.
5. Understand Their Services & Packages
Not all planning services are the same. Some planners offer full-service design and execution, while others assist only on the day of the event. Knowing what you’re getting will help you stay within budget and avoid last-minute surprises.
- What's included in each package?
- How many meetings are offered?
- Do they offer styling, floral, catering coordination?
Get everything in writing to avoid surprises.
6. Schedule a Consultation (and Trust Your Gut)
A consultation is more than a price discussion—it’s a chance to connect. Pay attention to how the planner communicates and how well they understand your needs.
- Their planning process
- Communication style and response time
- Their biggest success stories (and lessons learned)
A good wedding planner will make you feel understood, not sold to.
7. Ask the Right Questions
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, dive into the practical details. The right questions will reveal how the planner works and whether they’re a good match for your event.
- How many weddings do you manage per month?
- Who will be my main contact?
- How do you handle emergencies?
- Do you offer vendor discounts or have preferred partners?
Trust the process with your wedding planner, choose someone who understands you, is flexible and treats your wedding like its their own
👉 Coming soon: A full blog post on what to ask your wedding planner during the first meeting.
8. Check for Licensing & Insurance
Professionalism matters. A legitimate wedding planner will be fully licensed and insured to operate in the UAE. This protects you legally and shows they take their business seriously.
- A registered business in the UAE
- Event liability insurance
- Contracts that protect both parties
Ask to see documentation. This shows they’re prepared for anything.
9.Choose Special Events Dubai to plan your wedding
Instead of comparing proposals across dozens of planners, consider the value of working with a team that has already earned a strong reputation in Dubai’s luxury wedding space. At Special Events Dubai, we combine creativity, cultural understanding, and seamless coordination to deliver exceptional results.
Transparent pricing with customizable packages
Proven experience in top Dubai venues
A hands-on team that communicates clearly and consistently
👉 Book a consultation to discover what makes our weddings special See how we tailor planning across event types.
10. Book Early – Top Planners Fill Fast
Top-tier wedding planners are in high demand, especially during Dubai’s wedding seasons. Booking early gives you more choices and better rates.
- Fall and spring are peak wedding seasons
- Venues and vendors get booked fast
- Locking in early means less stress later
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re searching for a wedding planner who blends luxury, creativity, and cultural sensitivity, Special Events Dubai has delivered 5-star weddings across Dubai’s most iconic venues.
we are more than just wedding planners—we’re your creative partners and logistical experts. From venue search to wedding day execution, we’re by your side every step of the way.
We guide you through every phase of the process, starting with personalized mood boards and detailed floor plans. Our in-house team of designers, florists, chefs, and coordinators manage everything from decor to entertainment vendors. That means every moment of your event is carefully curated and flawlessly executed.
We don’t just plan weddings. We create unforgettable experiences.
👉 Get in touch to start planning your unforgettable wedding in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wedding planner cost in Dubai?
Wedding planner costs are usually added on top of all the wedding requirements and decoration. Prices vary depending on the planner’s experience and your event scale. Expect full-service planning to start around AED 15,000 to AED 40,000 or more for luxury weddings. At Special Events Dubai, we take a different approach. We own our own warehouses with a wide range of specialized decorations and items to suit every taste. We also have an in-house team of designers, florists, chefs, and coordinators to ensure every detail of your wedding is managed and supervised closely. This integrated setup gives you better value and a truly seamless experience.
When should I hire a wedding planner in Dubai?
Ideally, 9 to 12 months before your wedding date. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing top venues and vendors.
Can planners help with multicultural or destination weddings?
Yes, experienced Dubai wedding planners like Special Events Dubai are well-versed in multicultural ceremonies and can handle guests traveling from abroad, legalities, and vendor coordination.
Do I still need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Venue coordinators focus on the venue. A wedding planner oversees your entire event—from vendors and timelines to décor and guest experience.
