In a bid to cut wedding expenses, many couples in the UAE are increasingly opting for mass weddings and joint ceremonies. This growing trend is helping couples save up to 70-80% on their wedding budgets by combining their celebrations into a single event.
The Rising Popularity of Mass Weddings
Mass weddings, a long-standing tradition among Emiratis, are gaining popularity among expatriates as well. These events, often supported by government initiatives, offer a cost-effective solution for couples looking to celebrate their union without incurring substantial expenses. The financial savings come from shared costs on venues, decorations, entertainment, and other wedding-related services. According to Gauri Chadha, Creative Director of Big Night Events, "Hosting mass weddings can be quite economical, resulting in significant savings on various aspects such as wedding halls, decorations, and technical services."
Government and Community Support
The Dubai Women's Association is one of the organizations promoting mass weddings as part of their efforts to ease the financial burden on young couples. Afra Al Hai, Director of the Consulting and Training Department, highlighted their initiative, "Zaffat Harayer," which celebrated its 26th edition with 14 brides and grooms. The Association covers all wedding costs, including venue rentals, attire, invitations, catering, and even traditional dances. Upcoming ceremonies are set to be even more cost-effective, with new guidelines limiting events to under four hours to further reduce expenses.
Expatriate Couples Embrace Joint Weddings
The trend isn't limited to Emiratis. Expatriates like Indian brothers Aarush and Arjun and Sudanese friends Alia Mahmoud and Razan Mustafa are also choosing to combine their ceremonies. These joint weddings not only help in reducing costs but also allow for a shared celebration that brings families and friends together. "We saved Dh50,000 each," Aarush noted, underscoring the financial benefits of this choice. Similarly, Alia and Razan expect to save nearly Dh20,000 each by hosting a joint event.
A Practical Solution in a Costly Landscape
With the rising costs of weddings, many couples in the UAE are finding practical ways to manage their finances without compromising the joy of their special day. Mass weddings and joint ceremonies offer a viable solution, allowing couples to enjoy a memorable celebration while significantly reducing their financial burden.
This blog will explore how couples in the UAE are saving up to 80% on wedding costs by participating in mass weddings and joint ceremonies. It will explain the growing popularity of these events, driven by the rising costs of traditional weddings, and how mass ceremonies offer a budget-friendly alternative.
