Lavish Ceremonies Spur Local Wedding Industry

Four-day wedding show begins at Expo Centre Sharjah

The UAE, which perhaps has one of the highest average spending for a wedding in the world, is playing host to some of the best known wedding planners and other service providers from across the region, courtesy the Perfect Wedding Show that has got under way in Sharjah on Wednesday (March 6).

The eighth Perfect Wedding Show was opened by Sheikha Nada Bint Salim Al Qassimi at Expo Centre Sharjah and will continue until March 9, offering complete wedding solutions for to-be-married couples under a single roof. It is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qassimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

Highlighting the strength of the local wedding industry and its growth potential, a recent estimate points out that, while an average wedding expenditure in the UAE is seen at US$80,000 (Dhs 300,000), the figure stands at US$27,000 in the US, US$34,000 in India and US$39,000 in the UK.

“The figures speak for themselves. Even if we discount the chances of errors from the estimate, the average wedding spends in the UAE is much higher. The affluent population, which is dominated by youth with high disposable income, is on the rise in the UAE, creating demand for the most unique wedding extravaganzas, propelling the local and regional wedding industry to newer heights,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

While these are average figures, the actual amount may vary, depending on individual choices as there are plenty of options available within the region to make the special day the most memorable for couples. While a no-frills wedding can cost anywhere around Dhs100,000, the sky is the limit for a lavish wedding, with Arabs topping the list of big spenders, followed by Western expats and others.

Industry watchers also pointed out that the changing expatriate culture is also a key factor that is behind the growth of the wedding industry. They say that more and more residents are now getting married in the UAE itself, or the wedding functions are spread across one’s home country and the UAE, so that relatives, friends, colleagues, well-wishers and business partners all can take part in one function or the other.

“Expatriates don’t see the UAE as a second home anymore. Many of them are born and bred here, so most of their wedding ceremonies are held here itself, that too in the most impressive way they can,” added Mr. Midfa.

The inaugural ‘Beauty Core – The Body & Soul Exhibition’ will be held alongside the Perfect Wedding Show. Co-organised by regional fashion and beauty industry major Kontar Group, ‘Beauty Core – The Body & Soul Exhibition’ is featuring the best of the beauty industry, with products and supplies from mass market leaders to niche players, regional and international brands to everyday products and ultra-premium creations.

One of the main attractions of the Perfect Wedding Show is the ‘Royal Wedding’ package, offering a lucky couple a chance to win a fully sponsored wedding, right from a five-star venue to honeymoon trip. It covers the wedding venue and catering, sponsored by Hilton Hotel Sharjah; decoration by Al Khaleej Hospitality, photography by Yaqoot Photography, dress by Demetrios and honeymoon trip by Cozmo Travel.

The event will also feature glittering fashion shows daily, presented by leading international and regional designers, which will give visitors a peak into traditional and trendy bridal wear and wedding accessories.

Visitors can also look forward to admire the creations by top Egyptian fashion designer Mageda Dagher of Dagher Couture and Wissam Chammas of Lebanon, while other design houses and designers taking part in the show are Amato Haute Couture, Mona Al Mansouri, Julea Domani, Aisha Al Muhairi and Dar Sara.

Jewellery designs from across the world, exotic perfumes, branded abayas and an extensive range of accessories are also vying for the attention of visitors. The show has also brought together designers, couturiers, décor specialists, wedding planners and caterers who are offering their products and services.

Both shows will be open from 3 pm to 10pm daily.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Mar 6, 2013

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