Abu Dhabi Wedding Packages: What’s Included & What’s Not

Planning a wedding in Abu Dhabi, whether as a destination celebration or a local event, often begins with exploring wedding packages offered by luxury hotels, resorts, and dedicated venues. These packages are designed to simplify planning by bundling key services together — but it’s important for couples to understand exactly what’s included and what’s not so there are no surprises on the big day. Here’s a clear breakdown of how Abu Dhabi wedding packages typically work and what you should expect.

What’s Typically Included in Abu Dhabi Wedding Packages

A standard wedding package in Abu Dhabi usually covers the core elements you need to host a seamless ceremony and reception. Most luxury venues structure their packages with the following components:

✔ Venue Rental
The cost of renting a wedding space is a fundamental part of any package. This may include indoor ballrooms, outdoor terraces, garden lawns, or beachfront areas. Popular hotel venues (especially 5-star properties) often include setup time for décor and rehearsal space within the rental.

✔ Catering (Food & Beverage)
Most wedding packages include per-head catering — typically a multi-course buffet or plated service featuring international and regional cuisine. Some packages may also include soft drinks and juices. Alcoholic beverages, especially imported brands, are often optional add-ons or priced separately.

✔ Basic Décor
Basic floral centerpieces, linen, seating, and wedding arch or stage setup are usually part of the standard décor included. These basics offer a polished look but are often simple and may require upgrades if you want an elaborate theme or custom installation.

✔ Tables, Chairs & Standard Furnishings
Standard furniture like banquet chairs, dining tables, cake table, sweetheart table (for couple), and basic lighting is typically included in the package price.

✔ Dedicated Coordinator
Most reputable venues provide a dedicated coordinator to help couples manage the event timeline, vendor communication, seating charts, and execution on the wedding day.

✔ Sound System & Basic AV
Basic sound systems for speeches and music, along with a standard mic setup, are often included. Some packages also include a projector and screen for slideshows or videos.

**What’s Often Not Included (and May Cost Extra)**

Understanding exclusions is essential so you can budget accurately and avoid last-minute upsells. Here are common items usually not covered in standard packages:

✖ Premium Décor & Theming
Elaborate floral installations, custom mandaps, fairy-light canopies, designer lighting, uplighting, and luxury lounge furniture generally come at extra cost. Couples who want a specific theme or bespoke décor will need to book a décor specialist.

✖ Custom Catering Upgrades
While basic food and beverage are covered, specialty menus (e.g., Indian cuisines, vegan/plant-based menus, live food stations, plated tasting menus, or premium beverage packages) often carry additional charges. Imported alcohol and premium drink packages are almost always separate.

✖ Photography & Videography
Wedding photography and videography are typically not part of venue packages. Many couples hire third-party professionals or choose premium hotel partners at an additional fee.

✖ Entertainment & Performers
Live bands, DJs, dancers, cultural performers, or celebrity artists are not included. These must be arranged separately through entertainment vendors.

✖ Invitations & Stationery
Printed or digital invitation suites, signage, seating charts, and custom stationery are usually handled by the couple or planner. Some hotels may offer optional packages at extra cost.

✖ Wedding Cake & Favors
A standard dessert buffet may be included, but a custom wedding cake and guest favors/gifts are usually separate.

✖ Transportation & Guest Transfers
Airport transfers, guest shuttles, and luxury car arrivals are not typically bundled into wedding packages. Those services are booked separately with transportation providers.

✖ Bridal Styling & Groom Services
Hair, makeup, wardrobe, and styling for the wedding party are normally organized outside venue packages unless a beauty partner is included at extra cost.

How to Choose the Right Package

To make sense of all the inclusions and exclusions, start by listing your must-have wedding elements versus your nice-to-have extras. Once you understand what the venue includes, you can decide if you want to:

Accept the standard setup and enhance only a few areas (e.g., décor or entertainment), or
Opt for a fully customized experience with external vendors handling catering upgrades, décor, and production.

It’s also helpful to ask for itemized costing from venues — this means you’ll know exactly how much each component costs if added a la carte.

Tips for Indian Couples & Multi-Day Celebrations

Indian weddings often include Mehndi, Sangeet, Haldi, pheras, and reception. If you’re planning multiple events, ensure your chosen package can accommodate:

Pre-wedding rehearsals and décor setup time
Multi-day catering arrangements
Separate Sangeet and reception spaces
Cultural needs like mandap setup and dhol/performance zones

Many venues will offer tiered packages for multi-day Indian weddings — but details vary, so always confirm what’s included for each event and what additional customizations will cost.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi wedding packages are designed to streamline planning by bundling the essentials — venue rental, standard décor, catering, and basic coordination — into one organized offering. However, many luxury experiences, customizations, cultural elements, and premium services typically fall outside the base package and require additional investment. Understanding what’s included and what isn’t helps you budget smartly, avoid surprises, and allocate more funds to the parts of your celebration that matter most.