There’s something utterly beautiful about weddings–a tale of love and union of two people and their cultures. For years, Indians and Arabs have lived side by side, exchanging traditions, experiences, and a profound cultural reverence for weddings.
“Being an Emirati, we have been living with Indians since the '50s-'60s. I remember when I attended my first Indian wedding, the various events were full of fun, joy and colourful decorations,” reminisces Mohammed Murad, an Emirati event planner. Two cultures so deeply intertwined, it's no surprise that Indian and Arab weddings can inspire one another in many ways.
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As an Indian, I have seen our weddings being a window into large gatherings of relatives, friends, and everyone in between. While the philosophy of ‘the more the merrier’ is beautiful, the couple—the heart of the celebration—can sometimes get lost in the haze. “When it comes to Arab weddings, mostly everything is centred around the couple,” says Siddharth Goyal, co-founder of Camlition Productions, an Indian wedding photography and filmmaking house. The Zaffa ceremony, where the couple comes together in an elaborate function, is something Indian weddings can draw inspiration from. Their idea of family is vast, yet personal touches and storytelling make it more than just about the couple—though it still is.
“Guest lists in both weddings often run into hundreds or even thousands. However, Arab weddings tend to focus more on creating an intimate atmosphere within that grandeur. Indian weddings could draw inspiration from their meticulous seating arrangements, personal greetings, and unmatched guest experiences,” adds Vishal Punjabi who has filmed the weddings of notable Bollywood personalities like Ranveer-Deepika, Anushka-Virat, Katrina-Vicky and more. Notably, modern Indian weddings are shifting towards intimate gatherings and personalisation.
Brimming with diverse communities, traditions and vibrancy, no two Indian weddings are ever alike. While rituals and customs may vary, the essence of the wedding festivities remains unchanged. Pre-wedding functions—featuring the haldi, sangeet, and more—are now predominantly Bollywood-inspired, with lots of dancing, music, and elaborate themes that continue for almost 3-4 days. The henna or mehndi party is a cherished tradition in both Arab and Indian weddings. In Arab weddings, however, this remains a more intimate yet festive affair with traditional music and cultural dances.
“I think one event that could liven up our weddings is the sangeet night,” suggests Murad, who also runs an event planning brand, TanseeQ. Another wedding planner based in Dubai, Saniya Wahi feels that the henna night itself can mirror the grandeur of an Indian sangeet, “With elaborate family performances and entertainment, it can be a vibrant spectacle as well.”
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The wedding setup and décor are the defining elements for both these weddings–bound by a shared thread of grandeur. “Arab wedding décor, especially the grand koshas—lavish, elevated seating areas—and the dramatic catwalk-style aisles are major takeaways,” says Wahi. They stand out with jaw-dropping venues that are visually striking and feel almost otherworldly. Think of large stages and regal settings for brides to showcase their elaborate gowns and veils.
In contrast, Indian weddings blend contemporary and traditional elements through themes–think a mandap (platform) decorated with peonies. “We could take a cue from their attention to ambience. Rather than stretching budgets across countless elements, a whole, immersive experience can truly elevate the celebration,” highlights Punjabi.
However, the concept of a grand Indian wedding often centers around the family's desire to uphold their status in society—sometimes higher than what the family can afford. “People in Arab live lavishly as a lifestyle, and their weddings reflect that in a more understated way. For example, they might host the event on their own lawn, but with a beautifully extravagant setup. It's not about proving wealth—it's simply an extension of their way of living,” explains Goyal.
In the dance of tradition and rituals, weddings are shining examples of celebrating love. “The key takeaway is that every culture celebrates in its way, and embracing these differences fosters respect. Marriages honour similarities while embracing differences,” shares Murad.
