The Cost of a Wedding in Saudi Arabia

Weddings in Saudi Arabia are grand, emotional, and deeply rooted in tradition. They are more than just a union between two individuals they’re celebrations of family, culture, and social status. Over the years, however, Saudi weddings have evolved into luxury events that can come with a hefty price tag.

From gold bridal sets and lavish wedding venues to designer gowns and elite guest lists, the cost of a wedding in Saudi Arabia often surprises outsiders. In this article, we break down what couples and families typically spend, what factors influence the total cost, and how expectations have changed with time.

A Wedding is a Statement of Status

In Saudi society, weddings are public declarations of family prestige. This explains why many Saudi families are willing to spend generously to host an event that reflects their wealth and heritage. In fact, it’s not uncommon for weddings in Riyadh or Jeddah to cost upwards of 500,000 SAR ($130,000 USD) and in some elite circles, the number can go far higher.

While smaller, simpler weddings are becoming more common among younger Saudis, the majority of traditional families still see weddings as an opportunity to showcase luxury, generosity, and cultural pride.

Major Wedding Expenses in Saudi Arabia

Let’s take a closer look at the biggest cost components of a typical Saudi wedding.

1. Bridal Jewelry and Gold Gifts

Gold holds deep cultural and emotional value in Saudi Arabia. As part of the wedding preparations, it is customary for the groom to gift the bride a full bridal gold set. This includes:

• A gold necklace

• Earrings and bracelet

• A matching gold ring or bangle set

• Additional items like an anklet or gold belt

The quality and weight of the gold vary, but families often opt for 22K or 24K gold, pushing the cost higher. The bridal gold set alone can range from 20,000 SAR to 100,000 SAR or more depending on the design and weight.

In addition to the bride’s jewelry, gold or diamond gifts may be given to the bride’s mother, sisters, or close relatives. These gifts act as symbols of goodwill and family honor.

2. Engagement Ring

Engagements in Saudi Arabia are often celebrated with the presentation of an elegant diamond ring. Popular choices include pieces from international luxury brands like:

• Cartier

• Bvlgari

• Van Cleef & Arpels

• Tiffany & Co.

• Harry Winston

Depending on the brand and carat weight, the engagement ring may cost anywhere between 10,000 SAR to 250,000 SAR. High-income families often view the ring not just as a romantic gesture but as an investment and a statement of class.

3. Wedding Venue

Venue selection plays a central role in the overall wedding budget. Most Saudi weddings are held in luxurious hotel ballrooms or custom-built wedding halls. Popular cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam offer high-end options such as:

• The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh

• Hilton Hotel Jeddah

• Al Faisaliah Hotel

• InterContinental Riyadh

Rental fees for such venues can start at 50,000 SAR and exceed 300,000 SAR depending on the guest capacity, day of the week, and exclusivity. Premium packages often include catering, lighting, floral décor, stage setup, and valet parking.

Some wealthy families even host weddings in private palaces or desert villas, significantly increasing the total spend due to custom arrangements and added security.

4. Bridal Fashion and Designer Gown

The bride’s wedding dress is one of the most anticipated elements of a Saudi wedding. Increasingly, Saudi brides are turning to international fashion houses for bespoke gowns, with prices ranging from 20,000 SAR to over 150,000 SAR.

Some brides opt to purchase a custom couture dress from designers like:

• Elie Saab

• Zuhair Murad

• Dolce & Gabbana

• Dior

• Valentino

It’s also common for brides to wear multiple dresses throughout the evening: one for the initial reception, another for the traditional zaffa (bridal procession), and one for the grand finale.

5. Catering and Guest Hospitality

Saudi weddings are known for their generous hospitality. It’s not unusual for weddings to host 300 to 1,000 guests, depending on the family’s social standing. With that comes the cost of:

• Full-course Arabic and international meals

• Coffee and date stations

• Dessert buffets with customized cakes

• Live cooking stations and wait staff

Catering expenses often run between 50,000 SAR and 200,000 SAR, especially when hiring premium caterers or five-star hotel services. Add-ons like wedding cakes, which are often multi-tiered and elaborately decorated, can cost 5,000–20,000 SAR alone.

6. Wedding Décor and Floral Arrangements

No Saudi wedding is complete without breathtaking décor. Couples invest in:

• Floral arches and table centerpieces

• Themed stage designs for the bride and groom (known as the kosha)

• LED lighting, chandeliers, and backdrops

• Sound systems and ambient effects

Décor companies often offer full wedding styling packages starting at 30,000 SAR, but luxury events can easily exceed 150,000 SAR, especially with imported flowers, crystal elements, or designer stylists.

7. Entertainment and Live Performances

Entertainment is an essential part of modern Saudi weddings. Depending on the family’s preferences, weddings may feature:

• Traditional dancers (ardha)

• Live music performances

• Female singers (especially for women-only events)

• DJs and MCs

• Firework displays

Hiring high-profile performers can cost tens of thousands of riyals. Celebrity appearances or renowned musical artists may cost upwards of 200,000 SAR for a single event.

Hidden and Additional Costs

While the above components cover the basics, several other costs often sneak into the final wedding budget:

• Photography & Videography: Hiring a professional photographer/videographer can cost 10,000–40,000 SAR, with luxury packages including drone footage and edited cinematic videos.

• Bridal Spa & Beauty: Saudi brides frequently invest in luxury beauty treatments and high-end salons for makeup, hair, nails, and skin prep. These packages can cost 5,000–20,000 SAR.

• Transportation: Renting a luxury car for the bride and groom (like a Rolls-Royce or Bentley) may add 3,000–10,000 SAR.

• Wedding Invitations: Printed and digital invitations, especially those customized with gold foil or Arabic calligraphy, range from 2,000 to 10,000 SAR depending on the guest count.

• Groom’s Outfit & Gifts: Designer suits, watches, and shoes for the groom can run into several thousands, especially if sourced from global brands.

How Saudi Families Budget for Weddings

In many traditional Saudi families, wedding costs are split between the groom’s and bride’s families. Typically:

• The groom’s side handles the venue, catering, bridal gold, mahr, and initial gifts.

• The bride’s side may cover clothing, beauty treatments, and gifts for the groom.

Some modern couples now contribute from their own income, especially those who wish to customize elements of the wedding to reflect their personal tastes.

There’s also a growing trend of micro-weddings or destination weddings, where couples limit the guest list and opt for intimate experiences. These can still be luxurious but cost significantly less.

Changing Attitudes: Simpler Weddings on the Rise?

With rising living costs and a younger generation seeking more financial freedom, some Saudis are pushing back against lavish wedding expectations. Social movements and religious leaders have also encouraged simpler weddings to ease the financial burden on young men.

In recent years, even members of the Saudi royal family have hosted modest ceremonies. Government initiatives in some regions now promote affordable wedding packages to help reduce the financial pressure.

Despite these shifts, luxury weddings remain a cultural mainstay, particularly among elite and business families where reputation and appearance still carry enormous weight.

Final Thoughts: A Culture of Celebration

A wedding in Saudi Arabia is not just an event it’s a declaration of identity, tradition, and prosperity. While there is growing awareness about cost-conscious celebrations, for many Saudi families, a wedding remains one of life’s most important occasions and they are willing to invest accordingly.

From the sparkle of bridal gold to the glamour of designer wedding gowns and the grandeur of five-star venues, the cost of a Saudi wedding reflects both the values of the past and the luxuries of the present.