A wedding band sets the mood at the moments your guests remember: the entrance, dinner, the first dance and the party after the speeches. Most couples in Dubai book a band for the reception and keep it playing until late. Send your date and venue and we send bands who are free, with videos and a price.
Price: a 4 to 6 piece showband usually costs AED 15,000 to AED 28,000, and an Arabic oud and qanun duo for dinner usually AED 3,000 to AED 5,500. Bigger bands with horns cost more. See live band prices.
Where the band fits in your wedding night
| Moment | What usually works |
|---|---|
| Guests arriving | Soft acoustic songs or jazz while people find their seats |
| Your entrance | One song timed to your walk in, or a zaffa for an Arabic wedding |
| Dinner | Gentle covers or classic songs at a volume people can talk over |
| First dance | Your song, played live |
| Party | Up tempo pop, soul, Arabic pop or dabke to fill the dance floor |
You do not need a band for every moment. Many couples start with a duo or trio for the welcome drinks and bring in the full band for the party.
Arabic, English or both
At an Arabic wedding the band usually plays a zaffa procession before the couple enters, a dinner set of classical songs, then a dance set of dabke, Khaleeji and Lebanese pop. For a mixed wedding, ask for a band with Arabic and English sets. Read more about Arabic bands.
Your songs and your first dance
Send a list for each moment and mark the songs that matter most. Add the songs you do not want to hear. If your first dance song is not in the band's set, send it early: a new song needs a few weeks to rehearse.
Timing matters as much as the songs. Tell the band how long the entrance walk is and when the cake and speeches happen. The band works to your running order on the night.
Planning for Dubai wedding venues
Hotel ballrooms. Most have their own sound system and an AV team. Many also run a volume limiter, so ask for the limit before you book a loud band.
Beach and garden weddings. An outdoor band needs power near the stage and its own sound system. Plan the outdoor part for the cooler months.
Space. A 4 or 5 piece band with drums needs a stage or riser. For under 60 guests, an acoustic setup without a stage works well.
Book the band
Send your date, the venue, the guest count and the moments you want music for. The team checks which bands are free and sends videos and a price. If you want to plan the budget first, read what a live band costs, then the hiring guide.
