From Dubai to the World: Redefining luxury weddings and discovering Georgia as the next rising destination

As the world of luxury weddings continues to evolve, new destinations, creative visions, and extraordinary experiences are redefining the art of celebration. In this exclusive interview for Celebre Magazine World, we sit down with Arun Bablani, Founder of Weddings by Vivaah, a visionary in the international luxury wedding industry. Through ten questions, we explore his creative philosophy, global expertise, and distinctive approach to crafting unforgettable celebrations, while turning the spotlight on Georgia, an emerging destination poised to make its mark on the international luxury wedding scene.

How did your journey in the wedding industry begin, and what inspired you to build an internationally recognized brand?

My journey began over two decades ago, driven by a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. When I founded Vivaah Weddings in Dubai in 2012, my ambition was to deliver extraordinary celebrations worldwide, combining creativity, cultural understanding and flawless execution. Today, having planned over 300 weddings across 34 countries, I believe our success lies in meaningful relationships, an exceptional team and our commitment to excellence. Ultimately, success is measured not by extravagance, but by the memories we create.

What makes Dubai such an exceptional wedding destination, and how has its wedding industry evolved?

Dubai offers an extraordinary combination of luxury hospitality, international connectivity, cultural diversity and innovation. Over the years, I have witnessed its transformation from a regional wedding market into a globally recognized destination. Couples choose Dubai not simply for its spectacular venues, but for its exceptional gastronomy, entertainment, accessibility and sophisticated hospitality infrastructure. Dubai has taught us that innovation in luxury is not an occasional achievement, but a continuous expectation.

How do you balance cultural authenticity, personalized experiences and the expectations of international luxury clients?

Every wedding begins with understanding the people behind the celebration. Working with multicultural families requires sensitivity towards traditions, values and identities. Cultural elements should never become mere decorations; they represent history and emotion. Our challenge is to combine these traditions with contemporary creativity and personalization. The most successful weddings are those where guests experience something extraordinary while families recognize themselves in every detail.

What does true luxury mean today, and which trends are shaping destination weddings?

Luxury is no longer defined by extravagance alone. Today, it means exclusivity, authenticity, privacy and deeply personalized experiences. Couples increasingly seek immersive celebrations, exceptional culinary journeys, exclusive venues and meaningful connections with local cultures. Sustainability is equally important. Having organized one of the Middle East’s pioneering fully sustainable weddings, I believe our industry must embrace more conscious practices. Technology will continue transforming our profession, but genuine human emotions will always remain irreplaceable.

What first attracted you to Georgia as an emerging luxury wedding destination?

Georgia immediately fascinated me with its authenticity and extraordinary potential. Its breathtaking landscapes, historic architecture, vineyards, mountains and warm hospitality create an exceptional foundation for destination weddings. What truly convinced me, however, was the genuine enthusiasm of its people and their willingness to welcome international professionals. Georgia has everything needed to become a significant luxury wedding destination, provided its development is supported by infrastructure, international visibility and strategic partnerships. Its greatest strength lies in celebrating its unique identity.

Which elements of Georgia will particularly appeal to international couples?

Georgia offers remarkable diversity within a relatively compact territory. Imagine ceremonies overlooking the Caucasus Mountains, elegant celebrations in historic châteaux or intimate weddings surrounded by Kakheti’s vineyards. Properties such as Tsinandali Estate, Château Mukhrani and Lopota Lake Resort showcase this versatility. Its extraordinary culinary heritage and ancient winemaking traditions create unforgettable experiences. Above all, Georgian hospitality stands out. The generosity and warmth of its people leave an emotional impression that guests will remember long after their celebrations.

What is your long-term vision for collaborating with Georgia’s tourism authorities?

My ambition is to establish Georgia as an internationally recognized luxury wedding destination. Through our collaboration with the Georgian National Tourism Administration and its Convention and Exhibition Bureau, we are connecting local hospitality stakeholders with international wedding professionals. Education, industry training, familiarization trips and strategic networking are essential. Government involvement is crucial because destination development requires cooperation across multiple sectors. Our objective extends beyond generating wedding inquiries: we aim to create a sustainable wedding tourism industry that benefits hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, artisans and local communities.

What inspired you to organize such a diverse international familiarization trip?

I believe destinations gain international recognition when influential professionals experience them firsthand. We brought together wedding planners from France, Italy, Russia, Portugal, Turkey, Switzerland, Israel, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, representing diverse markets and cultural perspectives. Our goal was to showcase Georgia’s venues, hospitality and logistical capabilities while encouraging meaningful professional connections. Beyond discovering a destination, participants could exchange ideas and explore future collaborations. The true success of a familiarization trip lies not in the number of venues visited, but in the lasting relationships and opportunities it generates.

What were the most memorable moments, and how did participating planners respond?

Watching experienced international professionals discover a destination that exceeded their expectations was incredibly rewarding. Georgia’s landscapes, historic properties, cuisine, wine traditions and exceptional hospitality generated genuine enthusiasm. Yet my favourite moments were often spontaneous: conversations over dinner, friendships developing and professionals exchanging ideas across cultures. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with several participants expressing interest in organizing future celebrations in Georgia. Our objective was precisely that: transforming curiosity into confidence and creating international ambassadors for the destination.

Where do you see Georgia within the international luxury wedding market, and what has this experience given you personally?

Within the next three years, Georgia could become one of the most compelling emerging luxury wedding destinations, particularly for couples seeking authenticity and exclusivity. Achieving this requires continued investment in infrastructure, professional development and international promotion. Georgia should develop its distinctive identity rather than imitate established destinations. Personally, Georgia has given me something beyond business: friendships, meaningful connections and a genuine sense of belonging. Throughout my travels, I have learned that a destination’s greatest beauty lies in its people. I arrived discovering a country with extraordinary potential. Today, every visit feels like returning somewhere I belong.