A Big Budget Wedding in UAE: How Expert Help Made Charbel & Viktoria’s Day Unforgettable

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A big budget wedding is a challenging yet thrilling undertaking. From setting a budget to choosing the ideal venue and managing numerous vendors, it requires careful attention to detail to make the day perfect.

The UAE stands out for its luxury weddings, boasting opulent venues and exceptional services that make it an attractive destination for couples seeking a grand event.

This guide will break down the process of planning a big budget wedding, focusing on cost distribution, venue selection, and vendor coordination.

We’ll also share a case study of Charbel and Viktoria’s lavish wedding in the UAE, offering insight into how such a grand event is flawlessly managed.

What Does a Big Budget Wedding in the UAE Cost?

The cost of a big budget wedding in the UAE can fluctuate based on factors such as the venue, number of guests, décor, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings generally require premium services, with venues offering exclusive packages.

Average Big Budget Wedding Expense Breakdown by Percentage:

Here’s a typical cost distribution for big budget weddings based on Easy Wedding’s data.

Venue, Food & Drinks (30%)

The largest expense, this covers the cost of the venue rental along with the catering and beverages for the wedding guests.

Photo and Video Team (20%)

This allocation is for professional photographers and videographers who will capture every moment of the wedding to create lasting memories.

MC/Host and DJ (10%)

The budget for an MC or host to guide the event and a DJ to provide entertainment and music for the celebration.

Agency Fee (10-15%)

Represents the fee for hiring a wedding planning agency to coordinate and manage the entire wedding process, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Decor (15%)

Funds for decorating the venue with flowers, furniture, and design elements to create a beautiful and memorable atmosphere.

Technical Equipment (10%)

This portion covers the cost of essential technical equipment, such as sound systems, microphones, and lighting to support the event.

MUHA, Cake, and Other (5%)

This small percentage covers makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and other smaller items or services for the big day.

Case Study: Charbel & Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding in the UAE with Easy Wedding

The Background

Charbel, an Australian groom, and Viktoria, a Russian bride, didn’t want just a typical wedding. They envisioned a grand and luxurious event that would be unforgettable.

Their dream was to host their wedding in the UAE, a location known for its exclusive venues and stunning scenery.

With so many details involved, they turned to Easy Wedding for professional planning and coordination to ensure their big day would go off without a hitch.

The Wedding Planning Process

Charbel and Viktoria approached their wedding planning with a clear vision. Viktoria dreamed of an intimate sunset ceremony with a touch of luxury, while Charbel wanted to ensure top-tier entertainment for their guests. Their first discussion with Easy Wedding was all about transforming this vision into a detailed, actionable plan.

They evaluated high-end venues, compared vendor prices, and analyzed the costs. From floral arrangements to the quality of entertainment, every detail was considered. Armed with a set budget and a must-have list, they were prepared to start the venue search.

Finding the Perfect Venue

Choosing the perfect venue is one of the most critical steps in wedding planning. Charbel and Viktoria initially looked at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, attracted by its incredible views and ambiance. However, it turned out to be too expansive for the intimate ceremony they envisioned.

Venue Exploration

Charbel and Viktoria then explored Mövenpick RAK. The first option offered an outdoor space with elegant tables and string lights, but it didn’t meet their luxury expectations. The second option, with a beach view and modern design, was closer to their vision but lacked the privacy they were hoping for.

In the end, they chose The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. The venue provided the privacy they needed, along with stunning desert sunset views and an intimate setting, making it the perfect choice for their ceremony. With their venue chosen, they could now move on to other aspects of their wedding planning.

Designing Their Perfect Day

Once the venue was settled, Charbel and Viktoria turned their attention to the wedding’s design. They chose a Rustic Charm theme for the ceremony, with a simple wooden floral arch and white flowers that complemented the natural surroundings. The white aisle and candles added a soft, elegant touch, completing the intimate atmosphere they wanted to create.

Design and Floral Selections for the Reception

For the reception, Viktoria initially loved the idea of bold florals in a Stylish Red theme. However, they opted not to move forward with it due to its dramatic tone, which didn’t align with the elegant vibe they envisioned for their wedding.

They briefly considered the Blooming Romance style, which featured vibrant florals, but ultimately decided that a more structured and sophisticated look was more fitting for the celebration.

The Boho Gypsy Chic theme, with its earthy and relaxed feel, was another option they explored. While they loved the natural elements like pampas grass, they chose a more polished, cohesive design for the overall aesthetic.

For the ceremony, Viktoria embraced the Airy Elegance theme, incorporating soft white flowers like baby’s breath, which enhanced the light, airy feel they wanted and blended seamlessly with the desert setting.

They were shown the Farm Classic style for the seating and decor, which had a rustic charm with wood tones and greenery. While beautiful, it didn’t quite match the refined elegance they were aiming for.

Each design decision was carefully made to create a cohesive, stylish look that still reflected their personalities and vision for their special day.

Viktoria’s vision for luxurious floral arrangements in soft pastels and whites, blending beautifully with the desert’s golden hues, was realized. They chose option 1, which fit the desert backdrop perfectly.

Entertainment and Atmosphere Creation

Entertainment played a pivotal role in creating the atmosphere for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding. A live saxophonist performed during the ceremony, adding a romantic, soulful touch to the event. Later, a professional DJ took charge of the reception, maintaining high energy and keeping the guests dancing throughout the night. To wrap up the evening in style, a stunning fireworks display illuminated the desert sky, leaving guests in awe.

The dining experience matched the luxury of the event. The couple chose a five-course gourmet menu created by top chefs, blending international flavors with fine wine pairings. Champagne was abundant, and the grand wedding cake made for a spectacular conclusion to the evening’s meal.

Late-night snacks and dessert stations allowed guests to continue enjoying the celebration long after the formal dining and speeches had ended.

Guest Dress Code

Charbel and Viktoria chose a soft and neutral color palette for their guests’ attire, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These colors perfectly complemented the Airy Elegance theme, contributing to a cohesive and elegant look throughout the wedding.

Guest Experience at the Wedding

A big-budget wedding is about more than just the couple, it’s about making sure every guest feels like a VIP.

Easy Wedding managed all the logistics, ensuring luxury transportation and personalized concierge services were available to every guest. Each guest received a special welcome gift, filled with keepsakes that represented Charbel and Viktoria’s journey as a couple.

The wedding timeline was meticulously planned. Guests were greeted with bubbles and soft background music, setting a relaxed, celebratory mood. Viktoria made her grand entrance through a beautiful draped archway, with her bridesmaids walking ahead of her, adding a fairytale-like atmosphere to the occasion.

The ceremony was followed by a seamless transition into cocktail hour and dinner, after which speeches were made, the dance floor came alive, and the evening ended with a stunning fireworks show.

The Big Day Layout

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert had a carefully curated layout. The ceremony area featured chairs placed along a white carpet that led to a beautifully draped arch. Behind the ceremony area, speakers and a sound system ensured clear audio for all guests.

For the reception, the dinner tables were arranged in a U-shape surrounding the dance floor, allowing for easy movement and interaction. The bar was positioned at the back with additional speakers to maintain the energy. The DJ’s control desk was placed off to the side, and the welcome sign and seating plan were displayed at the entrance. This layout allowed for a smooth flow throughout the evening’s events.

A Flawlessly Executed Event

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding went off without a hitch. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah provided the exclusivity and stunning natural beauty that they wanted for their big day.

The wedding was a beautiful blend of personal touches and grand elegance, made possible by meticulous planning and a team that truly understood their vision. The couple could enjoy the celebration, confident that all the details were taken care of.

Managing a Big Budget Wedding in the UAE: A Planner’s Day

Let’s dive into the detailed timeline for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. This schedule outlines everything from makeup and photoshoots to the ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment, as well as the flow of guest arrivals, vows, couple’s photos, speeches, first dance, games, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and DJ sets.

Morning Preparations (11:00-14:00)

• Bride and groom’s styling, hair, and makeup.
• Final venue touches, including floral setup.
• Video shoot capturing the bride and groom’s preparations.

Afternoon & Ceremony Management (15:00-17:00)

• Coordinating guest arrivals, seating, and welcome reception.
• Overseeing the photo and video teams capturing moments behind the scenes.
• Ensuring the transition from ceremony to reception runs smoothly.

Evening Reception & After-Party Management (17:00-23:00)

• Supervising dinner service and coordinating the couple’s entrance.
• Speeches by Stu and Sergey, followed by fun games.
• Coordinating the first dance of the couple and making sure everything flows smoothly.
• Managing guest needs, ensuring transportation and comfort.
• Overseeing event closure, tear-down, and final logistics.
• Closure, wrap-up, and decor dismantling were the responsibility of the planner.

Key Insights from Charbel & Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding

Start Planning Early for Peace of Mind

Charbel and Viktoria’s early planning allowed them ample time to secure the best vendors, finalize the venue, and perfect every detail. This early approach also helped them avoid last-minute price increases and scheduling conflicts.

Venue Choice Is Key

Choosing the right venue is crucial for setting the tone of the wedding. The Ritz Carlton’s natural beauty, prestige, and top-tier service made it the perfect location for their intimate and elegant wedding, surpassing all expectations.

Prioritize What Matters Most

Rather than overspending on every detail, Charbel & Viktoria focused their budget on key aspects that would leave a lasting impact, such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. This ensured their wedding was beautiful without unnecessary expenses.

Expert Help Makes the Difference

From managing vendors to handling every logistical detail, an experienced wedding planner made all the difference. With the planner overseeing all aspects of the event, Charbel and Viktoria were able to enjoy their day without stress or worry.

Let Us Bring Your Dream Wedding to Life – Get a Quote Today!

Ready to turn your Big Budget Wedding in the UAE into reality? Easy Wedding can help! Our expert planners specialize in designing luxury, stress-free weddings that match your vision and offer the best packages available.

Schedule a consultation today, and let us create the wedding of your dreams!