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Planning a grand wedding can be a complex yet thrilling experience. It involves detailed budgeting, picking the right venue, and managing a range of vendors to ensure everything goes smoothly.

The UAE is famed for hosting extravagant weddings with its luxurious venues and exceptional services, making it a prime location for couples who want to celebrate their union in a lavish style.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of planning a big budget wedding, including how to allocate costs, select the perfect venue, and coordinate with vendors.

Additionally, we’ll share a case study of Charbel and Viktoria’s extravagant wedding in the UAE, showcasing how a high-end wedding is seamlessly executed.

How Much Does a Big Budget Wedding Cost in the UAE?

The cost of a big budget wedding in the UAE varies greatly depending on factors like the venue, guest count, décor, catering, and entertainment. High-end weddings require premium services, and venues often offer luxury packages.

Big Budget Wedding Expense Breakdown:

Based on Easy Wedding’s weddings, here’s an average expense breakdown in percentages.

Venue, Food & Drinks (30%)

This is the largest part of the budget, covering both the rental cost of the venue and providing food and drinks for the guests.

Photo and Video Team (20%)

Funds allocated for professional photographers and videographers who will capture the wedding day, preserving memories for years to come.

MC/Host and DJ (10%)

This portion covers the fees for the master of ceremonies or host, as well as the DJ who will manage the entertainment and music for the event.

Agency Fee (10-15%)

Represents the cost of hiring a wedding planning agency to coordinate all aspects of the wedding, ensuring a flawless and stress-free experience.

Decor (15%)

The budget for decorating the venue, including flowers, furniture, and design features to create the desired atmosphere and aesthetic.

Technical Equipment (10%)

Ensures the availability of audio-visual equipment such as microphones, sound systems, and lighting to ensure the event runs smoothly.

MUHA, Cake, and Other (5%)

This allocation covers makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and other smaller but essential services or items for the celebration.

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, were determined to make their wedding more than just an ordinary celebration. They envisioned an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For their big-budget wedding in the UAE, they sought a combination of luxurious venues, exclusive spaces, and awe-inspiring views.

Given the intricate nature of their plans, they knew they needed a professional team to handle all the details. That’s where Easy Wedding stepped in to turn their dream into a flawless reality.

The Wedding Planning Process

Charbel and Viktoria knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding day. Viktoria envisioned an intimate, yet extravagant sunset ceremony, while Charbel emphasized the importance of exceptional entertainment for their guests. Their first meeting with Easy Wedding was centered on turning these visions into a carefully crafted plan.

They delved into high-end venue options, compared vendor pricing, and carefully examined their budget. Each detail was scrutinized, from floral designs to the acoustics for entertainment. With a well-defined budget and a clear list of must-have elements, they were ready to lock in the perfect venue.

Selecting the Right Venue

Choosing the right venue is one of the most critical decisions in wedding planning. Charbel and Viktoria first considered the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for its scenic views and impressive atmosphere. However, the space turned out to be too large for the intimate wedding experience they desired.

Their next step led them to Mövenpick RAK, where they considered two options: Option 1, an outdoor space adorned with elegant tables and string lights, but it didn’t meet their expectations of luxury. Option 2, with its beach view and contemporary design, came close but fell short in terms of privacy.

In the end, they chose The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. This venue offered the privacy they needed, along with magnificent desert sunset views and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere perfect for their ceremony. With the venue finalized, they were ready to continue their wedding preparations.

Once the venue was set, Charbel and Viktoria turned their attention to designing the perfect wedding experience. They selected a Rustic Charm theme for their ceremony, with a simple wooden floral arch and white flowers that harmonized with the surrounding natural beauty. The white aisle and soft candles added an elegant touch, enhancing the intimate feel they were striving for.

Reception Design and Floral Choices

For the reception, Viktoria was initially drawn to the idea of bold florals paired with a Stylish Red theme. However, they ultimately decided against it due to its dramatic feel, which didn’t align with the overall vision for their big budget wedding.

They briefly considered the Blooming Romance style for its colorful, playful florals, but ultimately favored a more structured and sophisticated approach to match their aesthetic.

The Boho Gypsy Chic style, with its earthy and relaxed feel, was another option. While they loved the laid-back vibe of pampas grass and natural elements, they opted for a more polished and cohesive design.

For the ceremony, Viktoria incorporated touches from the Airy Elegance theme, choosing soft white flowers like baby’s breath to evoke a light, airy feel that blended perfectly with the desert setting.

They were shown the Farm Classic style for the seating and décor, which featured wood tones and greenery to provide a rustic charm. However, it didn’t quite fit the elegant atmosphere they were aiming for.

Each design element was chosen to create a cohesive atmosphere that still reflected the couple’s personal style and vision for the day.

Viktoria’s dream was to have luxurious floral arrangements that complemented the natural desert backdrop, and that’s exactly what they got: soft pastels and whites that blended seamlessly with the golden desert hues. They opted for option 1, which provided the best fit for their vision.

Entertainment was an essential component in setting the mood for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding. A live saxophonist serenaded guests during the ceremony, adding a romantic touch to the proceedings. The reception then saw a professional DJ take over, keeping the energy high and the dance floor filled all night. To cap off the evening, a dazzling fireworks display lit up the desert sky, leaving the guests utterly amazed.

The dining experience was designed to impress, with a five-course gourmet menu prepared by top chefs. The menu combined international flavors with fine wine pairings, and champagne was abundant throughout the evening. A grand wedding cake topped off the culinary experience, providing the perfect finish to the evening’s feast.

Late-night snack stations and a dessert spread kept guests satisfied well beyond the formalities, ensuring the celebration carried on.

Dress Code and Guest Attire

Charbel and Viktoria opted for a color palette of soft neutrals and muted tones for their guests’ attire, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These colors seamlessly aligned with their Airy Elegance theme, creating a refined and elegant look that complemented the overall vibe of the wedding.

Guest Experience at Charbel and Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding

For Charbel and Viktoria, their big-budget wedding wasn’t just about their special day—it was about ensuring every guest felt like part of their fairytale celebration.

Easy Wedding managed all the logistics, offering luxury transportation and personalized concierge services to make each guest feel pampered. Upon arrival, guests were presented with thoughtful welcome gifts, each filled with keepsakes that told the story of the couple’s journey together.

The wedding timeline was carefully planned. Guests arrived to the sound of bubbles and soft background music, creating a relaxed yet festive mood. Viktoria’s entrance was nothing short of magical, as she walked through a draped archway, with a procession of bridesmaids walking ahead, enhancing the fairytale atmosphere.

The ceremony transitioned seamlessly into cocktail hour and dinner, followed by heartfelt speeches, a vibrant dance floor, and a grand finale with the fireworks display.

The Big Day Setup

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert had a thoughtfully planned layout. The ceremony space featured chairs arranged along a white carpet, leading toward the arch adorned with drapery. Behind the ceremony area, speakers and a sound system were strategically placed to enhance the atmosphere.

For the reception, the dinner tables were arranged in a U-shape, with the dance floor positioned at the center. The bar was located at the back, with additional speakers nearby. The DJ’s control desk was placed on the side, and the entrance featured a welcome sign and seating plan. This setup ensured a smooth and natural progression from ceremony to reception.

A Dream Wedding Realized

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding was a flawless execution of their dreams. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah gave them the exclusivity and natural beauty they had always hoped for.

Thanks to thoughtful planning and a team that completely understood their vision, the wedding was personal, grand, and stress-free. The couple was able to fully enjoy their day, leaving the logistics to the experts.

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

Here’s an inside look at the detailed timeline for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, covering everything from makeup and photoshoots to the ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. The timeline includes guest arrivals, music, vows, couple’s photos, speeches, first dance, games, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and DJ sets throughout the night.

Morning Preparations (11:00-14:00)

• Bride and groom’s styling, hair, and makeup.
• Venue setup, floral arrangements, and final touches.
• Video shoot capturing the bride and groom’s preparations.

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

• Coordinating guest arrivals and seating, providing a warm welcome.
• Overseeing photo and video teams capturing behind-the-scenes moments.
• Managing a smooth transition from the ceremony to the reception.

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

• Coordinating the dinner service and the couple’s entrance song.
• Speeches by Stu and Sergey, along with fun games and entertainment.
• Coordinating the couple’s first dance and managing guest comfort.
• Ensuring smooth transportation for guests and overseeing their needs throughout the night.
  Overseeing event closure, tear-down, and final logistics.
• Closure, wrap-up, and decor dismantling were the responsibility of the planner.

Key Takeaways from Charbel & Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding

Start Early for a Stress-Free Wedding

Charbel and Viktoria’s early start allowed them to secure the best venue, book top-tier vendors, and perfect each detail of their wedding. Planning in advance helped them avoid rushed decisions, cost hikes, and scheduling conflicts.

The Right Venue Sets the Tone

The Ritz Carlton’s prestige, breathtaking natural beauty, and impeccable service played a key role in ensuring their wedding was elegant and intimate. It was the ideal venue that brought their vision to life and exceeded their expectations.

Prioritize What Matters Most

Rather than spreading the budget thin across every detail, Charbel & Viktoria focused on the elements that would create the biggest impact, such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. This approach ensured that their wedding was stunning while keeping costs in check.

Hiring Professionals Makes a Difference

Having an experienced wedding planner was essential. From coordinating vendors to handling logistics and problem-solving, the planner took care of everything, allowing Charbel and Viktoria to relax and enjoy their day.

Turn Your Dream Wedding into Reality – Contact Us Today!

Ready to make your Big Budget Wedding in the UAE a reality? Let Easy Wedding help you create the wedding of your dreams. Our expert planners will tailor your celebration to match your vision and provide the best wedding packages.

Book a consultation now and let us design your unforgettable wedding experience!