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Planning a big budget wedding can seem overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting adventure. It involves meticulous budgeting, choosing the ideal venue, and managing multiple vendors to bring your vision to life.

Weddings in the UAE are renowned for their opulence, exclusive venues, and top-tier services, making the region a popular choice for couples seeking a grand and luxurious celebration.

This guide will walk you through the process of planning a big budget wedding, covering cost distribution, venue selection, and vendor management.

Additionally, we’ll showcase a detailed case study of Charbel and Viktoria’s lavish wedding in the UAE, demonstrating how a premium wedding is flawlessly organized.

What is the Price of a Big Budget Wedding in the UAE?

The cost of a big budget wedding in the UAE can vary widely depending on several factors, including the venue, number of guests, décor, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings often require high-end services, with venues offering premium packages.

Average Big Budget Wedding Expense Breakdown by Percentage

Based on weddings organized by Easy Wedding, here’s a general cost breakdown in percentage for a big budget wedding.

Venue, Food & Drinks (30%)

This category takes up the largest chunk of the budget, covering the costs of renting the venue and providing food and beverages for guests.

Photo and Video Team (20%)

This portion of the budget goes towards hiring professional photographers and videographers to document the wedding and preserve those precious memories.

MC/Host and DJ (10%)

This budget is set aside for the MC or host, who will guide the event, and the DJ, who will provide entertainment and music throughout the celebration.

Agency Fee (10-15%)

This fee covers the cost of hiring a wedding planning agency to handle all coordination and logistics, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.

Decor (15%)

This allocation is for decorating the venue, including floral arrangements, furniture, and design elements to create the desired ambiance.

Technical Equipment (10%)

This covers the costs of necessary technical and audio-visual equipment, such as microphones, lighting, and other essential elements for the event.

MUHA, Cake, and Other (5%)

This part of the budget is dedicated to makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and any other miscellaneous services or items that are essential for the big day.

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

The Background

When Charbel, an Australian groom, and Viktoria, a Russian bride, set out to plan their wedding, they envisioned more than just a simple ceremony. They sought an unforgettable experience.

The couple dreamed of hosting a big-budget wedding in the UAE, one that would feature luxurious spaces, exclusive settings, and stunning views.

Given the complexity of their vision, they required a team to manage the myriad details without the stress of overseeing every aspect themselves. That’s where Easy Wedding stepped in, making their dream wedding a reality.

The Planning Journey

Charbel and Viktoria had a specific vision for their big day. Viktoria dreamed of a sunset ceremony that balanced intimacy with luxury, while Charbel was determined to provide the best entertainment for their guests. Their initial meeting with Easy Wedding was focused on transforming these ideas into a comprehensive, actionable plan.

They reviewed exclusive venues, compared vendor quotes, and assessed costs. Every element, from the floral arrangements to the sound system for entertainment, was considered. With a clear budget and a list of essentials, they were ready to begin venue selection.

Choosing the Ideal Venue

Selecting the perfect venue is one of the most important decisions for any wedding. Charbel and Viktoria initially thought about the Abu Dhabi Golf Club due to its stunning views and ambiance. However, the venue proved too large for the intimate ceremony they envisioned.

Next, Charbel and Viktoria turned their attention to Mövenpick RAK. They considered two options: Option 1 featured an outdoor space with elegant tables and string lights, but it didn’t meet their high luxury standards. Option 2, which boasted a beach view and modern design, was closer to what they wanted but didn’t provide the level of privacy they were looking for.

They then visited Waldorf Astoria RAK, which offered luxury and exclusivity. However, it didn’t provide the outdoor, natural setting they were looking for.

In the end, they chose The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. The venue provided the privacy, stunning desert sunset views, and intimate atmosphere they wanted for their ceremony. With their venue secured, they moved forward with the wedding planning.

Crafting the Wedding Experience

Ultimately, they selected The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. The venue offered the perfect combination of privacy, breathtaking desert sunset views, and the intimate atmosphere they desired for their ceremony. With the venue locked in, they moved forward with planning the rest of their wedding.

After securing the venue, Charbel and Viktoria focused on the design elements for their special day. For the ceremony, they chose a Rustic Charm theme, featuring a simple wooden floral arch and white flowers that beautifully blended with the natural surroundings. The white aisle and strategically placed candles added an elegant and soft touch to the overall look.

For the reception, Viktoria initially loved the idea of bold florals with a Stylish Red theme, but the dramatic feel of the concept didn’t align with the overall vision for their big budget wedding.

They briefly considered the Blooming Romance style, drawn to its vibrant and playful florals, but ultimately decided on a more structured and sophisticated approach that better suited their refined taste.

The Boho Gypsy Chic style, with its relaxed and earthy vibe, was another contender. While they appreciated the natural elements like pampas grass, they ultimately opted for a more polished and cohesive aesthetic for the event.

For the ceremony, Viktoria incorporated elements of the Airy Elegance theme, choosing soft white flowers like baby’s breath to keep the look light and ethereal, a perfect match for the open desert setting.

They were also shown the Farm Classic style for the seating and décor. The rustic wood tones and greenery were a beautiful contrast to the elegance they envisioned, but they ultimately didn’t go with this choice.

Each element of the design was carefully selected to create a harmonious, cohesive look while reflecting their personal style and vision for the day.

Viktoria envisioned luxurious floral arrangements that would seamlessly blend with the natural desert backdrop, and that’s exactly what they achieved: soft pastels and elegant whites that complemented the golden desert surroundings. Out of the two desert-themed options, they chose option 1 for its refined elegance and seamless integration with the natural beauty of the location.

Entertainment was a vital element in setting the perfect atmosphere for the event. During the ceremony, a live saxophonist played, bringing a romantic, melodic ambiance to the moment. As the night progressed, a professional DJ took over, ensuring the energy remained high and the dance floor was lively throughout the reception. To end the evening on a high note, a custom fireworks display lit up the desert sky, leaving guests in awe.

The dining experience was equally remarkable. Charbel and Viktoria selected a five-course gourmet menu designed by renowned chefs, offering a fusion of international flavors and accompanied by premium wine pairings. Champagne was flowing throughout the evening, and the grand wedding cake made for the perfect ending to the meal.

Late-night snacks and dessert stations kept guests satisfied and entertained well into the night, ensuring the celebration continued long after the formal events concluded.

Dress Code Choices

Charbel and Viktoria chose a sophisticated color palette of soft neutrals and muted tones for their guests’ attire, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These hues complemented their Airy Elegance theme, contributing to the wedding’s cohesive and refined atmosphere.

Guest Experience at a Big Budget Wedding

A big-budget wedding is not just about the couple; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for every guest, making them feel like royalty.

Easy Wedding took care of all the logistics, ensuring luxury transportation and personalized concierge services for each guest. Every attendee received a welcome gift filled with keepsakes that highlighted Charbel and Viktoria’s unique journey as a couple.

The wedding timeline was meticulously planned, down to the smallest detail. Guests were greeted with bubbles and soothing background music, setting a relaxed yet celebratory mood. Viktoria made her grand entrance through a draped archway, followed by a string of bridesmaids, adding to the fairytale-like atmosphere of the day.

The ceremony flowed effortlessly into cocktail hour and dinner, setting the stage for speeches, a lively dance floor, and the highly anticipated fireworks show that capped off the evening.

The Big Day Layout

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert was meticulously planned. The ceremony area featured chairs arranged along a white carpet, leading to the arch with flowing drapes. Behind the ceremony, speakers and a sound system were set up to enhance the experience.

For the reception, the dinner tables were arranged in a U-shape, with the dance floor at the center. The bar was positioned at the back, accompanied by additional speakers for optimal sound. The DJ’s control desk was situated off to the side, and the welcome sign and seating plan were placed at the entrance. This layout created a seamless transition from ceremony to reception, ensuring the event flowed smoothly.

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding was flawlessly planned and executed. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah offered the exclusivity and breathtaking natural beauty they had envisioned for their special day.

The event was personal, grand, and stress-free, all thanks to meticulous planning and a team that truly understood their vision. The couple could fully immerse themselves in the celebration without having to worry about logistics.

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding day was a true success, planned and executed without a hitch. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah provided the perfect backdrop, offering the exclusivity and stunning natural beauty that the couple desired.

Their wedding was intimate, grand, and seamless, thanks to careful preparation and a team who shared their vision. The couple was able to relax and enjoy their special day, free from any concerns about the details.

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

Let’s take a look at the event timeline for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, which includes detailed timings for everything from makeup and photoshoots to the ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. The timeline also covers guest arrivals, music, vows, couple’s photos, speeches, first dance, games, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and DJ sets throughout the evening.

Morning Preparations (11:00-14:00)

• Styling, hair, and makeup for the bride and groom.
• Final venue touches and floral arrangements.
• Bride and groom’s preparation video shoot.

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

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

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

• Supervising dinner service, coordinating the couple’s entrance.
• Speeches by Stu and Sergey, followed by entertainment, including games.
• Coordinating the first dance of the couple and handling logistics for guest enjoyment.
• Managing transportation and guest comfort throughout the evening.
  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

Planning Ahead Pays Off

By starting the planning process early, Charbel and Viktoria were able to secure their dream venue, book top-tier vendors, and refine every detail of their wedding. Early planning also helped them avoid last-minute cost increases and scheduling conflicts, allowing them to stay on track with their vision.

The Importance of Venue Selection

The venue choice was pivotal in bringing the couple’s vision to life. The Ritz Carlton’s prestige, stunning natural surroundings, and impeccable service made it the perfect location for an elegant, intimate wedding that exceeded all their expectations.

Smart Budgeting Is Essential

Charbel and Viktoria focused on allocating their budget to the elements that would have the greatest impact, such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. This thoughtful approach helped them create a memorable and beautiful wedding without overspending on unnecessary details.

Expert Help Is Crucial

From vendor negotiations to event coordination, having an experienced wedding planner was key to ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly. The planner handled logistics, problem-solving, and guest coordination, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their special day without stress.

Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality: Get a Quote Today!

Ready to bring your Big Budget Wedding in the UAE to life? Let’s make your dream wedding a reality with Easy Wedding! Our team of expert planners specializes in creating luxurious, stress-free weddings that align perfectly with your vision and offer the best packages available.

Schedule your consultation today and let us help you design an unforgettable wedding experience!