Behind the Scenes of Charbel & Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding: A Planner’s Guide to Luxury Weddings

A grand wedding, a flawless celebration. Your dream day starts here!

Planning a wedding with a significant budget may seem intimidating, but it’s an exciting and fulfilling journey. It requires precise budgeting, choosing the perfect venue, and coordinating with multiple vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Weddings in the UAE are celebrated for their opulence, exclusive venues, and high-end services, making it a sought-after location for couples wanting to host a luxurious celebration.

This guide will take you through the steps of planning a big budget wedding, focusing on cost management, venue selection, and working with vendors.

We will also present an in-depth case study of Charbel and Viktoria’s luxurious wedding in the UAE, illustrating how a big-budget event is executed seamlessly.

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

The price of a big budget wedding in the UAE varies based on venue, guest count, décor, catering, and entertainment. High-end weddings often require premium services, with venues offering special luxury packages.

Big Budget Wedding Expense Breakdown (Percentage Allocation)

Based on Easy Wedding’s weddings, here’s an average breakdown of wedding costs.

Venue, Food & Drinks (30%)

The biggest share of the budget goes to the cost of the venue rental and the food and drinks provided for guests throughout the event.

Photo and Video Team (20%)

Funds allocated to hiring expert photographers and videographers to capture each moment and create memories that will last a lifetime.

MC/Host and DJ (10%)

This budget covers the fees for the MC or host, who will manage the event, and the DJ, who will provide the entertainment and music for the celebration.

Agency Fee (10-15%)

Represents the cost of hiring a professional wedding agency to coordinate the wedding details and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Decor (15%)

The allocation for the venue’s decoration, including floral arrangements, furniture, and design elements to set the right mood and atmosphere.

Technical Equipment (10%)

This portion covers the costs of the audio-visual equipment, including microphones, lighting, and other technical support needed for the event.

MUHA, Cake, and Other (5%)

This covers makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and other miscellaneous items or services to complete the event.

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

The Background

Charbel and Viktoria, an Australian and Russian couple, sought more than just a simple wedding—they wanted a one-of-a-kind experience that would leave a lasting impression.

For their big-budget wedding in the UAE, they desired a blend of luxury, exclusivity, and spectacular scenery.

They enlisted the help of Easy Wedding to bring their vision to life, ensuring every detail was taken care of and their dream wedding became a reality.

Planning the Wedding

Charbel and Viktoria were both clear about their vision for the wedding. Viktoria wanted a sunset ceremony that was intimate yet grand, while Charbel was focused on providing the best entertainment for their guests. Their first meeting with Easy Wedding centered on turning this vision into a concrete plan.

They researched luxury venues, compared vendor prices, and calculated overall costs. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the entertainment’s sound quality, was scrutinized. With a defined budget and a list of must-haves, they were ready to secure the right venue.

Venue Selection

Choosing a venue is one of the most important wedding decisions. Charbel and Viktoria first considered the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for its breathtaking views and scenic atmosphere. However, the venue was too large for the intimate experience they had in mind.

Next, Charbel and Viktoria looked into Mövenpick RAK. Option 1 featured an outdoor space with elegant tables and string lights, but it didn’t fit their luxury vision. Option 2, which offered a beach view and modern design, was close to what they wanted, but it didn’t provide the level of privacy they were seeking.

Ultimately, they selected The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, which met all their expectations, offering privacy, breathtaking desert sunset views, and the intimate atmosphere they were looking for. With the venue confirmed, they were ready to continue the planning process.

Wedding Design Details

Once the venue was chosen, Charbel and Viktoria began focusing on the wedding design. For the ceremony, they opted for a Rustic Charm style, featuring a wooden floral arch and white flowers that blended perfectly with the natural surroundings. The white aisle and candles added an elegant touch, creating a soft, intimate atmosphere.

Choosing Floral Styles and Reception Themes

For the reception, Viktoria initially loved the idea of bold florals with a Stylish Red theme, but ultimately rejected it for its dramatic tone, which wasn’t in line with the sophisticated atmosphere they desired.

They briefly entertained the Blooming Romance style for its bright, colorful florals but decided on a more structured and sophisticated look that better matched the upscale vibe of their wedding.

The Boho Gypsy Chic style, with its relaxed, earthy elements, was also considered. While they admired the natural pampas grass and free-spirited vibe, they ultimately opted for a more polished, cohesive aesthetic for their event design.

For the ceremony, Viktoria incorporated elements of the Airy Elegance theme, choosing soft white flowers like baby’s breath to evoke a light, airy atmosphere that perfectly complemented the desert backdrop.

The Farm Classic style, featuring rustic wood tones and greenery, was presented for seating and decor. Though it offered a charming rustic touch, it wasn’t the ideal choice for their elegant wedding.

Each element was selected with care, aiming to create a harmonious design that reflected the couple’s vision and personal style.

Viktoria’s wish for luxurious, desert-inspired floral arrangements was brought to life with soft pastels and whites, blending beautifully with the golden desert hues. They opted for option 1, which offered the most refined fit for their vision.

Setting the Tone with Entertainment

Entertainment played a vital role in creating the perfect atmosphere for the event. During the ceremony, a live saxophonist played beautiful melodies, enhancing the romantic ambiance. Later, a professional DJ took over, keeping the energy alive and the dance floor full throughout the reception. To end the evening with a bang, a custom fireworks display lit up the desert sky, wowing the guests.

The dining experience was equally impressive. Charbel and Viktoria selected a five-course gourmet meal prepared by top chefs, offering a fusion of international flavors paired with premium wines. Champagne flowed throughout the evening, and the grand wedding cake was a sweet ending to the meal.

Late-night snacks and dessert stations kept guests happy and entertained long after the formal events had ended, ensuring the celebration lasted well into the night.

Guest Dress Code

For their guests’ attire, Charbel and Viktoria chose a color palette of soft neutrals and muted tones, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These shades matched the Airy Elegance theme, creating a cohesive and elegant atmosphere throughout the wedding.

Guest Experience at the Big Budget Wedding

At a big-budget wedding, the goal is not just to focus on the couple, it’s about ensuring every guest feels valued and treated like royalty.

Easy Wedding took care of the logistics, from luxury transportation to personalized concierge services. Each guest received a thoughtfully curated welcome gift filled with keepsakes that reflected Charbel and Viktoria’s story and their journey together.

The wedding timeline was carefully planned. Guests arrived to bubbles and calming background music, setting a festive yet relaxed tone. Viktoria’s entrance was unforgettable, as she walked through a draped archway, with bridesmaids walking ahead of her, creating a fairytale atmosphere that everyone would remember.

Smooth Transition of Events

The wedding day flowed effortlessly from the ceremony to cocktail hour and dinner, followed by speeches, a lively dance floor, and a grand fireworks display that captivated the guests.

The Big Day Layout

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert had a meticulously planned layout. The ceremony area had chairs lined along a white carpet leading to the arch, with drapery enhancing the elegant setting. Behind the ceremony space, speakers and a sound system were set up to provide perfect acoustics.

The reception area featured dinner tables arranged in a U-shape with the dance floor in the center. The bar was positioned at the back, with extra speakers to ensure good sound quality. The DJ’s control desk was located on the side, and the welcome sign and seating plan were placed at the entrance. This layout created a seamless transition from ceremony to reception.

Stress-Free Wedding Success

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding was planned to perfection. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah offered the exclusivity and natural beauty they had always wanted for their celebration.

The day was personal, grand, and completely stress-free, all thanks to meticulous planning and a team that perfectly understood their vision. The couple enjoyed the entire experience, without a single concern about the logistics.

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

Let’s break down the event timeline for Charbel and Viktoria’s big day at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, covering makeup, photoshoots, ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. This includes all key moments such as 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 touches on the venue and floral setup.
• Bride and groom’s preparation video shoot.

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

• Coordinating guest arrivals, seating, and offering a welcome experience.
• Supervising the photo and video teams as they capture behind-the-scenes moments.
• Ensuring a smooth transition from ceremony to reception.

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

• Supervising dinner service and coordinating the couple’s entrance.
• Speeches by Stu and Sergey, along with fun entertainment and games.
• Coordinating the first dance of the couple and managing logistics for guest comfort.
• Managing guest transportation and comfort throughout the event.

Key Insights from Charbel & Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding

The Power of Early Planning

Charbel and Viktoria’s decision to start early gave them enough time to secure top vendors, select the perfect venue, and fine-tune every detail of their wedding. Early planning also helped them avoid last-minute complications like cost hikes and scheduling issues.

Venue Selection Sets the Tone

The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah provided the exclusivity and natural beauty that Charbel and Viktoria wanted, creating the perfect backdrop for their wedding. Its prestige and flawless service made it the ideal choice for an elegant and intimate celebration.

Smart Budgeting

Rather than overspending on every detail, Charbel & Viktoria prioritized elements that would make the biggest impact, such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. This thoughtful approach allowed them to create a stunning wedding while keeping their budget in check.

Why Hire an Expert?

Having an experienced wedding planner was crucial. From vendor coordination to logistics and problem-solving, the planner ensured the day went off without a hitch, letting the couple focus on enjoying their celebration.

Your Dream Wedding Awaits – Get a Quote Today!

Ready to make your Big Budget Wedding in the UAE a reality? Easy Wedding is here to help. Our team of expert wedding planners specializes in creating luxury weddings tailored to your vision, with the best packages available.

Schedule your consultation today and let us create your perfect wedding experience!