How to Plan a Big Budget Wedding: A Case Study of Charbel & Viktoria’s Wedding in UAE 2025
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Planning a big budget wedding feels like a daunting task. Still, it is an exciting journey that requires careful budgeting, selecting the perfect venue, and coordinating multiple vendors to create a memorable event.
Weddings in the UAE are known for their lavish setups, exclusive venues, and premium services, making it a prime destination for couples looking to tie the knot in grandeur.
This guide provides an in-depth breakdown of how to plan a Big Budget Wedding, highlighting cost allocations, venue selection, and vendor coordination.
We will also present a detailed case study of Charbel and Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding in the UAE, illustrating how a premium wedding is executed flawlessly.
What is the Cost of a Big Budget Wedding in UAE?
A Big Budget Wedding UAE varies significantly in cost, depending on factors such as venue, guest count, décor, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings often demand high-end services, with venues offering premium packages.
Average Big Budget Wedding Cost Breakdown in Percentage
Based on weddings catered by Easy Wedding. Here’s a general breakdown of wedding expenses in percentage.
Venue, food & drinks (30%)
This is the largest portion of the budget, covering the cost of renting the venue and providing food and beverages for guests.
Photo and video team (20%)
Allocates funds for hiring professional photographers and videographers to capture the event’s memories.
MC/host and DJ (10%)
Covers the fees for the MC or host to manage the event and the DJ to provide music and entertainment.
Agency fee (10-15%)
Represents the cost of hiring a wedding planning agency to help coordinate and manage the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Decor (15%)
Funds for the decoration of the venue, including flowers, furniture, and design elements to create the desired atmosphere.
Technical equipment (10%)
Ensures the provision of necessary audio-visual and technical support for the event, including microphones and lighting.
MUHA, cake, and other (5%)
Budget allocated for makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and any other miscellaneous services or items.
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, decided to tie the knot, they knew they wanted more than just a wedding. They wanted an unforgettable experience.
The couple wanted a big-budget wedding in the UAE that would combine luxurious space, exclusivity, and breathtaking scenery.
But with so many intricate details, they needed a team that could turn their dream into reality without the stress of handling every little detail. That’s where Easy Wedding stepped in.
The Planning Process
Charbel and Viktoria had a clear vision for their wedding. Viktoria wanted an intimate yet extravagant sunset ceremony, while Charbel focused on top-tier entertainment for their guests. Their first meeting with Easy Wedding was about turning that vision into a detailed plan.
They explored high-end venues, compared vendor pricing, and reviewed costs. Every detail mattered, from the floral arrangements to the sound quality of the entertainment. With a defined budget and list of must-haves, they were ready to secure a venue.
Finding the Perfect Venue
Choosing a venue is one of the biggest decisions in any wedding. Charbel and Viktoria first considered Abu Dhabi Golf Club for its beautiful views and atmosphere, but it was too large for their desired intimate celebration.
Next, they explored Mövenpick RAK. Option 1 offered an outdoor space with elegant tables and string lights, but it didn’t align with their luxury expectations. Option 2 with its beach view and modern design came close, but it lacked the privacy they wanted.
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.
Designing the Wedding Experience
Once the venue was secured, Charbel and Viktoria focused on the design elements of their wedding. For the ceremony, they chose a Rustic Charm style with a simple wooden floral arch and white flowers that complemented the natural surroundings. The white aisle and candles added a soft, elegant touch.
For the reception, Viktoria loved the idea of bold florals with the Stylish Red theme, it was not chosen due to a dramatic feel.
They briefly considered the Blooming Romance style for its colorful and playful florals, but ultimately, they preferred the structured and sophisticated designs.
The Boho Gypsy Chic style, with its earthy and relaxed vibe, was another option they considered. While they loved the laid-back feel of pampas grass and natural elements, they decided to keep the overall aesthetic a bit more polished and cohesive.
For the ceremony, they also incorporated elements from the Airy Elegance theme. Soft white flowers, like baby’s breath, were used to keep the look light and airy, matching the open desert setting perfectly.
Finally, they were shown the Farm Classic style for the seating and decor. The wood tones and greenery helped tie everything together, striking a nice balance between rustic charm and elegance, but they didn’t go with it.
Each element was chosen to create a cohesive look while still reflecting the couple’s style and vision for their day.
Viktoria wanted luxurious floral arrangements that matched the natural desert backdrop, and that’s exactly what she got: a mix of soft pastels and elegant whites that blended beautifully with the golden surroundings. Out of the two desert options, they went with option 1.
Entertainment played a key role in setting the tone for the event. A live saxophonist played during the ceremony, adding a touch of romance, while a professional DJ kept the energy alive throughout the reception. To end the night spectacularly, a custom fireworks display lit up the desert sky, amazing the guests.
The dining experience was equally impressive. The couple chose a five-course gourmet menu curated by top chefs, featuring a blend of international cuisine and premium wine pairings. Champagne flowed freely, and a grand wedding cake was the perfect finishing touch.
Late-night snacks and dessert stations ensured that guests remained engaged long after the formalities ended.
Dress Code Selection
Charbel and Viktoria selected a color palette of soft neutrals and muted tones for their guests, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These colors aligned with their Airy Elegance themes, creating a cohesive and elegant look for the wedding.
Guest Experience
A big-budget wedding isn’t just about the couple; it’s about making sure every guest feels like royalty.
Easy wedding handled all the logistics, from luxury transportation to personalized concierge services. Every guest received welcome gifts filled with keepsakes that reflected Charbel and Viktoria’s journey as a couple.
The wedding timeline was structured down to the last detail. Guests arrived to bubbles and background music, setting a relaxed yet celebratory mood. Viktoria made her entrance through a draped archway as a string of bridesmaids walked ahead of her, adding to the fairytale-like ambiance.
The ceremony flowed seamlessly into cocktail hour and dinner, followed by speeches, a lively dance floor, and the much-anticipated fireworks show.
The Big Day
This is the layout for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The ceremony area has chairs set along a white carpet leading to the arch with draping. Behind the ceremony, speakers and a sound system are set up.
For the reception, dinner tables are arranged in a U-shape with a dance floor in the center. The bar is positioned at the back with additional speakers nearby. The DJ’s control desk is on the side, and the welcome sign and seating plan are placed at the entrance. This layout ensured a smooth flow from ceremony to reception.
Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding was planned and executed flawlessly. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah provided the exclusivity and natural beauty they wanted.
The wedding was personal, grand, and stress-free, thanks to proper planning and a team that understood their vision. The couple enjoyed the day without worrying about logistics.
A Wedding Planner’s Day: Managing a Big Budget Wedding in UAE
Let’s have a look at the event timeline of the couple’s wedding at Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, with detailed timings for makeup, photoshoots, ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. It includes 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)
- Bride & groom’s styling, hair, and makeup.
- Venue final touches and floral setup.
- Bride’s and groom’s preparation video shoot.
Afternoon & Ceremony Management(15:00-17:00)
- Coordinating guest arrivals, seating, and welcome experiences.
- Overseeing photo and video teams capturing behind-the-scenes moments.
- Providing a perfect transition from ceremony to reception.
Evening Reception & After-Party Execution (17:00-23:00)
- Supervising dinner service and entrance song, coordinating with the entrance of the couple.
- Speeches by Stu and Sergey, and entertainment in the form of games (add balloons and write last names). The planners were also responsible for coordinating the first dance of the couple.
- Managing guest needs, transportation, and comfort.
- 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 In Advance
By starting early, Charbel and Viktoria had ample time to secure the best venue, book top-tier vendors, and perfect every element of their special day. Early planning also helped them avoid last-minute cost inflation and scheduling conflicts.
Venue Choice Matters
The choice of venue played a crucial role in ensuring the wedding reflected the couple’s vision. Ritz Carlton’s prestige, natural beauty, and seamless service made it the ideal location for an elegant and intimate event that exceeded their expectations.
Smart Budgeting Is Key
Rather than overspending on every detail, Charbel & Viktoria prioritized elements that would make the biggest impact, such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. This approach allowed them to create a stunning wedding without unnecessary expenses.
Hiring Experts Makes a Big Difference
From vendor negotiations to event coordination, having an experienced wedding planner who ensures that every aspect of the wedding is executed flawlessly. The planner should logistics, problem-solving, and guest coordination, allowing the couple to enjoy their day without stress.
Your Dream Wedding Starts Here – Get a Quote Today!
Are you ready to turn your Big Budget Wedding UAE into reality? Let’s make it happen with Easy Wedding! Our team of expert wedding planners specializes in creating luxury, stress-free weddings just according to your vision and with the best wedding packages.
Schedule a consultation now, and let us help you design an unforgettable wedding experience.
