Big budget, bigger moments. Make your dream wedding come true!

Organizing a luxurious wedding can feel overwhelming, but it’s an exciting process. From careful budgeting and selecting the right venue to coordinating various vendors, it’s all about creating an unforgettable day.

Weddings in the UAE are synonymous with grandeur, featuring extravagant venues and premium services, making it a top destination for couples aiming for a lavish celebration.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan a big budget wedding, focusing on cost allocation, venue selection, and working with vendors.

We’ll also feature a case study of Charbel and Viktoria’s upscale wedding in the UAE to illustrate the flawless execution of a big-budget celebration.

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

The cost of a big budget wedding in the UAE is highly variable, depending on elements such as the venue, guest list, décor, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings often involve premium services, with venues offering exclusive packages.

Big Budget Wedding Cost Breakdown (by Percentage):

Based on the weddings organized by Easy Wedding, here’s a typical breakdown of wedding expenses in percentages.

Venue, Food & Drinks (30%)

The biggest allocation of the budget, this covers the venue rental along with the cost of providing food and drinks for all the guests.

Photo and Video Team (20%)

The budget for professional photographers and videographers to capture the special moments, ensuring every memory is beautifully documented.

MC/Host and DJ (10%)

This portion of the budget goes towards hiring an MC or host for the event, as well as a DJ to provide music and entertainment.

Agency Fee (10-15%)

This category covers the expense of hiring a wedding planning agency, which coordinates and manages the event to ensure everything runs without a hitch.

Decor (15%)

A portion of the budget dedicated to the decoration of the venue, including floral arrangements, furniture, and other design elements that create the perfect atmosphere.

Technical Equipment (10%)

Budget for audio-visual equipment, including microphones, sound systems, and lighting, ensuring the technical aspects of the event are seamlessly handled.

MUHA, Cake, and Other (5%)

This small portion of the budget is allocated to makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and any other additional services or items for the event.

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

The Background

When Charbel and Viktoria decided to get married, they knew they wanted more than just a standard wedding—they were after an unforgettable, high-end experience.

Their vision for a luxurious wedding in the UAE involved elegant venues, breathtaking scenery, and an exclusive atmosphere.

With so many details to manage, they needed expert help. Easy Wedding stepped in, helping them pull off their dream wedding without stress.

The Wedding Planning Process

From the start, Charbel and Viktoria had a shared vision for their wedding. Viktoria wanted an elegant, intimate sunset ceremony, while Charbel was focused on creating an unforgettable experience for their guests with high-end entertainment. Their initial meeting with Easy Wedding revolved around translating this vision into a detailed and organized plan.

They explored luxury venues, compared vendor rates, and calculated the costs. Every aspect, from the floral decor to the sound system, was carefully considered. With a clear budget and a list of non-negotiables, they were ready to begin venue selection.

Choosing the Ideal Location

Selecting a venue is one of the most significant decisions when planning a wedding. Charbel and Viktoria initially considered the Abu Dhabi Golf Club due to its breathtaking views and luxurious atmosphere. However, the venue ended up being too large for the intimate celebration they had in mind.

Venue Exploration

Next, Charbel and Viktoria considered Mövenpick RAK. The first option offered an outdoor area with elegant tables and string lights, but it didn’t meet their high expectations for luxury. The second option, featuring a beach view and modern design, was nearly perfect but lacked the privacy they were hoping 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 offered the perfect combination of privacy, breathtaking desert sunset views, and an intimate atmosphere, all of which aligned perfectly with their vision for the ceremony. With the venue chosen, they could proceed with the next steps in their wedding planning.

After securing the venue, Charbel and Viktoria focused on designing the atmosphere for their special day. They selected a Rustic Charm style for the ceremony, which included a simple wooden floral arch and white flowers that beautifully blended with the natural surroundings. The white aisle and candles added an elegant and soft touch, perfect for the intimate vibe they wanted to create.

Floral and Design Choices for Reception

Viktoria was initially enamored with the idea of incorporating bold florals into a Stylish Red theme for the reception. However, they decided against it due to the dramatic tone it would create, which didn’t align with their wedding vision.

They briefly entertained the idea of the Blooming Romance style, captivated by its bright, playful florals. However, they ultimately leaned towards a more structured and sophisticated approach for the event design.

The Boho Gypsy Chic theme, with its earthy, free-spirited vibe, was another consideration. Although they appreciated the relaxed feel of pampas grass and natural elements, they chose a more cohesive and refined aesthetic instead.

For the ceremony, Viktoria brought in elements from the Airy Elegance theme, using soft white flowers like baby’s breath to create a light, ethereal atmosphere that matched the open desert landscape perfectly.

They were shown the Farm Classic style for seating and decor, with its rustic wood tones and greenery. While it had charm, it wasn’t the perfect fit for the elegant ambiance they desired.

The couple’s design choices aimed to reflect their unique style while creating a seamless, cohesive wedding atmosphere.

Viktoria’s desire for luxurious floral arrangements that complemented the natural desert backdrop was fulfilled with a mix of soft pastels and whites. They chose option 1, which perfectly complemented the golden desert landscape.

Entertainment for a Memorable Night

Entertainment was crucial in establishing the perfect mood for the celebration. A live saxophonist played during the ceremony, setting a romantic tone for the moment. As the reception progressed, a professional DJ took control, ensuring the energy remained vibrant and the guests were always on their feet. To conclude the evening in a spectacular fashion, a custom fireworks display lit up the desert sky, captivating the guests and leaving them in awe.

The dining experience was no less impressive. Charbel and Viktoria chose a five-course gourmet meal prepared by some of the best chefs, featuring a blend of international cuisines and premium wine pairings. Champagne was served generously throughout the evening, and the grand wedding cake provided a perfect, decadent finish to the meal.

To keep the momentum going after the formalities, late-night snacks and dessert stations kept guests entertained and satisfied well into the night.

Dress Code Design

Charbel and Viktoria carefully chose a soft and muted color palette for their guests, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray tones. These shades were in perfect harmony with the Airy Elegance theme, creating a seamless and sophisticated atmosphere that matched their overall vision for the day.

Luxury Guest Experience at the Wedding

A big-budget wedding isn’t solely about the couple; it’s about ensuring that every guest feels cherished and valued.

Easy Wedding took charge of all logistics, offering seamless luxury transportation and personalized concierge services. Every guest received a carefully curated welcome gift, filled with thoughtful keepsakes that symbolized Charbel and Viktoria’s journey together.

The wedding timeline was crafted to perfection. As guests arrived, they were welcomed with bubbles and background music, setting a celebratory yet relaxed tone. Viktoria made her entrance through a stunning draped archway, preceded by a procession of bridesmaids, creating a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere.

The ceremony smoothly transitioned into cocktail hour and dinner, followed by speeches, a lively dance floor, and the much-anticipated fireworks display, which ended the night on a high note.

The Big Day Layout

The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert provided the perfect backdrop for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding. The ceremony area was set with chairs along a white carpet, leading to an arch with draping. Behind the ceremony space, speakers and a sound system were set up to ensure optimal sound.

For the reception, dinner tables were arranged in a U-shape around the dance floor. The bar was placed at the back, with additional speakers nearby to maintain the lively atmosphere. The DJ’s control desk was located on the side, while the welcome sign and seating plan greeted guests at the entrance. This layout allowed the event to flow smoothly from one section to the next.

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding was nothing short of perfect. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah delivered the exclusivity and natural beauty that the couple dreamed of for their celebration.

The day was both personal and grand, all without any stress, thanks to proper planning and a team that understood their every wish. The couple relished the day, with no concerns about the logistics.

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

Let’s explore the timeline for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, with a breakdown of each event, including makeup, photoshoots, the ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. This timeline highlights guest arrivals, music, vows, couple’s photos, speeches, first dance, games, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and DJ performances.

Morning Preparations (11:00-14:00)

• Bride and groom’s styling, hair, and makeup.
• Finalizing the venue setup and floral arrangements.
• Recording the bride and groom’s preparation video.

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

• Coordinating guest arrivals and seating arrangements, ensuring a warm welcome.
• Supervising photo and video teams capturing candid behind-the-scenes moments.
• Ensuring a smooth transition between the ceremony and the reception.

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

• Supervising the dinner service and coordinating the couple’s entrance.
• Speeches by Stu and Sergey, followed by entertainment and games.
• Coordinating the couple’s first dance, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
• Managing guest comfort, transportation, and other logistical 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

Plan Early for the Best Results

Charbel and Viktoria planned well in advance, allowing them to secure the best venue, top vendors, and perfect each aspect of their special day. Early planning also helped them avoid last-minute complications like inflated costs or scheduling issues.

Venue Selection Is Crucial

The venue played a significant role in realizing the couple’s vision. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, with its prestige, natural beauty, and exceptional service, was the perfect location for an elegant and intimate celebration that surpassed their expectations.

Smart Budget Allocation

Charbel & Viktoria focused their budget on key elements such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. This strategic approach allowed them to have an impressive wedding without overspending on unnecessary details.

Why You Need Experts?

From vendor negotiations to flawless event coordination, hiring an experienced wedding planner was essential. The planner ensured smooth logistics, solved any problems that arose, and coordinated with guests, so the couple could enjoy the day stress-free.

Your Dream Wedding Starts Here – Get a Quote Today!

Are you ready to bring your Big Budget Wedding in the UAE to life? Let Easy Wedding make it happen! Our team of expert wedding planners specializes in creating luxury weddings tailored to your vision, offering the best packages for your special day.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and design your unforgettable wedding experience!