Behind the Scenes of a Big Budget Wedding 2025: Charbel & Viktoria’s Grand UAE Celebration

March 24, 2025 | blog

Planning a Big Budget Wedding may seem overwhelming, but it’s an exciting opportunity to create an extraordinary celebration. With careful attention to budgeting, venue selection, and vendor coordination, you can craft a wedding that perfectly aligns with your vision.

The UAE, renowned for its opulent wedding experiences, offers exclusive venues and world-class services, making it the ideal destination for couples aiming for a grand event.

This comprehensive guide will take you through every essential step of planning a Big Budget Wedding, from strategic budgeting to selecting the ideal venue and managing your vendors with ease.

We’ll also feature a real-life example of Charbel and Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding in the UAE, showcasing how a luxurious wedding is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed.

What Does a Big Budget Wedding in the UAE Cost?

The cost of a Big Budget Wedding in the UAE can vary significantly based on several factors, including venue selection, guest count, décor, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings in the region often demand premium services, with exclusive venue packages designed to enhance the overall experience.

Average Cost Breakdown for a Big Budget Wedding

Based on data from Easy Wedding, here’s a general breakdown of wedding expenses by percentage for a typical Big Budget Wedding in the UAE.

Venue, Catering & Beverages (30%)

The largest portion of the budget, this category covers the cost of booking the venue and providing food and beverages for guests throughout the event, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.

Photography & Videography (20%)

This allocation is dedicated to hiring talented photographers and videographers who will capture every moment of the event, preserving precious memories for years to come.

Host/MC & Entertainment (10%)

This budget is reserved for securing a professional MC or host to guide the event, along with a DJ or entertainment options to keep guests engaged and entertained.

Event Planner Fee (10-15%)

This portion covers the cost of hiring a wedding planning agency to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the event, ensuring flawless execution and a stress-free experience for the couple.

Venue Decoration (15%)

Funds are set aside for decorating the venue, including floral arrangements, furniture, and other design features to create a beautiful and unforgettable atmosphere.

Audio-Visual Equipment (10%)

This allocation ensures the provision of technical equipment such as sound systems, microphones, and lighting, enhancing the ambiance and overall experience of the event.

Beauty, Cake & Miscellaneous (5%)

This budget covers makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and any additional services or items needed to complete the wedding celebration.

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

The Beginning of Their Journey

Charbel, an Australian groom, and Viktoria, a Russian bride, envisioned a wedding beyond the ordinary. They sought an unforgettable experience that would blend luxury with breathtaking beauty.

For their Big Budget Wedding in the UAE, the couple dreamed of a lavish celebration set in exclusive venues with stunning views, capturing the essence of elegance.

With so many intricate details to plan, Charbel and Viktoria needed a team they could trust to bring their vision to life without the burden of handling everything themselves. That’s when Easy Wedding stepped in, helping to turn their dream wedding into a spectacular reality.

The Planning Journey

Charbel and Viktoria had a clear idea of what they wanted for their big budget wedding. Viktoria dreamed of a beautiful, intimate sunset ceremony, while Charbel wanted to make sure their guests had the best entertainment. Their first meeting with Easy Wedding focused on turning these ideas into a detailed plan.

They carefully looked at luxury venues, compared vendor prices, and discussed the costs. Every little detail mattered, from the flowers to the sound system for music. With a set budget and a list of must-haves, they were ready to pick the perfect venue.

Finding the Ideal Venue

Choosing the right venue is one of the most important parts of planning a big budget wedding. Charbel and Viktoria first considered the Abu Dhabi Golf Club because of its stunning views and classy atmosphere. However, they realized it was too large for the intimate wedding they wanted.

They next explored Mövenpick RAK, where Option 1 featured an outdoor setting with elegant tables and string lights, but it didn’t fully meet their high luxury standards. Option 2, offering a beautiful beach view and contemporary design, came close to what they envisioned, yet it didn’t provide the privacy they were seeking.

Next, they explored the Waldorf Astoria RAK, a venue renowned for its luxury and exclusivity. However, it lacked the outdoor, natural ambiance they were looking for.

Ultimately, they chose The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, which provided the privacy, stunning desert sunset views, and intimate atmosphere they wanted for their ceremony. With the venue secured, they were excited to move forward with the rest of the wedding planning.

Designing the Wedding Experience

Once the venue was secured, Charbel and Viktoria focused on creating the ideal wedding experience. For the ceremony, they chose a Rustic Charm theme, with a simple wooden floral arch decorated with white flowers, perfectly complementing the natural surroundings. The white aisle and soft candlelight further enhanced the elegant, romantic atmosphere.

For their reception, Viktoria was initially drawn to the idea of bold, dramatic florals paired with a Stylish Red theme. However, the intensity of the look didn’t quite match the vibe they envisioned, so they decided to explore other options.

They briefly considered the Blooming Romance style, with its vibrant, playful floral arrangements, but felt it was too whimsical. Instead, they gravitated towards a more structured and refined design.

Another possibility was the Boho Gypsy Chic style, which featured earthy elements like pampas grass and a laid-back, relaxed feel. While they admired its natural charm, they ultimately chose to maintain a more polished, sophisticated atmosphere.

For the ceremony, they embraced the essence of Airy Elegance, using soft white flowers such as baby’s breath to create a light, ethereal look that blended seamlessly with the expansive desert setting.

The Farm Classic style was also considered for the seating and décor. Its rustic wood tones and lush greenery brought a warm, earthy feel, but it didn’t quite align with their overall aesthetic, so they opted not to pursue it.

Every design decision was carefully considered, ensuring a cohesive and personalized wedding experience that reflected their unique tastes and vision.

Viktoria’s vision for luxurious floral arrangements that would blend with the desert landscape was realized with a stunning combination of soft pastels and elegant whites. The flowers beautifully complemented the golden desert surroundings. After reviewing all options, they selected Option 1 as the perfect match for their dream wedding.

Entertainment was a key element in creating the perfect atmosphere for the celebration. A live saxophonist played during the ceremony, filling the air with a romantic vibe, while a professional DJ ensured the energy remained lively throughout the reception. To end the evening with a bang, a custom fireworks show lit up the desert sky, leaving everyone in awe.

The dining experience matched the high standards set for the day. Charbel and Viktoria chose a luxurious five-course gourmet meal, thoughtfully curated by top chefs. The menu combined international flavors, complemented by fine wine pairings. Champagne was served in abundance, and the grand wedding cake provided a delightful finish to the feast.

To keep the festivities going into the night, late-night snacks and dessert stations were set up, allowing guests to enjoy treats long after the formalities were over.

Dress Code Selection

Charbel and Viktoria carefully selected a color palette for their guests that included soft neutrals and muted shades like light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These calming tones seamlessly aligned with the Airy Elegance theme, helping to create a unified and sophisticated look throughout the wedding.

Guest Experience

A big-budget wedding isn’t just about the couple; it’s about making sure every guest feels like royalty and is treated to an unforgettable experience.

Easy Wedding handled all the details, offering VIP transportation and tailored concierge services. Every guest was greeted with a thoughtfully curated welcome gift, packed with meaningful keepsakes that celebrated Charbel and Viktoria’s special journey together.

The wedding timeline was carefully crafted, ensuring every detail was flawlessly executed. Guests were welcomed with bubbles and gentle background music, setting a calm yet festive tone. Viktoria made her grand entrance through an elegant draped archway, followed by a procession of bridesmaids, adding to the enchanting, fairytale-like atmosphere.

The ceremony transitioned smoothly into the cocktail hour and dinner, followed by heartfelt speeches, an energetic dance floor, and the highly anticipated fireworks display, making for an unforgettable celebration.

The Big Day

Here’s the layout for Charbel and Viktoria’s big budget wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The ceremony area was beautifully arranged, with chairs placed along a white carpet leading to an elegant archway adorned with draping. Behind the ceremony space, speakers and a sound system were strategically set up to enhance the experience.

For the reception, dinner tables were arranged in a U-shape, with the dance floor at the center. The bar was positioned at the back, with additional speakers nearby to ensure perfect sound throughout the evening. The DJ’s control desk was located off to the side, while the welcome sign and seating plan greeted guests at the entrance. This thoughtfully planned layout ensured a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception, allowing for an effortless flow throughout the big day.

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding was impeccably planned and flawlessly executed. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah provided the ideal combination of exclusivity and natural beauty they had envisioned.

The wedding was both intimate and grand, made even more memorable by the seamless planning and a team that fully grasped their vision. Thanks to the careful coordination, the couple was able to immerse themselves in every moment of their special day, free from any concerns about logistics.

A Wedding Planner’s Day: Orchestrating a Luxury Wedding in the UAE

Here’s a detailed timeline of Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, highlighting key moments such as makeup sessions, photoshoots, the ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. The timeline covers everything from guest arrivals to the bouquet toss and DJ sets, ensuring no detail is missed throughout the celebration.

Morning Preparations (11:00-14:00)

Styling, hair, and makeup for the bride and groom.
Final venue touches, including floral arrangements and décor.
Video shoot capturing intimate moments of the bride and groom’s preparations.

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

Managing guest arrivals, seating arrangements, and providing a warm welcome experience.
Overseeing photo and video teams to capture behind-the-scenes moments.
Ensuring a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception.

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

Supervising dinner service, ensuring the couple’s entrance song is perfectly timed, and coordinating the couple’s grand entrance.
Speeches by Stu and Sergey, followed by entertainment, including games featuring balloons and incorporating the couple’s last names.
Managing the couple’s first dance.
Ensuring guests’ needs are met, coordinating transportation, and maintaining comfort throughout the evening.
Supervising event closure, tear-down, and final logistics.

The planner was responsible for wrapping up the event, dismantling décor, and ensuring a smooth conclusion to the day.

Key Takeaways from Charbel & Viktoria’s Luxe Wedding

Planning Ahead Pays Off

Charbel and Viktoria’s success was largely due to their early planning. Starting well in advance gave them ample time to secure the perfect venue, book top-tier vendors, and fine-tune every detail of their special day. It also helped them avoid last-minute price hikes and scheduling issues.

The Right Venue Makes All the Difference

Choosing the right venue is key to bringing a couple’s vision to life. The Ritz Carlton’s stunning setting, world-class service, and serene natural beauty were the perfect backdrop for an elegant, intimate celebration that far exceeded their expectations.

Smart Budgeting Equals Big Impact

Rather than splurging on every single detail, Charbel & Viktoria focused on the key elements that would leave the most lasting impression, such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. This approach allowed them to enjoy a beautiful wedding without unnecessary costs.

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

From vendor negotiations to flawless event execution, an experienced wedding planner ensures every aspect of the big day goes off without a hitch. The planner manages logistics, handles any challenges, and oversees guest coordination, letting the couple relax and enjoy the experience.

Ready to make your Big Budget Wedding in the UAE unforgettable? Let Easy Wedding help bring your vision to life. Our expert wedding planners specialize in creating luxurious, stress-free weddings with tailored packages to fit your dreams.

Book a consultation today and let us craft an exceptional wedding experience for you!