Creating the Dream Wedding: Charbel & Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding at Ritz Carlton
From vision to reality. Design a wedding that exceeds every expectation!
Organizing a big budget wedding can feel like an overwhelming task, but it’s a thrilling journey. It requires a lot of attention to detail, including careful budgeting, choosing the right venue, and managing a variety of vendors to make sure everything is perfect.
Weddings in the UAE are known for their extravagance, featuring luxurious venues and exceptional services, making it a prime choice for couples who want their special day to be truly grand.
This guide provides a detailed look at how to plan a big budget wedding, highlighting how to manage costs, select a venue, and coordinate with vendors.
Additionally, we’ll provide a case study of Charbel and Viktoria’s big budget wedding in the UAE, showing how a luxury wedding is flawlessly executed.
What’s the Cost of a Big Budget Wedding in the UAE?
The cost of a big budget wedding in the UAE varies, depending on elements such as the venue, number of guests, décor, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings often call for high-end services, with venues offering premium packages.
Average Big Budget Wedding Cost Breakdown:
Here’s a general breakdown of wedding expenses in percentages, based on Easy Wedding’s data.
Venue, Food & Drinks (30%)
This is the largest segment of the wedding budget, which covers venue rental as well as the cost of catering food and drinks for the guests.
Photo and Video Team (20%)
Funds designated for hiring experienced photographers and videographers to capture the special moments throughout the day.
MC/Host and DJ (10%)
This portion covers the cost of hiring an MC or host to guide the event, along with the DJ who provides music and entertainment.
Agency Fee (10-15%)
Represents the cost of hiring a wedding agency to manage all aspects of the event, ensuring everything is executed flawlessly.
Decor (15%)
The budget for decorating the venue, from floral arrangements to furniture and other elements, designed to create the perfect ambiance.
Technical Equipment (10%)
This portion ensures the availability of essential audio-visual and technical equipment, such as microphones, lighting, and sound systems.
MUHA, Cake, and Other (5%)
A small portion dedicated to makeup, hairstyling, the wedding cake, and other minor but important services or items for the event.
Case Study: Charbel & Viktoria’s Big Budget Wedding in the UAE with Easy Wedding
The Background
Charbel, an Australian, and Viktoria, a Russian, weren’t interested in a typical wedding. They wanted a once-in-a-lifetime, extraordinary experience.
They envisioned a grand wedding in the UAE with luxurious venues, stunning views, and exclusivity.
Easy Wedding helped coordinate the details, making their dream wedding a flawless reality.
Wedding Planning Process
Charbel and Viktoria knew exactly what kind of wedding they wanted. Viktoria envisioned a sunset ceremony that was both intimate and luxurious, while Charbel focused on top-tier entertainment for their guests. Their initial meeting with Easy Wedding revolved around transforming this vision into a structured plan.
They carefully considered high-end venues, compared vendor costs, and reviewed the budget. Every aspect, from the floral arrangements to the technical quality of the entertainment, was analyzed. With a clear budget and a defined list of must-haves, they were ready to secure a venue.
Selecting the Perfect Venue
Choosing a venue is one of the most critical steps in the wedding planning process. Charbel and Viktoria initially considered the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, drawn by its beautiful views and elegant atmosphere. However, the venue was too large for the intimate wedding they envisioned.
Venue Consideration
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 had a beach view and modern design, but it didn’t provide the privacy they sought.
In the end, they chose The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. The venue offered everything they wanted: privacy, stunning desert sunset views, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for their ceremony. With the venue secured, they could now proceed with other aspects of the wedding planning.
After finalizing the venue, Charbel and Viktoria shifted their focus to the design elements of the wedding. They decided on a Rustic Charm theme for the ceremony, featuring a simple wooden floral arch and white flowers that complemented the natural surroundings. The white aisle and candles added a subtle yet elegant touch, completing the serene atmosphere they envisioned.
Reception Theme and Floral Design Choices
For the reception, Viktoria had initially envisioned a Stylish Red theme with bold florals but later discarded it due to the dramatic effect it would create, which didn’t align with the refined atmosphere they wanted.
They considered the Blooming Romance style, which featured colorful and playful florals, but ultimately decided that a more structured, sophisticated design would suit their big budget wedding better.
The Boho Gypsy Chic theme, with its laid-back and earthy vibe, was another style they explored. Although they appreciated the natural touch of pampas grass, they decided to opt for a more polished and cohesive design for the event.
For the ceremony, Viktoria chose elements from the Airy Elegance theme, such as soft white flowers like baby’s breath, to keep the look light and airy, perfectly complementing the expansive desert landscape.
They were shown the Farm Classic style for seating and decor, featuring rustic wood tones and greenery. While it had its charm, it didn’t quite align with the elegant vibe they wanted.
Every design choice was carefully made to reflect their vision for an elegant, cohesive celebration.
Viktoria’s dream of luxurious floral arrangements was realized with a mix of soft pastels and whites, perfectly matching the desert’s golden hues. They chose option 1, as it offered the perfect balance for their wedding.
Entertainment played a significant role in shaping the overall experience. During the ceremony, a live saxophonist performed, adding a romantic, refined touch. As the reception unfolded, a professional DJ took over, ensuring the dance floor remained lively and energized. To end the night on a spectacular note, a custom fireworks display lit up the desert sky, leaving a lasting impression on the guests.
The dining experience matched the grandeur of the event. The couple chose a five-course gourmet menu, curated by renowned chefs, featuring a fusion of international cuisine and premium wine pairings. Champagne flowed freely, and the grand wedding cake offered the perfect conclusion to the feast.
Late-night snacks and dessert stations ensured that guests remained entertained and satisfied, prolonging the celebration long after the formalities ended.
Dress Code Design
For their guests’ attire, Charbel and Viktoria selected a soft, neutral color palette, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These tones perfectly complemented the Airy Elegance theme, creating a cohesive and elegant atmosphere for the wedding.
Creating a Memorable Guest Experience
In a big-budget wedding, it’s not just about the couple, it’s about making every guest feel like they’re part of something extraordinary.
Easy Wedding took care of all the logistics, from arranging luxury transportation to providing personalized concierge services. Every guest received a welcome gift filled with meaningful keepsakes that reflected Charbel and Viktoria’s unique journey as a couple.
The wedding timeline was thoughtfully designed, with every detail in mind. Guests were welcomed with bubbles and background music, setting a relaxed yet festive atmosphere. Viktoria made her entrance through a stunning draped archway, with bridesmaids walking ahead, adding a magical, fairytale vibe to the entire celebration.
The ceremony smoothly transitioned into cocktail hour and dinner, followed by speeches, an energetic dance floor, and a breathtaking fireworks display that concluded the night.
The Big Day Layout
Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert featured a thoughtfully designed layout. The ceremony space had chairs placed along a white carpet leading to the arch, with beautiful draping enhancing the scene. Behind the ceremony area, speakers and a sound system were set up for perfect acoustics.
For the reception, dinner tables were arranged in a U-shape, creating a welcoming atmosphere around the central dance floor. The bar was placed at the back with additional speakers nearby. The DJ’s control desk was positioned on the side, and a welcome sign and seating plan greeted guests at the entrance. This layout ensured a smooth and seamless flow of the entire event.
The ceremony transitioned effortlessly into cocktail hour and dinner, followed by speeches, a lively dance floor, and the highly anticipated fireworks show, which left a lasting impression on the guests.
The Big Day Setup
Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert was designed with precision. The ceremony area featured chairs arranged along a white carpet leading to a draped arch. Behind the ceremony, speakers and a sound system were strategically placed for the best audio experience.
At the reception, dinner tables were arranged in a U-shape surrounding the dance floor. The bar was located at the back, and extra speakers were positioned nearby. The DJ’s control desk was situated on the side, while the entrance displayed the welcome sign and seating plan. This layout facilitated a seamless transition from ceremony to reception, ensuring the event flowed effortlessly.
Managing a Big Budget Wedding: A Wedding Planner’s Detailed Day
Take a closer look at the event timeline for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, with a breakdown of every key moment including makeup, photoshoots, ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. The schedule includes everything from guest arrivals, music, 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 venue preparation, floral arrangement setup.
- Video shoot capturing the bride and groom’s preparations.
Afternoon & Ceremony Management (15:00-17:00)
- Coordinating guest arrivals and seating arrangements.
- Overseeing the photo and video teams to capture candid moments.
- Ensuring the smooth transition from the ceremony to the reception.
Evening Reception & After-Party Execution (17:00-23:00)
- Supervising dinner service and coordinating the entrance of the couple.
- Speeches by Stu and Sergey, followed by entertainment and games.
- Coordinating the first dance of the couple and ensuring guest comfort.
- Managing transportation and other logistical needs for the guests.
Key Takeaways from Charbel & Viktoria’s Dream Wedding
Planning Ahead Pays Off
Charbel and Viktoria started planning well in advance, which gave them enough time to book the perfect venue, secure the best vendors, and ensure every detail was carefully arranged. Early planning also helped avoid last-minute price hikes and scheduling issues.
Venue Choice Is Crucial
The couple chose the Ritz Carlton, and it was the perfect decision. The venue’s elegance, stunning surroundings, and impeccable service matched their vision perfectly, setting the stage for a memorable, intimate celebration.
Effective Budgeting Makes a Difference
Instead of splurging on everything, Charbel and Viktoria focused on key elements that would have the greatest impact, like the venue, food, and entertainment. This allowed them to have a beautiful, luxurious wedding without over-spending.
Expert Assistance is Essential
Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding planner ensured every aspect, from vendor coordination to day-of logistics, ran smoothly. With professional help, they were able to enjoy their day stress-free, knowing all the details were taken care of.
Ready for Your Dream Wedding? – Get a Quote Now!
Are you looking to bring your dream wedding to life? Let Easy Wedding turn your vision into a reality with expert planning and the best packages.
Schedule a consultation today to start designing your unforgettable day.
