Make your big budget wedding a dream come true.

Planning a big budget wedding may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an exciting opportunity to create an unforgettable celebration. With careful attention to budgeting, venue selection, and vendor coordination, you can craft a spectacular event that matches your vision.

The UAE is known for its lavish wedding experiences, with exclusive venues and world-class services, making it the perfect destination for couples seeking a grand affair.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps of planning a big budget wedding, from budgeting tips to choosing the perfect venue and managing your vendors.

We’ll also showcase a real-life example with Charbel and Viktoria’s big budget wedding in the UAE, offering insight into how a high-end wedding is seamlessly planned and executed.

What Does a Big Budget Wedding in UAE Cost?

The cost of a big budget wedding in the UAE can fluctuate widely depending on key elements such as venue choice, number of guests, décor, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings in the region typically require premium services, with venues offering exclusive packages that elevate the overall experience.

Average Cost Breakdown for a Big Budget Wedding

According to the data of weddings conducted by Easy Wedding, here’s a general breakdown of wedding expenses in percentage for a big budget wedding.

Venue, Catering & Beverages (30%)

This category makes up the largest part of the budget, covering the cost of booking the venue and providing food and drinks for guests throughout the event.

Photography & Videography (20%)

This allocation goes toward hiring skilled photographers and videographers who will document the event, preserving the memories for a lifetime.

Host/MC & Entertainment (10%)

This budget is reserved for securing an experienced MC or host to guide the event, as well as a DJ to provide music and entertainment for the guests.

Event Planner Fee (10-15%)

This portion covers the cost of hiring a wedding planning agency to manage and coordinate all aspects of the event, ensuring seamless execution.

Venue Decoration (15%)

Funds are set aside for decorating the venue with elements such as floral arrangements, furniture, and design features to create a stunning ambiance.

Audio-Visual Equipment (10%)

This portion ensures the provision of essential technical support, including sound systems, microphones, and lighting to enhance the event’s atmosphere.

Beauty, Cake & Miscellaneous (5%)

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

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

The Beginning of Their Journey

Charbel, an Australian groom, and Viktoria, a Russian bride, wanted more than just a regular wedding. They wanted an unforgettable experience.

For their big budget wedding in the UAE, the couple dreamed of a luxurious setting with exclusive venues and stunning views.

With so many details to consider, they needed a team that could bring their vision to life without the stress of managing everything themselves. That’s when Easy Wedding stepped in to make their dream wedding come true.

The Planning Journey

Charbel and Viktoria had a clear vision for their big budget wedding. Viktoria dreamed of an intimate yet lavish sunset ceremony, while Charbel wanted to ensure the best entertainment for their guests. Their first meeting with Easy Wedding focused on turning their ideas into a detailed plan.

They carefully looked at high-end venues, compared vendor prices, and went over costs. Every detail mattered, from the flowers to the sound system for entertainment. With a set budget and a list of non-negotiables, they were ready to choose the perfect venue.

Finding the Ideal Venue

Selecting the right venue is one of the most important decisions for any big budget wedding. Charbel and Viktoria initially considered the Abu Dhabi Golf Club because of its stunning views and elegant atmosphere. However, it was too large for the intimate celebration they envisioned.

They then considered Mövenpick RAK. Option 1 provided an outdoor setting with stylish tables and string lights, but it didn’t quite match their luxury standards. Option 2, with its beach view and contemporary design, was almost perfect, but it didn’t offer the level of privacy they desired.

They then toured the Waldorf Astoria RAK, which promised luxury and exclusivity. However, it didn’t offer the outdoor, natural setting they were hoping for.

In the end, they selected The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. The venue offered the privacy, breathtaking desert sunset views, and intimate atmosphere they desired for their ceremony. With the venue booked, they were ready to continue with the wedding planning.

Designing the Wedding Experience

After securing the venue, Charbel and Viktoria turned their attention to designing the perfect wedding experience. For the ceremony, they opted for a Rustic Charm style, featuring a simple wooden floral arch adorned with white flowers that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The white aisle and soft candlelight added an elegant, romantic touch to the atmosphere.

For the reception, Viktoria loved the idea of bold florals with the Stylish Red theme, but it was ultimately not chosen due to its dramatic feel.

They briefly considered the Blooming Romance style for its colorful and playful florals, but ultimately, they preferred the more structured and sophisticated designs.

The Boho Gypsy Chic style, with its earthy and relaxed vibe, was another option they considered. While they appreciated the laid-back feel of pampas grass and natural elements, they decided to maintain a more polished and cohesive aesthetic.

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, perfectly complementing the open desert setting.

Finally, they were shown the Farm Classic style for the seating and décor. The wood tones and greenery helped tie everything together, striking a nice balance between rustic charm and elegance, but they decided not to go with it.

Each element was carefully chosen to create a cohesive look while still reflecting the couple’s unique style and vision for their big day.

Viktoria desired luxurious floral arrangements that would blend with the natural desert backdrop, and that’s exactly what she got: a mix of soft pastels and elegant whites that beautifully complemented the golden surroundings. Out of the two desert options, they chose Option 1.

Entertainment played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the entire event. A live saxophonist performed during the ceremony, adding a romantic atmosphere, while a professional DJ kept the energy high throughout the reception. To cap off the evening in style, a custom fireworks display illuminated the desert sky, leaving guests in awe.

The dining experience was just as exceptional. The couple opted for a five-course gourmet menu designed by top chefs, blending international cuisine with premium wine pairings. Champagne flowed generously, and a grand wedding cake was the perfect way to conclude the meal.

Late-night snacks and dessert stations ensured that guests stayed entertained well into the night, long after the formalities had concluded.

Dress Code Selection

Charbel and Viktoria chose a color palette of soft neutrals and muted tones for their guests, including light beige, muted green, and soft gray. These colors perfectly complemented their Airy Elegance theme, creating a cohesive and elegant look for the wedding.

Guest Experience

A big-budget wedding isn’t only about the couple; it’s about ensuring every guest feels treated like royalty.

Easy Wedding took care of all the logistics, providing luxury transportation and personalized concierge services. Each guest received a welcome gift filled with thoughtful keepsakes that reflected Charbel and Viktoria’s unique journey as a couple.

The wedding timeline was meticulously planned, with every detail accounted for. Guests were greeted with bubbles and soft background music, creating a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere. Viktoria made her grand entrance through a draped archway, with a string of bridesmaids walking ahead of her, enhancing the fairytale-like ambiance.

The ceremony flowed effortlessly into the cocktail hour and dinner, followed by heartfelt speeches, a lively dance floor, and the highly anticipated fireworks show.

The Big Day

Here’s the layout for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert. The ceremony area featured chairs arranged along a white carpet leading up to the arch with draping. Behind the ceremony, speakers and a sound system were 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 great sound throughout the evening. The DJ’s control desk was placed off to the side, while the welcome sign and seating plan greeted guests at the entrance. This layout was carefully designed to ensure a seamless flow from the ceremony to the reception.

Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding was flawlessly planned and executed. The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah offered the perfect blend of exclusivity and natural beauty they desired.

The wedding was personal, grand, and completely stress-free, thanks to meticulous planning and a team that truly understood their vision. The couple was able to fully enjoy their special day without the burden of worrying about logistics.

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

Here’s a look at the detailed event timeline for Charbel and Viktoria’s wedding at Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert, outlining key moments such as makeup, photoshoots, the ceremony, speeches, dinner, and entertainment. It includes everything from guest arrivals to the bouquet toss and DJ sets throughout the evening.

Morning Preparations (11:00-14:00)

• Styling, hair, and makeup for the bride and groom.
• Final venue touches, including floral arrangements.
• Video shoot capturing the bride’s and groom’s preparation moments.

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

• Coordinating guest arrivals, seating arrangements, and welcome experiences.
• Overseeing the photo and video teams to capture behind-the-scenes moments.
• Ensuring a smooth transition from the ceremony to the reception.

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

• Supervising the 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 (with balloons and last names incorporated).
• Managing the first dance for the couple.
• Overseeing guest needs, transportation, and overall comfort throughout the evening.

• 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, hiring an experienced wedding planner ensures that every aspect of the big day is executed flawlessly. The planner handles logistics, problem-solving, and guest coordination, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their day without any stress.

Your Dream Wedding Starts Here – Get a Quote Today!

Ready to turn your Big Budget Wedding UAE into a reality? Let’s make it happen with Easy Wedding! Our team of expert wedding planners specializes in crafting luxurious, stress-free weddings tailored to your vision, all with the best wedding packages.

Schedule a consultation today and let us help you create an unforgettable wedding experience.