Interview with 'Most Wanted Company' on the Evolution of Russian Destination Weddings
The Russian-speaking wedding market has long been synonymous with high-octane luxury and meticulous detail, but as the landscape of global celebrations shifts, so do the expectations of its most discerning couples. Today, successful destination weddings are no longer just about the "promotion" of a venue; they are about a deep, cultural dialogue and the art of meaningful storytelling.
To unpack the nuances of this influential market, we sat down with Alina Panova and Anastasia Volkova, the founders of Most Wanted Company. With a combined background in media, hospitality PR, and international marketing, Alina and Anastasia have built a boutique consultancy that serves as the ultimate bridge between the Russian-speaking luxury sector and the world’s most iconic destinations. From heritage hotels in Italy to remote luxury in Antarctica and landmark projects in the Middle East, their portfolio is a masterclass in global hospitality.
In this exclusive interview, they share their insights on the "non-negotiables" of a Russian wedding, the evolution of grand productions, and how the UAE can further elevate its offering for the high-end Russian agency.
What are currently the most popular global destinations for Russian weddings, and what makes these locations so appealing?
It`s quite interesting what a shift we have been witnessing over the past years in Russian destination weddings. While Europe, especially Italy and France, was the natural first choice, today, however, the picture is becoming more diverse.
Turkiye remains a strong and trusted option, especially for outdoor celebrations by the sea, while Georgia is often chosen as a more budget-friendly alternative.
At the same time, the Middle East is standing out more and more with the UAE growing incredibly fast. Planners are opening offices there, professionals are moving in, and the market is growing on every level. Not to mention year-round seasonality, great connectivity, endless number of services and venues. That is why the UAE has become a clear flagship, and its success is naturally drawing attention to the rest of the Middle East too.
Image: Wedding in Georgia by Soulmates Agency
What defines a Russian destination wedding today? Is it still about grand production, or is the focus shifting toward multi-day experiences?
While some couples still choose a one-day spectacular celebration, there is a clear shift towards multi-day wedding experiences.
More and more Russian destination weddings are designed as a journey for both the couple and their guests.
The ceremony remains the highlight, but it is surrounded by pre- and post-wedding events, creating a celebration that stretches beyond a single day.
These often include a welcome dinner, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and more relaxed second-day gatherings by the pool, on a yacht, or in the desert. These moments are less formal, focused on fun, dancing, and spending quality time together.
Image: Wedding in Dubai by Goodwill Wedding Agency
What is the typical guest count for these weddings, and do couples usually fly in their own "core team" or hire local suppliers on-ground?
Russian destination weddings tend to be intimate, usually with 40 to 80 guests. But smaller guest lists don’t mean smaller budgets. Most weddings are firmly in the luxury segment, with a strong focus on concept, design, production, fresh flowers, and premium F&B.
When it comes to organization, Russian couples always start with a wedding planner, they do not build the vendor team themselves. Most choose Russian planners, either bringing their trusted team along or working with planners who have offices in the destination country.
Since visual storytelling is at the heart of Russian weddings, key creative roles usually travel with the couple. Local suppliers also play a bigger role behind the scenes, helping with production and logistics.
By the way, Russian clients are very demanding and detail-oriented. And they are willing to pay for it!
Image: Wedding in Mauritius by Dubova Events Agency
What are the "non-negotiable" cultural or culinary elements that a Russian couple expects, regardless of where they are in the world?
The answer may surprise you: there will be no Russian food on the menu at a Russian destination wedding. Most likely, there will only be a few touches, like blini with caviar, so the couple’s international friends can get a small taste of Russian cuisine. But overall, couples prefer Mediterranean cuisine.
As for cultural elements, there usually aren’t any. Couples tend to go for a classic "white" wedding with close friends and family.
How attractive is the UAE market for your clients right now, and what specific "vibe" (city glamour vs. desert luxury) are they looking for there?
I can confirm that it is one of the most popular destinations for Russian clients.
Just think about it: Russian winters are long and cold, with hardly any sunlight. The UAE offers plenty of warmth and sunshine, which means Russian clients will be looking for an outdoor celebration. Otherwise, why would they travel so far if not for that? So, this is the main reason why they choose the UAE.
Their natural choice lies usually between private beach venues or cozy gardens. Desert locations are also in high demand these days.
What is one thing UAE venues or planners could improve on to better serve the needs of a high-end Russian wedding agency?
I would say communication, and more specifically, responsiveness. Russian wedding planners operate at high speeds, and their clients expect immediate clarity and solutions. Speed is not pressure for us, it is simply our normal way of working.
For some local suppliers, this can feel intense.
When responses take longer than expected, it may signal hesitation, and opportunities may shift to partners who can respond more quickly.
This is exactly where our role, as a company, becomes essential. We translate mindset, expectations, and business culture. So that destinations and their clients can align perfectly and work as true partners.
Image: Wedding in Dubai by Goodwill Wedding Agency
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