We want their guests to walk in and say, “This is so them!“ – that‘s how we know we‘ve truly captured the couple‘s unique essence. We design weddings that show who the couple really is – their story, their personality, and what they love. Our goal is to make the celebration feel truly personal and like it could only belong to them…”
Sabrina Dirnbacher, Founder, Exclusive Weddings & Events
Sabrina Dirnbacher is the founder of Exclusive Weddings & Events, located just outside of Vienna, Austria. Together with her team, she creates extraordinary weddings and corporate events, both locally and internationally. Here we discuss Austria as a magnificent destination…
C&B: “Sabrina, your weddings and events are renowned around the world; what makes them so special, and how do you incorporate the charm of Austria into each occasion?”
SD: “We always strive to incorporate a touch of Austrian tradition into our weddings, especially for our international couples who often celebrate with their guests over several days. Sometimes, their guests have not been to our country before, so it is important for us that they not only experience a beautiful wedding but also get a sense of Austria’s charm and culture. For example, during one of our weddings, a highlight was the performance of the 30-person Vienna Mozart Orchestra, which added a special touch of timeless Austrian elegance. And our major cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, along with the natural beauty of our beautiful lakes and alpine scenery, offer the perfect opportunity to give guests a taste of Austria’s charm…”
C&B: “What are some of the most memorable weddings you have planned, and what made them stand out?”
SD: “Oh, there are quite a few! Quite recently, we planned an extraordinary international wedding with over 750 guests, more than 30 performers, and a breathtaking show program. The key challenge was to offer guests as much as possible without overwhelming them. Every corner held a new surprise, from live acts to immersive design elements. It was definitely a wedding that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended…”
“In 2021, we were entrusted with planning a wedding for which the venue didn’t even exist, as yet. Everything had to be designed and organized from architectural plans alone. This presented a whole new set of challenges. We had to visualise nearly everything from scratch and prepare the grounds to create a ceremony meadow for 200 guests. A chapel was built, and a massive terrace was constructed beside a 1.38-hectare private lake to make outdoor dining possible. To prepare for potential weather changes, we installed systems in both the ground and building facade to accommodate a beautifully designed marquee. Over several days, the celebration featured live acts, dancers, and parties that lasted until sunrise…”
“Another standout was just last year: a stunning wedding with guests from 23 different nations, held at the stunning Gartenpalais Liechtenstein in Vienna. We had the entire park closed to ensure a truly private celebration. The venue alone, located in the heart of the city, is incredibly impressive, but the highlight was the emotional ceremony in the middle of the garden. We also had a large central outdoor bar, which became a social hub and design statement outdoor. As with most of our weddings, the celebration continued well into the early hours of the morning…”
“And for this year, we have the pleasure of planning a stunning beach wedding. With a barefoot ceremony, laid-back barbecue, and sun loungers by the water, it’s a completely different kind of celebration we’re incredibly excited about!”
C&B: “All of these occasions sound incredible! On the subject of destination weddings, how do you manage to balance the expectations and traditions of different cultures when planning international weddings in Austria?
SD: “This is an important topic, and for us, open and direct communication is absolutely key. During our planning meetings, we take time to talk through cultural customs and traditions in detail and we collaborate with trusted local experts to ensure that each couple’s cultural wishes are implemented authentically and respectfully. Recently, for example, we planned a wedding for a Serbian–Filipino couple – two completely different cultures. In such cases, our goal is to thoughtfully combine the best of both worlds, creating a celebration that honours both traditions…”
C&B: “What are the key themes you see emerging in the wedding industry, particularly in the luxury sector?”
SD: “Layering is currently one of the biggest trends – whether it’s with richly styled dinner tables or multi-dimensional ceremony backdrops. In this case, more is more? Entertainment on every level is also becoming essential. It’s no longer just about music or a show act here and there – culinary experiences are evolving too, with creative food concepts designed to surprise and engage guests. Ultimately, a wedding should be a full sensory experience – one that speaks to all five senses and leaves a lasting emotional impression…”
C&B: “Events, by their very nature, are challenging. Can you recall a particular situation you encountered during a wedding and how you successfully resolved it?”
SD: “Yes, I do! It wasn’t during the wedding itself, but one day prior to the big day when we received heartbreaking news: the bride’s two siblings weren’t able to enter the country due to unexpected travel restrictions.Together with one of our trusted partner companies, we immediately arranged a professional livestream which we set up overnight. On the wedding day, her siblings were then able to join the celebration virtually – live on a large screen, where they watched the ceremony and speeches in real-time. Thanks to a two-way camera and microphone setup, the bride and groom could even speak directly with them during key moments. It wasn’t the same as being physically present, but it brought tears of joy and deep emotional connection – and turned a difficult situation into something truly meaningful…”
C&B: “That was incredibly quick thinking! Could you share some advice for couples who are in the early stages of planning their wedding, particularly those considering an international destination?”
SD: “Planning a wedding is already a significant task, and planning one abroad adds even more considerations. If you are planning to have your official wedding in another country, make sure to research all the legal documents and requirements for that specific country well in advance. Each destination has its own rules, and getting everything in order early will save you stress later on. Additionally, choose local vendors that you can trust, or work with a planner who is familiar with the area. Always keep in mind that you are not just planning a wedding; you are inviting people on a trip…”
CONTACT: http://www.exclusive-weddings.at
PHOTO CREDITS:
VIDEO CREDIT:
