Do Destination Weddings Cost More?

Are you deciding between getting married in a tropical paradise or the practicality of having a traditional wedding? Does having a destination wedding save you any money over a local wedding? Join me as I discuss whether or not a destination wedding is cheaper and why having your wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean could be more affordable than you think.

1. Cost-Effective Elegance: Yes, sometimes Destination Weddings Can Be Cheaper than a Traditional Wedding – Read On!

Are you wondering if hosting a destination wedding can cost less than a local wedding? While there are many variables involved in the answer, hosting your wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico can be surprisingly cost-effective. You can enjoy a luxurious wedding without breaking the bank with competitive wedding packages and all-inclusive options. Imagine saying your vows with the ocean as your backdrop, all within a budget that leaves room for an unforgettable honeymoon!

Plus, there are many benefits you will receive when you host your wedding group at a resort, making your budget go further, and even including some bells & whistles that would never be included in having a traditional wedding – yay! I wrote an article with more information on hosting your wedding an all-inclusive resort.

2. One-Day Celebration or a Mini Vacation: Yes, Destination Weddings Can Save You Money When You Consider the Value – Read On!

When planning a local wedding there are the usual costs to pull everything together for a one day event. With a destination wedding, for a similar or lower cost, you can transform your special day into a whole weekend of celebration that turns into a vacation for you and your guests. From welcome parties and beachside brunches, create a weekend wedding itinerary filled with unforgettable moments, making your wedding an experience everyone will remember.

Here is an example weekend wedding itinerary that many of. my couples do:

• Thursday evening: all white welcome party on the beach (everyone wears white and it looks amazing in photos)
• Friday: private catamaran cruise for your group, or another activity everyone enjoys together
• Friday night: Themed rehearsal dinner for all guests (Mexican Fiesta and Tropical are some ideas)
• Saturday: wedding, cocktail hour, dinner reception
• Sunday: farewell brunch

3. Tailored Wedding Packages: So Much More for Your Money!

When comparing to a traditional wedding, you can usually find some great wedding packages at destination wedding venues in the Caribbean and Mexico that will make your wedding exceptional and save you money over a traditional wedding. Whether you dream of a barefoot beach ceremony or a chic garden celebration, there are packages to suit your vision.

These packages are inclusive, making planning more straightforward, and often include expert coordinators, ensuring every wedding detail is perfect. This allows you to focus enjoying your special day. Stateside, day-of coordinators typically start at a minimum of $1,500.

Using certified destination wedding travel agent who knows the resorts and their packages, and often the coordinators, can quickly help you know where to have your destination wedding and match you with the appropriate Cancun wedding packages, Jamaica wedding packages, Cabo wedding packages, or whatever other destination is best for your wedding.

4. Simplify Your Guest List

A big reason to host a destination wedding over a traditional one is to trim downpour guest list to only those who matte rate most to you. It’s a natural process that keeps the “per person” cost of a traditional wedding down.

Many of my couples ask if they are supposed to pay for their guests to attend their destination wedding. My answer is no. Your guests are generally expected to pay their way to your destination wedding. This also means that you should be mindful in choosing a quality location that is financially doable for your guests.

5. Unforgettable Experiences for Guests that Don’t Exist at a Traditional Wedding

When you choose a destination wedding, you can treat your guests to more than just a wedding by offering a group experience they’ll never forget. I have planned many unique activities like visiting a volcano in St. Lucia, exploring ancient ruins in Tulum or Chechen Itza, catamaran cruises, and snorkeling – the Caribbean and Mexico provide an array of unforgettable experiences that make your wedding into a joyful celebration shared with loved ones and creating memories they will discuss for years to come.

When you choose to have a destination wedding over a traditional wedding, you have the fringe benefit of already having natural beauty, such as a beach or scenic mountain backdrop, that serves as the perfect setting. You will also have the advantages of destination wedding package that bundle vendors and services to give you more value over a traditional wedding and have a mini vacation for your guests all at once!

If you are currently trying to plan or figure out your destination wedding or aren’t sure if a destination wedding is right for you, schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me. Remember, this isn’t just any vacation; this is your wedding and it has to be perfect!