Is A Destination Wedding Cheaper?
The benefits of having a destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico
Love knows no bounds, but your wedding budget might. That’s EXACTLY the problem I ran into when planning my Vermont wedding in 2020. With what I thought was a healthy budget, I found out that the average Vermont wedding costs $43,000 according to Money.com. [Thats like five REALLY nice vacations…] So I had to pivot and started looking up: Does having a destination wedding save you money over a local wedding? Let's settle the score once and for all as we explore the 5 reasons why a destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico might have you saying “I DO!” in a tropical destination that won't break the bank!
1. Cost-Effective Elegance:
Yes, Sometimes Destination Weddings Can be Cheaper Than a Traditional Wedding. Are you wondering if hosting a destination wedding is cheaper than a local wedding? While many variables are involved in answering that question, 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 for hosting a 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 – Hell ya!
2. One-Day Celebration VS A Mini Vacation:
Yes, Destination Weddings Can Save You Money When You Consider the Value. 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, turning into a mini-vacation for you and your guests. From welcome parties to beachside brunches, create a weekend wedding itinerary filled with unforgettable moments, making your wedding an experience to cherish.
Here is an example weekend wedding itinerary that many of my couples do:
- Thursday evening: All-white welcome party on the beach (amazing for photos)
- Friday afternoon: Private catamaran cruise for your group (or other group activity)
- Friday night: Themed rehearsal dinner for all guests (theme idea – Mexican Fiesta)
- Saturday: Wedding, cocktail hour, dinner reception
- Sunday: Farewell brunch
3. Tailored Wedding Packages:
Yes, You Can Get So Much More For Your Money With a Destination Wedding. Compared to a traditional wedding, you can usually find some great destination wedding packages at resort wedding venues in the Caribbean and Mexico that will make your wedding exceptional and save you money over a traditional wedding. These packages are inclusive, making planning more straightforward, and often include expert coordinators, ensuring every wedding detail is perfect. This allows you to focus on enjoying your special day. Whether you dream of a barefoot beach ceremony or a garden celebration, a package suits your vision.
Using a qualified destination wedding travel agent who knows the resorts and their packages 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 whichever destination is best for your wedding.
4. Simplify your Guestlist:
Celebrating Your Wedding With Your Closest Family And Friends: A big reason to host a destination wedding over a traditional one is to trim down your guest list to only those who matter most to you. It’s a natural process that keeps the “per person” cost of a traditional wedding down.
Also, many wedding couples ask if they are supposed to pay for their guests to attend their destination wedding. The 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 destination wedding location that is financially doable for your guests.
5. Unforgettable Experiences for Guests You Just Can’t Get From A Traditional Wedding:
When you do a destination wedding, you can treat your guests to more than just a wedding – offer them a group experience they’ll never forget, like dune buggy riding, golfing, a catamaran cruise, snorkeling, visiting a volcano in St. Lucia, exploring the ancient ruins in Tulum or Chichen Itza, the Caribbean and Mexico provide a backdrop of unforgettable experiences. Now your wedding becomes a joyful celebration shared with loved ones, creating memories they will discuss for years to come.
Destination weddings often involve streamlined costs by bundling decor, catering, and wedding day coordination services. This can save you time and money compared to the extensive planning required for a traditional wedding and give both you and your guests an experience that could make your wedding the one they will be talking about for years to come.
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 destination wedding strategy session with me. As a destination wedding bride myself, I know a few things that will help ease the process. Remember, this isn't just any vacation; this is your wedding and It has to be perfect!
