Beach or
Backyard
2 Ways to Spend Your Wedding Budget
With the butterfly flutters of being in love and the dreams of living your happily ever after, there are so many things that now have to be considered as you get ready to walk down the aisle.
Picking your “I Do” location is a Big One. Cost is always a major factor and starting your new life together is an adjustment without bringing along wedding cost expenses of $30000, $40000 or even $50000. So I know your asking yourself, "How much does a destination wedding really cost versus a traditional wedding?
While you might think that getting married in your idyllic beach location is totally out of reach not to mention the daunting task of taking on the coordination and planning of it all. In reality, getting married in an international locale can not only create memories that last a lifetime but also be less stressful and more affordable than you think. According to the most recent The Knot Real Wedding Study which compiles the average wedding cost by state, it is estimated that the average wedding spend in 2020/2019 is $xx,xxxx. It is noted that the cost of a wedding varies depending on whether your wedding is in a more densely populated, expensive areas such as New York and Chicago which is in contrast to smaller, less populated areas like Idaho, West Virginia or Wyoming.
There are many variables to factor in when planning a wedding whether it be a traditional wedding in your hometown or deciding to wed in an international location, but one of the first that many soon-to-be-wed often struggle with the most is BUDGET. Being clear on your must-haves and non-negotiables and being okay with those things that you can do without help to keep your budget on course.
So the question remains, Can I really take the budget I have for a traditional wedding and still have the destination wedding of my dreams?
Meet Rachel & Gabe
1
Rachel & Gabe are considering a Destination Wedding of their dreams in the beautiful location of the Dominican Republic versus having a traditional wedding where they currently live.
2
They have many family & friends that will have to travel to their current location in Atlanta Georgia and spend on average 3-4 days for the one-day wedding event
Rachel & Gabe want
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a memorable wedding where all their wants & needs are met
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an experience where their families can truly bond and connect
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a seamless & stressfree planning process
3
So What's To Consider in Planning a Destination Wedding?
Let's Compare
Venue & Ceremony
Finding a place to say "I Do" is one of the first decisions that couples make during the wedding planning process. It is estimated that over 30% of the overall budget is dedicated to location. In order to provide an unforgettable celebration, couples are willing to spend more on their ceremony and reception venue to secure a place that will support their vision
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A Multi-Day Exceptional Experience Wedding Package that will accommodate 58 guests
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Romantic symbolic ceremony with officiant and personalized wording
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Romantic gazebo with flowing ivory veils
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Rose gold or ivory tie-backs
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Gold or white tiffany guests chairs with plush ivory silk rose petal aisle runner
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Celebrant ceremony table covered in rose gold or ivory
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Your choice of rose color bouquet: blush and peach garden roses, ivory mini-roses, succulents, ivory stock
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Boutonniere: succulent with mini blush or ivory rose
$24,500
Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of Ceremony
& Reception Venue
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Reception Venue $10500
Food & Beverage
From the vows to the wild dance floor, one of the things high on the list of things to be remembered is the wedding menu. And may soon-to-be-weds deem food and beverage a worthy expense on the wedding budget list. Many are using their menu as a way to further personalize their wedding. Incorporating their culture, making the menu more inclusive and even making it an interactive food experience
IT'S INCLUDED
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One-hour private cocktail soiree
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Your selection of appetizers: 6 options: hot, cold or mixed served for one hour
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Complete international premium bar inclusions & servers
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Private Reception
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Private four-hour reception
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Sparkling wine toast to celebrate you & guests
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Four hours of international Premium bar inclusions & servers
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Gournet Buffet stations and servers with your choice of Connoisseur Menu Selections
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Three tiered wedding cake with your choice of filing
Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of
Food & Beverage
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Reception catering - $4060
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$70 per guest for catering
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Wedding cake - $500
Flowers & Decor
Whether it's ranunculus or roses, bouquets or boutonnieres, Chiavari chairs, or Crossback chairs, the flowers, and decor can be a decent part of your wedding budget especially if you envision these items playing a significant role in your wedding and reception. From a beautiful sun-kissed beach to tropical foliage, the right decor can enhance and carry out your ultimate wedding theme
IT'S INCLUDED
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Two hour Welcome Cocktail Event Poolside
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Six high-top cocktail tables dressed in ivory with soft gold or ivory sashes
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Sweetheart table for the wedding couple with creme linens with rose gold table runner
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Seven round guest tables of eight covered in elegant creme linens with rose gold table runner & gold or white tiffany guests chairs
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Crystal gold beaded charger plates and ivory napkins with rose-gold ties
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Centerpiece for your tables: three sparkling soft gold candle holders with candles
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Romantic bistro lights for an outdoor reception or ten spotlights in your choice of color for an indoor reception
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Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of
Flowers & Decor
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Florist - $2000
Entertainment & Events
A wedding is a celebration of life & love and what better way to have a memorable experience for you and your guests than to have incredible entertainment. From a live band to a DJ, from fireworks to fire dancers from welcome parties to farewell catamararan cruises, the possibilities are endless. Devoting a portion of the wedding budget to add unforgettable moments can be a great way add that "WOW" factor to your wedding celebration
IT'S INCLUDED
PRE-WEDDING EVENTS
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2 hour Welcome Cocktail Event Poolside; includes 2 hours of private open premium bar & servers. Your selection of appetizers served for 2 hours | 6 options: hot, cold, mixed. Seven cocktail tables draped with ivory linens and tied with rose gold sashes. Sound system included and a $500 gift certificate to use towards entertainment. Rehearsal dinner reservation. . Pre-set menu with all-inclusive bar, semi-private location in a pre-selected gournet restaurant
CEREMONY
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Sound system & DJ to play your personal choice of ceremony music
RECEPTION
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Four hours of DJ & MC service; Leather DJ booth, superior sound system equipment with lighting package; Cold fireworks and fog machine for your first dance or dance of your choice
Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of
Entertainment & Events
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Rehearsal dinner - $1900
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Reception DJ - $1200
Hair & Make-up
Hiring a pro comes with extra charges, but it is definitely worth every dime. A professional wedding hair & make-up artist will ensure that your look remains flawless throughout your wedding day (even if you sweat a little at your outdoor events and no matter how many twirls you do on the dance floor). It is important to make this budget consideration to not only make the hair and make-up look that you envision happen but it will save you time and remove all the stress from your wedding day prep.
IT'S INCLUDED
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Hair & make-up for the bride in the bridal suite
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Preparation of wedding attire for the wedding couple
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Bridal suite on teh wedding day with dressing room for the bridal party
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Sparkling wine in the suite for up to 10 bridal party members
Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of
Hair & Make-up
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Hair Stylist - $110
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Make-up Artist - $100
Photos & Video
Capturing those special moments and reliving your wedding memories is well worth factoring in the cost of wedding photography & videography. The still moments captured by a photographer on your big day as well as the touching soundbites and sweet moments that you never want to forget that a videographer can document is a worthy expense if you want to reminisce about your wedding day long after you say "I Do"
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
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Photography - $1000
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Videography - $1600
Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of
Photography & Videography
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Photography - $2400
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Videography - $1800
Invitations & Favors
Sending out save-the-dates and invitations as well as having heartfelt tokens of appreciation after the ceremony are unique items that all to-be-weds add to their list of things to consider for their upcoming nuptials. Whether its pre-designed templates or custom calligraphed invites or matchbooks and bottle openers, wedding invitations and gifts are always an option to be placed on the wedding budget
INVITATIONS & FAVORS
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Save-The-Dates - $200
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Wedding Website - $40
ADD-ON SPECIAL WEDDING THANK YOU FAVOR FOR GUESTS
A Private VIP Catamaran Sunset Cruise for your wedding party
Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of
Invitations & Favors
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Invitations - $590
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Wedding Favors & Gift Bags - $400
Wedding Planner
Everyone needs a little help sometimes and planning one of the most important days of your life is no different. Hiring a professional expert who can offer guidance on budget, style, timelines and all other things in between will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Wedding Planners have strong relationships with vendors making it eas;y for to-be-wed couples get the best bang for their bucks
IT'S INCLUDED
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On Site Wedding Coordinator
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Destination Wedding Travel Planning & Management Fee - $897
Destination Wedding
Traditional Wedding
Average Cost of
a Wedding Planner
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Wedding Planner - $1500
Destination Wedding Total
$29362
TOTAL
Traditional Wedding Total
$29371
Wedding package prices were obtained from the Caso De Campo Ultimate Bliss package as of June 2021
Traditional wedding pricing based on The Real Knot Wedding Study as of February 2021
Photography & Videography pricing based on photo & video service provided by Junior Cruz Photography, June 2021
So in summary, Rachel & Gabe like so many other engaged couples who are embarking on planning a memorable event that they can share with family and friends have many options. From getting married right at home or having that dream beach wedding, determining what to splurge on or what to save on is always high on the list of things to consider. However, if your wedded bliss vision is made up of a dream destination wedding then it is not out of reach. No matter the budget -- small and modest, large and glamorous or somewhere in between a destination wedding is achievable
Whether you are opting to spend $5000, $15000, $30000 or the sky's the limit, getting married on a sunkissed beach with the sound of ocean waves crashing behind you and a gentle breeze blowing through your hair all while surrounded by your family and friends that wish you well, a destination wedding budget can give you the wedded bliss beginning that you have always dreamed.
So if you are planning an elopement for 2, a wedding event of 200 of your closest family and friends, or anything in between, having a dedicated destination wedding travel expert that can understand your wedding vision, and combine extensive knowledge of the travel with incredible travel partners in order to make this dream event a reality is what you need to write the next chapter in your love story
If you're ready to explore the possibilities and find out just how Fabulous we can make your destination wedding, click the button below to schedule a complimentary 45-minute consultation today!