Destination Wedding For Under 20k

As far as destination weddings are concerned, you can get very creative with this because you are in Miami, but do keep in mind that air fares will vary for your guests depending on where they live. Of your two choices, Mexico is probably going to be the easiest to access for multiple guests because the U.S. borders with Mexico in multiple states. It is going to be harder for guests to pay for air fares to Jamaica unless most are in Florida, or very close neighboring states. The exchange rate is also good in Mexico, and getting wedding commodities in Jamaica can be harder because it is an island. The plus side about Jamaica is that it is extremely picturesque, a popular wedding/honeymoon destination, and you could potentially "island hop" for your honeymoon if you wanted to.

I also say, don't limit yourself to Mexico and Jamaica (unless you are set on these two). You can find places within the U.S. like Vegas that have amazing wedding packages that are within your budget. The state of Florida also has multiple wedding venues, and you are lucky that the state is open!!!! Take advantage of this!!!

Keep in mind that with everything going on, certain countries are going on lock down again, while others are opening up. I don't want you to lose money, and if this did happen to you, I don't know if any foreign countries have "insurance" for travel or reimbursement. This is going to be more easily obtainable within the states.

Best wishes and best of luck!

We are getting married on Clearwater Beach (Florida); the hotel we selected has a intimate package which is very inclusive for $3,000 (the package includes a LOT: flower credit, cake, beach location, chocolate covered strawberries, Champaign toast, photography (2 hours including image rights), officiant, our wedding night room, room discounts for up to 8 additional rooms, etc.; cost is for 20 people including "us"). What we didn't bargain for was the minimum spend which would be required IF we went over the allotted amount of time for the "meeting space" OR IF we wanted to add an actual dinner. We are trying to be very covid responsible (wedding is in 2 months & even know Florida is "open" we have some elderly relatives and DON'T want anyone dyeing because of our wedding!) Some would consider this a DW for us we (& most of the people we invited) actually live in the next county over. Clearly things like our rings, our wedding attire, additional photography time, flowers above the "credit", etc. ARE adding to our overall budget, however we are both very happy with how things are working out. For us we would have had to have at least 30-35 people to justify the minimum spend for extending the time &/or adding a full dinner which it doesn't look like we are going to hit that number (despite inviting almost 50 people) so we are going to keep it simple (appetizers & a short period of drinks ~ if people want to stay after the cut off time for our space ~ we are going to move the "remaining" guests to the lobby bar & pay for additional drinks or food there). Thankfully our invites were sent with the wording "Champaign reception" to follow as apposed to "dinner reception" or just "reception" to follow and our wedding isn't till 7:30 so hopefully everyone will be happy and not disappointed that we aren't serving a full dinner (we could change this later IF we have 30+ RSVP's however).

My advise is talk to the hotels in the area you are considering AND READ ALL the fine print! Including what happens to your money IF you have to cancel!

Hi Wendy,

My daughter is considering a DW. Where did you have yours and what was your total cost? How many guests?

Thank you!

Lisa

Can you please the vendors, venue, and accommodations you booked!