Destination Wedding

Hey there!
So I will say, I would think that the low cost of the average destination wedding is probably because of the amount of money attending. Most domestic weddings are large affairs and destination weddings (especially out of the country) are only a handful of people usually. So just keep that in mind with however many people you are wanting/hoping to be able to attend. I am having a destination wedding but within the US. My family is from Chicago, and FH’s family from Arkansas and we both have more family scattered throughout the US. So we decided panhandle of FL. They have great venue options (just have to make sure to book about a year to a year n a half in advance). We were flexible and having our wedding on a Sunday so got our venue of choice with only booking 10 months in advance. I am SO excited about our destination wedding. Most people are making at least a mini vacation out of it, some even a full week vacation or more. But, we’re having about 75 people and our cost is much closer to the average domestic wedding because of that. Food and drink and venue (if needing a large venue for more than a few people) usually cost a pretty penny for hosting that many people. Just look at your budget and know who/how many people you really want to come and then go from there, researching venue size and cost. Food & drink usually runs about $75-100 per person

View Quoted Comment Great advice and thank and for the tips ! Your destination wedding sounds great 😊

View Quoted Comment You’re very welcome! & Thank you☺️ Follow your gut!

I am having a destination wedding, July 1, 2022. I too have friends and family that are unable to obtain a passport. I've always wanted to get married in Puerto Rico, and guess what....no passport required. Now, PR doesn't have all inclusive like Mexico, Bahamas etc. but again no passport required. The biggest con for me is everything is ala cart. The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception is less than $8K but that didn't include anything else. I had to hire a DJ for the ceremony (speakers & mic for pastor), Officiant, Photographer, Cake, Wedding planner and any and everything else you can think of. The Pros include it's also our Honeymoon. We will be there a week and have limited it to 40 guest for under $20K, so it's still less than a domestic wedding.

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I am slowly planning. When I first got engaged I was estactic. Planning seemed overwhelming and I backed off. Mainly because I feel like Ebony. I don't want my day ruined by those who don't truly support. I kept saying I wish I could go away... because I know who'd attend and who wouldn't. A destination sounds wonderful and you have me ready to check it out as well.

Thank you and all the best on your special day

View Quoted Comment Yes I use to feel the same way, which is why I only have 10-15 coming to my wedding. I only want the people who really care about me there.

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totally agree and thanks

View Quoted Comment Oh wow that still is a lot of money being spent. I spoke with island bliss weddings and I told her my budge is $5,000 and she said she can definitely do it. What I love about her the most is she works with people with all budgets. So far she’s been great ! But I hope you can get a lower price and figure it out. Maybe think about cutting some things out (live music or a speaker for your pre recorded music instead of a live dj). I know taking out things like that can make a big difference. Good luck 🍀

View Quoted Comment I think a lot of guest are actually using it as a vacation. Yes they will be attending the wedding but I think adding a vacation was the selling point. We are also having a reception and open bar. I think this may be non traditional for DW. I can’t imagine inviting guest and expecting them to pay for food & drinks after they have already paid for flights & hotel accommodations. It’s once in a lifetime event so I’m going to enjoy every moment. Great thing is today marks 100 days until the big day and everything is on schedule and paid for.


Wishing you the best of luck & congrats.

View Quoted Comment Yay I’m so excited for you ! 100 days is so close 😳and I agree. That’s definitely the selling point, I know that was the selling point for us ! Honeymoon right after the wedding ?? Can’t get any better then that 😂❤️I know I tried to make it as cheap as possible. So instead of people worry about hotels, I offered them a stay at an Airbnb that fits 12 people. So they would only be paying $370 for their stay for 5 days 4 nights. And I’m also renting a jeep so people will be able to get a ride to and from the airport as well 🥰this is why I’m happy it’s only going to be close family, and very intimate; so the Airbnb stay will be comfortable for everyone.

I am currently planning a DW at an all inclusive resort. We believe we’ll have about 60 people based on responses and also assuming some definitely won’t make it. Our budget is $15K but the package is 8k without photography, hair, makeup, and extra events. Our package includes the wedding and set up, private dinner for us and our guests as well as a dance and dj. If we were to have our wedding at home we’d have a guest list of over 300 and we simply can’t afford that kind of wedding. Our friends and some family are all excited to make the trip and have a vacation experience with us. Anyone that can’t make … can’t make it and we are okay with that as a possibility. We are using our travel agent to coordinate and book travel packages for our guests and I’m putting suggestions of activities off site for anyone interested. We may pay for a fishing excursion for some of the guys but that would be it. We’ll meet our guests at the bar when they arrive and are settled in. We’re excited for the opportunity to celebrate In a beautiful location and have all the amenities at our disposal for the rest of our time there. Do you- it’s your guys’ day and those that can make it-will and throw a small backyard bbq for the folks that weren’t able to go.

View Quoted Comment That sounds beautiful ❤️I’m happy things are working out for you. We are going through with the destination wedding and I’m extremely excited 😆 and we were thinking about having a small bbq or reception band at home for the people that couldn’t make it. But we aren’t sure. Good luck with your planning though.

View Quoted Comment Best wishes to you with your planning! It will be a lovely day!

View Quoted Comment Thank you 😊 same to you !