How Much Will a Destination Wedding Cost?
Getting married in your dream destination is exciting and you might want to start planning right away, but, let’s get real for a sec — have you thought about how much it’s going to cost you? It’s a big question, and undeniably a daunting one to go over by yourself. After all, setting a realistic budget is the first step to ensuring your celebration is a stress-free one. While we love the idea of luxury and pampering yourself, having a solid budget in place is essential before diving into the details of your big day.
Now, let’s tackle the burning question: what’s the real price tag attached to your dream wedding? How much will a destination wedding truly cost you?
It’s time to break down the numbers and get a clear picture of what to expect:
The average destination wedding cost in 2022 was $35,600, according to The Knot Real Weddings Study. But remember, this figure can vary a lot depending on where you choose to tie the knot, how many guests you invite, and all the little details you want to include.
Here’s the scoop: not every destination wedding is cheaper than getting married at home. Things have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, and now more people are excited to travel and celebrate in far-off places! With more guests attending and couples adding personalized touches, many find themselves spending even more than they would for a local wedding.
To really understand how much your destination wedding will cost, we’ve shared all the costs to consider in your destination wedding budget.
Budgeting 101: The Basic Costs
First things first, let’s talk money. Sit down with your partner and crunch the numbers: how much are you comfortable spending overall? Do you have an already saved budget to dedicate to your wedding? Think about all the things you’re about to spend money on: your wedding itself, your guests, your honeymoon and post-wedding costs.
Your Wedding Budget
Your wedding budget is the heart and soul of your financial plan. It really covers everything, from venue and catering to attire and decor. As you start to budget, consider each of the below as they all make a considerable difference in your overall cost:
Venue: Destination venues vary widely in price depending on the location, amenities, and time of year. Be sure to factor in rental fees, ceremony and reception costs, as well as any additional services provided by the venue.
Catering: Feeding your guests is really important — but also a big expense. Destination wedding catering costs can vary based on the menu you choose, number of guests, and dining style (buffet, plated, etc.). Some venues offer catering packages, while others allow you to bring in outside caterers of your choice.
Attire: Your wedding outfits include not only your own gown or suit, but also outfits for the days beyond your wedding ceremony. Destination weddings are also an escape away for you to shine at a location of your choice, so you might as well look good doing it.
Decor: The decor you choose will set the vibe to your entire wedding. Consider things like floral arrangements, table settings, lighting, and any other elements you envision for your special day. Destination weddings may require additional decor to compliment the natural beauty of your chosen location.
Photography + Videography: Your professional photographer and videographer are there to document every moment, so make sure you include them in your overall costs.
Entertainment: How do you want to keep your guests entertained? Music, dancing or a cultural event? Whatever it is you decide to opt in for, entertainment costs for your live band, or DJ should be factored in your wedding budget.
And of course, where you choose to tie the knot also affects your budget. Destinations like Italy, Greece, and Caribbean Islands such as St. Barths and Turks and Caicos come with higher price tags.
You should also keep an eye on currency exchange rates, as they quickly and often fluctuate, and can easily impact the overall cost of your wedding. Plan accordingly and consider locking in rates if possible.
Pro-Tip: we’ve seen it all happen, so we highly recommend you set aside a contingency fund: something like an emergency go-to just “in case”. No matter how meticulously you plan, there may still be surprises along the way. Having a buffer in your budget will give you that peace of mind to make sure you’re prepared for any curve balls that come your way.
Your Guest Activity Budget
Here’s where things start to add up — travel costs, for you, and your guests. Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise or a charming European town, getting there ain’t free! Factor in flights, accommodations, and transportation for you and your VIP guests — those people that you can’t do without. Many of our couples choose to cover the expenses for any of these guests, from the bridal party, parents, siblings, best friend, whomever it may be, consider budgeting for your VIPs as well.
And it doesn’t stop there — there are also activities to organize with your guests. One of the perks of a destination wedding is all the fun activities you and your guests can enjoy together. From snorkeling adventures to sunset cruises, the possibilities are really endless. Make a list of some outings you’re interested in, and set aside a budget for these unforgettable memories — you won’t regret having fun with your loved ones and wow-ing your guests.
Your Honeymoon Budget
After the wedding, comes the honeymoon, and we know you’re excited. It’s finally your chance to unwind and celebrate as newlyweds. Set aside funds for your honeymoon in advance — whether you’re dreaming of a romantic beach getaway or an adventurous trek through the mountains, make sure your honeymoon budget aligns with your vision for the perfect post-wedding escape.
Your Post-Wedding Budget
Once the wedding celebration winds down, it’s time to consider your post-wedding budget. Among the essential expenses to keep in mind are thank you cards and gifts for your guests. Show your appreciation for their presence and support by factoring in those tokens of gratitude.
There are also vendor tips: you’ll want to recognize the hard work of any of your vendors with gratuities.
Lastly, Don’t Forget to Consider These Extra Expenses:
Important Key Vendors: there’s more than just your photographer and wedding planner that you need to consider for your wedding. In fact, there is a whole behind-the-scenes dream team that includes content creators, hair and makeup artists, and more — so make sure you create a list of all the vendors you’d like to include and set aside a budget for each.
Welcome Bags: destination welcome bags for your guests are a great way to personalize your wedding and show your guests how much you appreciate them for flying across the country and going out of their way to be there for your special day! But, they do come at a cost. Set aside a budget for these little touches, including any special invitations or welcome letters.
Top 10 Destination Wedding Money-Saving Tips
When it comes to destination weddings, we’ve seen it all — the highs, the lows, and the creative ways to save a few bucks without skimping on the good stuff. Because let’s face it, being a mindful spender means splurging on the things that truly light you up and saving on those that don’t matter so much. So, arm yourself with these tips to keep your wedding budget in check:
Avoid busy travel seasons and weekends.
Look for locations that are easier to get to from your hometown, like the Bahamas!
Go local. Use vendors, decor and whatever else you can find locally in your destination location.
Cut back on decor — you can find ways to make your wedding beautiful with minimized decor. Let your venue and chosen destination speak for itself!
Simplify photography and videography.
Keep food and drinks casual.
Host all events in one location, less movement = lower costs.
Think about an all-inclusive resort, everything all taken care of with one price!
Simplify your invites: think about email instead of snail mail.
Stay put on your honeymoon, and keep it simple.
So, how much will your destination wedding really cost? The truth is, it varies. From the location and guest list to the level of extravagance, there are countless factors that can influence the final price tag. But here’s the thing — your wedding day is about more than just dollars and cents. It’s about celebrating your love the way you want to!
As your destination wedding journey begins, remember to budget wisely, prioritize what matters most, and enjoy every moment along the way. At TravelBash, we are here to help you set realistic expectations and guide you along the way. Your dream destination wedding is within reach, all it takes is some planning, a good team, and a whole lot of love!
Ready to get planning your destination wedding? Inquire today to find out how we can make your dream destination wedding come true and keep you on track with your budget.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
