You’ve decided that the best way to say “I do” is with a destination wedding. That’s great! Destination weddings are a memorable, fun way to kick off married life together. Here are a few things to consider before you get too far into the planning of your destination wedding:
BUDGET
Your budget depends on many factors, including destination, number of wedding guests, what time of year you’re getting married, and more. A budget of at least $12,000 allows enough room to plan something spectacular!
GUEST LIST
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to keep your guest list small to have a destination wedding. Some all-inclusive resorts offer better perks and amenities for larger weddings. Having a rough idea of who will travel is a good start to determining the size of the resort and the venues you’ll need. Your loved ones will be excited about the idea of a destination wedding but may need to check on vacation time, child care, and budget before they can commit. We have a few tips to help with your guest list to know who will travel to celebrate with you.
WEDDING DATE
Your wedding date is another important consideration. Off-season weddings will cost significantly less than peak-season. If you’re aiming to get married between January and early Spring, prices will be higher. Fall or summer wedding dates can be a little more budget-friendly. Hosting your ceremony in the middle of the week vs. the weekend might save a little bit of money too.
DESTINATION
Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are the best value for destination weddings. There are so many resorts to choose from that there’s something for everyone. Destinations such as Turks and Caicos or other Caribbean islands are more difficult to get to, and airfare is much more expensive. The average length of stay for a destination wedding guest is four nights. For this reason, keeping travel to about a 4-5 hour flight works best, so your guests don’t spend an entire day traveling to and from your wedding. Besides, a shorter flight means the party can get started sooner!
TYPE OF CEREMONY
A symbolic wedding ceremony is the easiest option and what most couples choose because there are no extra paperwork, fees, or hassles. The best part is you can keep the fact that you’re already legally married a secret. Your guests will never know the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony.
To be legally married outside of the U.S., you’ll need to complete additional paperwork and abide by local laws and regulations. A legal wedding in your destination can add an extra $1000 to $1500 to the budget.
If you are thinking of giving a destination wedding a go and looking for guidance and expert knowledge, message me today and get started planning the wedding of your dreams!