How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?

When it comes to weddings, couples always tend to work their way out into planning their big day in a manner that will be remembered for years to come. One of the greatest examples out there is related to a destination wedding, far away from home.

We’ve all dreamt of fantasy wedding ceremony  but a destination wedding is like no other. It’s an event where close family and friends of the bride and groom gather at an ideal location, turning the event into a semi-vacation.

From distinctive locations to gorgeous views and exotic resorts, destination weddings play a helping hand in creating any couple’s dream wedding ceremony . There are a number of components that come into play whenever planning a destination wedding and cost consideration is at the top of them all.

What is the real cost of a Destination Wedding?

Pricing is definitely one of the topmost considerations for couples when it comes to planning the biggest day of their lives. How much is too much is a question on everyone’s mind. Destination weddings involve a great number of factors that make them up as a whole.

In terms of pricing, an average destination wedding rounds up to a rough estimate of about $25,000. At times, this can actually be more affordable than a traditional wedding. With that being said, there are a number of other factors that must be considered such as those revolving around family and friends. These include airfare, hotel accommodation, and other travel expenses.

Airfare

For guests to arrive at your dream destination wedding ceremony , they need to be transported accordingly. This depends on how far your destination is, only then can airfares be truly added up. Direct flights are cheaper in costs than those that involve staying over at another destination. This is because the latter involves multiple plane changes.

Accommodations

A weekend getaway for a destination wedding usually involves a minimum stay of three nights. This can really add up in terms of pricing as hotel resorts don’t come cheap.

The bride and groom can help make guests’ stay more convenient and cost-effective by taking advantage of hotel packages that are offered for dream destination weddings at discounted rates.

Another sensible thing that can be opted for involves informing guests about renting a fully furnished home or guesthouse where multiple couples can stay together. The bride and groom are in no way responsible for paying for guests’ accommodation but those who are nice enough and financially able to do so are considered generous.

Transport at the Destination

Destinations that are located in remote areas require transport for guests to move around. This means car rentals are an absolute necessity. During peak season, car rental rates can reach to as high as $90 a day. In such circumstances, the bride and groom can help their guests by providing shuttle transportation to and from wedding activities such as the wedding ceremony and reception venue.

Food and Entertainment

Yes, there will definitely be food at the main wedding event, but guests aren’t supposed to starve before that. Guests will need to pay tourist prices in order to get served snacks and various meals of the day. In cases where guests plan on staying at resorts, high-end hotel prices will have to be paid for by them and that can be a lot.

In many instances, the bride and groom plan activities for their destination wedding in such a way that most of the food and entertainment costs get covered.

Time off from work

Another expense revolving around guests taking part in a destination wedding is related to the number of days they take off from work. In cases where they’re not a vacation leave, these travel days are a great expense out of their monthly budget.

Current exchange rate

When you opt to travel to a foreign country that lies outside the USA, exchange rates and how the dollar compares to the currency being used in the area is so important. With so many expenses as it is, it’s always a wise decision to check the currency variations in your locality. This is so you have a heads up on your wedding budget as well as the numerous expenses that involve your guests.

Little extras

Sometimes you may be surprised to learn that no matter how much you may plan to stay on budget, costs just seem to rise when opting for a destination wedding. The more unique and isolated the location, the pricier it will tend to be.

It’s not only the dining experiences that guests should worry about when it comes to costs, there are an endless array of things that wedding guests will end up buying when at a destination wedding. Common examples can vary from luggage check-in charges by airlines to purchasing bug repellants and sunscreen. In such cases, the bride and groom do tend to act as wonderful hosts by welcoming guests at the wedding destination with gift baskets containing essentials they might require.

A weekend getaway for a destination wedding requires careful thought and planning. With costs soaring high at all ends, it’s important for guests to have a heads up regarding pricing so they can enjoy the event in entirety.

Planning a destination Wedding in Miami? Contact us and get your first free consultation with us!

Audrey-Maria Cadio

Owner/Head Planner | Haute Couture Events