Yahoo Finance How Much Should You Expect To Spend on a Destination Wedding?
According to online bridal magazine The Knot, the average cost for international and domestic destination weddings is $43,300 and $42,000, respectively. For those planning a destination wedding, there’s a good chance you’ll find something within your budget.
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If you are flexible regarding the location, type of ceremony, and other aspects, it can be easy to plan a destination wedding that is perfect for your needs.
What Are the Factors That influence the Cost of a Destination Wedding?
Perhaps the biggest factors influencing the cost of a destination wedding are the location and the type of ceremony. For instance, a destination wedding in Mexico or some Caribbean locations will likely be much less expensive than going to Europe or Southeast Asia to celebrate your nuptials. Other factors that can influence the cost of your destination wedding include:
The popularity of a destination.
Seasonal pricing variations.
Travel and accommodation.
Flights for the couple and guests.
Hotel costs, which may include the venue and accommodations for the entire group.
Type of venue, i.e., beach resorts versus historic venues and other unique locations.
All-inclusive packages vs. a la carte services.
Type of ceremony and related services.
Legal requirements and documentation.
Excursions and activities for guests.
As you can see, there are many decisions you’ll have to make in terms of planning a destination wedding, just as you’d do with a local ceremony. However, in this case, if a destination wedding is really important without breaking the bank, you’ll need to focus on creating a memorable wedding experience within your financial means.
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Tips on Planning an Affordable Destination Wedding
Here are some tips for planning a destination wedding that makes sense for your budget:
Create a realistic budget: Know your numbers up front, then start crafting your “wedding adventure” according to your budget.
Balance the “must haves” with budget constraints: Decide, early on, what you must have for your destination wedding versus where you can be flexible and more economical.
Choose an affordable destination: Consider locations where costs are generally lower, such as a lower cost of living county or a popular destination in the off-season.
Consider a smaller on-location guest list: It’s not uncommon for couples to have a small wedding ceremony with immediate family and then celebrate locally with a reception.
Negotiate discounts for big groups: If you’re planning to invite a full guest list, check for discounts on accommodations and food.
Don’t forget about hidden costs: These may include paying for oversized luggage, transporting preferred vendors, and other travel-related costs.
Choose an all-inclusive option: Consider booking an all-inclusive package that provides meals, drinks, and sometimes activities for one flat fee.
How Much Should You Expect To Spend on a Destination Wedding?
In essence, you should spend an amount that makes sense for your long-term financial goals. The good news is that there are so many variables you can tweak to create the destination wedding that meets your financial needs and desires for a memorable experience.
To provide a hypothetical example, Carissa Kruse — a professional wedding planner — gave a breakdown to Joy Wedding.
“The cost estimate of $10,000 to $25,000 for an average destination wedding for 30 to 50 guests is based on the bare essentials such as venue, caterer, florals and entertainment. Any additional costs that you may incur would be based on your specific requirements, such as airfare and accommodations.”
“However, it is important to keep in mind that this cost can vary significantly depending on the exact destination and type of wedding you are planning. As such, it is important to do your research and find the right services that suit your budget and expectations,” Kruse concluded. The difference in cost estimation versus that provided by The Knot may be attributed to simple differences in datasets, or that Kruse’s estimate almost certainly does not include the cost of transporting the stated large number of guests.
With that being said, given careful planning and budgeting, you truly can have the perfect wedding experience without (completely) breaking the bank.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much Should You Expect To Spend on a Destination Wedding?
