How Much Does A Destination Wedding Cost? Q&A With Our Wedding Experts.
The number one question we get from couples is: “How much does a destination wedding cost?” Luckily, our amazing CEO Lisa, alongside wedding expert Miriam – our incredible Sales Manager at Hola – have tackled this topic head-on!
Check out our Q&A recap or watch the full podcast episode below to get all the insights you need to start planning with confidence 😊 Feeling chatty and wants to directly discuss your options with one of our expert? Make sure to reach out today!
Q: What are some common questions couples ask about wedding packages?
A: Ok so, typically our couples first want to know:
→ What’s included in the wedding package?
→ Are the room costs included?
→ Will there be a wedding coordinator?
→ How do you figure out taxes or extra costs for guests?
→ What exactly is included in the package, and what will require additional payments?
Q: Very interested, let’s dig right in! So can you tell us more about what is included in a typical wedding package?
A: That’s where a lot of couples tend to get confused. It honestly depends on the package that you choose but let’s say that a basic wedding package usually includes setup, a wedding coordinator, and basic elements like chairs, tables, and linens. However, everything beyond the basics, such as decorations, flowers, or extra services, will typically incur additional costs.
Q: And does the wedding package include the room?
A: Great question! No, the room is a separate cost. The wedding package covers the ceremony and reception, but accommodations need to be booked separately.
Q: Next, what should couples consider when choosing a wedding package?
A: Couples should consider their budget, guest count, and priorities – DJ, flowers, specific venue etc. It’s also important to figure out what type of venue and services they want, as some venues might have additional costs. This where your travel agent comes in handy – we go over all the details with you and present you your best options saving you tons of time and money.
Q: Next question, is there such thing as a free wedding and how do they work?
A: This is important to go over! Yes, there is such a thing as a free wedding package but free wedding packages often come with restrictions. They typically only cover basic items like the ceremony and chairs. They may also be scheduled at off-peak times – like 11 A.M – and additional services – cocktails, reception- will cost extra. These packages work best for small weddings or elopements with limited production.
Q: Who would a free wedding package work for?
A: Generally speaking, a free wedding package is best for couples with small weddings, up to 10 people, or those looking for a simple ceremony, such as elopements or vow renewals.
Q: That helps understanding it better! So, tell me, how do you handle extra guests?
A: Such a good point to cover. The extra guests beyond the package’s limit usually incur an additional cost, often around $100 per person, plus taxes. A cost-saving tip is to list children as extra guests, as they tend to have a lower cost.😉
Q: And what about guests who are staying at a different resort?
A: If guests aren’t staying at the wedding resort, they’ll need a day pass to access the wedding events. The couple can either cover this cost or the guests will have to pay it themselves.
Q: Can you swap things around in a wedding package?
A: In most cases, no. Some resorts may allow minor adjustments like moving flowers from the ceremony to the reception is negotiable but generally, non-used items like the cocktail hour or minister cannot be refunded or swapped for something else.
Q: Is lighting included in the wedding package?
A: This is very important to discuss with couples prior to choosing a package, lighting is usually not included in the package. It can be an expensive addition, especially for outdoor venues, where costs could range up to $2,000 depending on the setup.
Q: Wow! That can add up quickly. And can couples use outside vendors?
A: Most resorts have preferred vendors, and using an outside vendor often comes with a fee. It’s important to check if the resort allows outside vendors and if any specific requirements – like insurance – need to be met.
Q: What are some cost-saving tips for weddings?
A: Let’s get into it, get out your pen and papers. We recomnend those tips:
→ Replace expensive imported flowers with local flowers.
→ Consider simpler decorations, such as greenery or votive candles instead of elaborate floral arrangements.
→ Instead of upgrading all chairs to expensive ones, only upgrade those that are visible in photos, like the aisle chairs.
→ Rent silk flowers instead of buying fresh flowers for decor.
Q: Is there a way to save on fireworks?
A: As much as they elevate your wedding evening – fireworks can be very expensive – up to $2,000-$3,000 USD – especially if they need to be launched from a boat. A cost-effective alternative is using cold fireworks, which are safe and create beautiful photo opportunities at a fraction of the cost.
Q: What about the cost of a DJ?
A: The cost of a DJ varies based on the package and what services are included – lighting, animations. Some resorts offer basic, intermediate, or full packages, so couples can choose according to their preferences. A DJ is typically an additional cost, but if you want a more affordable option, you can create your own playlist.
Q: Can couples save on vendor costs?
A: Couples can save by either using vendors from the resort – which are usually preferred and might be cheaper – or by bringing in their own vendors. However, using outside vendors may come with fees, so it’s important to check the details in advance.
Q: How can couples get an accurate wedding cost estimate?
A: That’s why we are here! Couples should work with a knowledgeable travel agent who has experience with the specific resort. A good agent can provide a rough estimate based on the couple’s vision and extras, but exact pricing for services like flowers, DJ, or extras won’t be available until closer to the wedding date. We are local and visit resorts regularly – so make sure to reach out today to receive your free quote! ✨
Q: Can couples save money on the extra services like flowers or chairs?
A: Yes totally! For example, one couple chose to upgrade only the aisle chairs instead of all the chairs for a large wedding. They also saved by renting silk flowers instead of fresh ones, which looked just as beautiful in photos.
Q: Ok ladies, and finally, the question everyone’s been waiting for: “So… how much does a destination wedding actually cost?” 💸
A: This is a tough one to answer with a fixed number – there’s no one-size-fits-all price when it comes to destination weddings. The total cost really depends on your budget, guest count, and the kind of wedding experience you’re dreaming of. That’s why we recommend chatting with one of our wedding experts! They’ll walk you through the details, help you figure out what’s possible, and provide a personalized, no-obligation quote to get you started. The beauty of destination weddings is that they can be tailored to fit just about any budget – your dream day is absolutely within reach!
—
And that’s a wrap, thank you Lisa and Miriam! 😊If you need help bringing your vision to life, we would love to talk with you about how we can turn your dream destination wedding into reality.
Having planned hundreds of destination weddings gives us a little insight that we are happy to share! Did we miss anything in this guide? Do you have more questions? Reach out today😊
