One of the most popular questions we get is what is the average cost of a destination wedding. And it’s no surprise given that thousands of couples seek to fly away to celebrate their special day. So are you thinking of saying ‘I do’ in front of the undeniable beauty of the Amalfi Coast? Or perhaps you want an intimate ceremony on a Greek Island or even a gorgeous tropical beach ceremony?
There are usually some extra elements involved in planning a wedding abroad, such as legal certificates, and accommodation for friends and family so costs will vary a lot depending on where you’ll be celebrating. But the average destination wedding cost is about $45,000 for a guest list of up to 60 guests. However, it’s important to remember that this cost can be lower or even higher. This will largely depend on your final number of guests, the destination wedding location and of course, your choice of venue and catering options.
Keep reading below to find out the average cost of a destination wedding and which elements you can save or splurge on.
Destination Wedding Cost Breakdown
Travel
When planning a destination wedding, your number one concern should be finding the perfect location. Once you’ve settled on where you want your nuptials, it’s time to start budgeting for travel and accommodation costs. To get married abroad, most people will need some form of transportation, whether it’s flying or traveling by car or train. So if you live in the United States or the United Kingdom and are planning to travel overseas, make sure that your passport is up-to-date. You’ll also need a visa if you plan on staying longer than 90 days in another country. But don’t worry! If you’re American or British, many countries offer free tourist visas, which makes your travels much easier.
You’ll also need to budget for visiting your location before the special day. The average price of a flight from the United States to Europe ranges from $700 to $1,000 in low season and $900–$1,500 in high season. Whereas the average price from the UK to Europe ranges between £100 and £300 depending on the season. If you’ll be flying between the US and the Caribbean, average flights are around $150 to $300. Whereas, flying between the UK and the Caribbean will cost between £800 and £1,200 on average. Keep in mind that the earlier you’re able to book, the better!
Accommodation
Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll need somewhere for you and your guests to stay while you’re enjoying the celebrations! When budgeting for accommodation abroad, there are a few questions you’ll have to think about, including, how many guests you’re inviting and how many nights they’ll need to stay. Also, what kind of accommodation is best, such as a hotel, a villa, resort, or a vacation rental? Do they want their own room or would they prefer to share?
Hotels often charge more during the high seasons and holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. High seasons will differ depending on which location you’ve chosen. For example, for most locations around Europe, especially the Mediterranean, the peak season is between May and September. Although, if you do want a winter wedding in Europe the peak season in the Canary Islands is November to February. In the Caribbean, the peak season is also December to April. Mexico has two peak seasons, June to August and Christmas/New Year. It’s important to consider the time of year for your big day, as an off-peak location could considerably reduce your destination wedding costs.
Wedding Planner
Wedding planning can be an overwhelming process for any bride and groom, but for a destination wedding, it’s especially challenging. A wedding planner is your secret weapon when it comes to making sure all of the details are taken care of! This expense can vary in price depending on where you’re getting married and what kind of services you’re looking for. Remember, your wedding planner will be by your side to plan all of the details from start to finish, including finding venues, coordinating transportation, arranging accommodations, and adding personal touches to your big day.
The cost of a wedding planner for a destination wedding will vary depending on the type of wedding you have, the location, and the number of guests. If you have an intimate destination wedding for up to 50 people, it may cost between $3,000 to $6,000 depending on the location and the scope of the planning service you opt for. But this larger expense could end up saving you money! This is especially true if you choose a local wedding planner. Their local knowledge will be handy for choosing the right vendors, finding the best deals, and helping you cut destination wedding costs.
Wedding Venue
If you’re starting to explore the average cost of a destination wedding, you’ll want to consider the venue as carefully as you would for any other type of wedding. The venue will not only set the tone for your entire celebration, but will also be one of the most expensive elements of your wedding . The size of the venue can also affect how much money you spend on food, drinks, and other things needed for your special day. For instance, if your venue has a kitchen or kitchenette, you might be able to save money by preparing some of your own food instead of hiring caterers. Consider whether it’s better to rent larger spaces than smaller ones so that guests have plenty of room to mingle and dance during the reception after dinner is over.
Flowers & Decoration
You’ve probably chosen a beautiful location with a stunning backdrop for your destination wedding. But you might still want to add your own touches with decoration. Depending on how minimal or extravagant your vision is, the cost of your wedding florals and decor can vary significantly. Wedding flowers and decorations play a key role in your wedding, as they add color and beauty to your big day. They’re the center of attention that can make or break your wedding theme. You can get beautiful flowers for much less if you’re willing to shop around and go with local florists. The price will depend on what kind of flowers you want to use in your bouquets and arrangements, as well as how elaborate they are. On average, your wedding florals can range from anywhere between $700 to $5,000. This will largely depend on whether you want to keep things minimal with bridal and bridesmaids bouquets. Or if you want to create a magical environment full of beautiful blooms.
Food & Drinks
Another key element that will affect your destination wedding costs is food and drinks. This will vary a lot depending on how personalized you want your reception meal to be. If you want a plated menu with a cocktail service, you could be paying up to $150 per person on average. However, if you want to cut costs, you could go for a package offered by your venue with house wines, or opt for a casual vibe, such as a buffet or family-style meal so that everyone has options without the need for extra servers.
Transport
You’ll need to think about how to go from your ‘getting reading’ location to your ceremony and your reception for both you and your guests. In some cases, couples choose to have everything in one location and save on transport logistics. If you prefer to have different locations, you can also hire a car for yourself and your bridal party. This can cost between $200 and $1,000 on average depending on the type of car you want to rent. One of the best ways to transport your guests is with a bus ride, which could be a practical option for a larger guest list.
Guest Experience
A lot of couples that are planning destination weddings tend to have fewer guests than local weddings. But couples do try to make the guest experience as enjoyable as possible, given that everyone is traveling further away to a beautiful location. This includes pre and post wedding events, such as welcome parties and private tours. If your guests are staying for a long weekend, then you’ll want to keep them entertained so consider leaving some of your budget for this aspect.
Photography
Every bride wants stunning photos to look back on their beautiful day. When it comes to a destination wedding, there are different options for hiring photographers. The average cost will be anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000. Your wedding planner will most likely be able to recommend photographers in the area. Or you can even bring your own photographer from back home to make sure you have someone that truly understands your vision. But remember, this will usually cost more as you’ll have to budget their travel expense as well.
Hair and Make Up
On your special day, you’ll want to look amazing! This means having your hair and makeup look as perfect as possible. It’s a great moment to be pampered and calm your nerves before you walk down the aisle. If you want to hire a professional for this, you can expect to pay between $150 to $600 depending on your hair and makeup style. You will also be expected to pay for the stylist’s travel costs if they’re not local to the area.
Getting married abroad can be very exciting, but it can also be stressful if you don’t consider the average cost of a destination wedding. Find more tips and advice for celebrating a wedding overseas over at WedBoard where you can connect with some of the most beautiful venues and talented destination wedding providers! You’ll also find help with all parts of your big day including, 12 Tips for an Intimate Destination Wedding, Top 8 Beautiful Italian Wedding Venues, and 12 Unique Destination Wedding Activities.
Featured image: Saya Photography
