What Should Destination Wedding Couples Expect to Pay For? 2024 Edition
You’re considering a destination wedding, and you are giddy thinking about all the beautiful places in the world there are to get married! Mountain tops, beaches, cityscapes, the Tuscan countryside, a garden in Bali - the list is endless.
But the BIG question you still need an answer to is what should destination wedding couples plan to pay for when it comes to their destination wedding?
With wedding season 2024 right around the corner, I’m going to share with you the trends I’m seeing regarding what destination wedding couples are spending their wedding dollars on, which I hope can really help you create your destination wedding plan and budget!
Let’s cut right to it, friend.
It’s completely up to you.
Some couples only pay for THEIR flights, accommodations, and their chosen wedding package (which may or may not include a reception for your invited guests, a cake, flowers, etc.)
Some like to rent out an entire Italian villa, so they can combine their venue and accommodations for their invited guests to stay with them as they celebrate their marriage.
Some couples want to pay for everything for their guests!
There are no rules.
Whatever feels right to you is the right move!
Because of this, and contrary to popular belief, destination weddings can actually be a considerably more affordable option for couples that want to celebrate their marriage by doing things differently than a standard wedding in the United States.
Let me say it again - there are no rules, requirements, laws, or expectations regarding what you should and shouldn’t pay for as the couple getting married at your destination wedding.
Here are common destination wedding components I see my couples pay for:
The couple (and/or the people that may be helping them out financially with their wedding) tends to cover the following
The couple’s flights
The couple’s car rental, private transfer, or other logistics to get them from the airport to their venue
The couple’s accommodations
The couple’s destination wedding package (which may or may not include officiant services, music, seating, decor, and a reception for their invited guests - it really depends on what your venue is offering)
The reception (if desired)
And this might be it!
Notice I didn’t put guests’ flights, guests’ logistics and accommodations, etc.
Here are other components a destination wedding couple may consider including in their budget for their destination wedding
Again, please note that one of the most wonderful things about a destination wedding is how customizable it is, so these are all ideas and by no means set in stone requirements. If you’re considering an all inclusive wedding, read more about all the reasons I love them and a few special considerations to keep in mind.
Guests’ travel expenses, including flights, logistics, and accommodations
Wedding dress(es) and/or suit(s)
Dry cleaning for your dress(es) and/or suit(s)
Photography and videography services - note that it’s common for all inclusive resorts to have preferred or onsite vendors for these services and may charge an outside vendor fee if you want to bring your own
Florals, including bouquets, boutonnieres, arch, centerpieces, etc
DJ/band/music
Officiant services
Rings
Hair and makeup services
Pre and post wedding celebrations, like a morning after brunch
Gratuities for service staff
Checked baggage on your flights
Special touches for the reception like a photo booth, gelato cart, donut wall, etc.
Babysitting services, either at home if you leave any kiddos behind or at your venue/in destination if applicable
Pet sitting, if applicable
Spa treatments before and/or after your wedding
Food and drink while in destination, if you’re not staying at an all-inclusive
Your honeymoon
Typical destination wedding guest expenses
As mentioned, some couples like to cover everything for their guests, but typically I see destination wedding guests paying for their own:
flights
accommodations
transportation
activities
food and beverages, if not staying at an all inclusive
A few pieces of advice from your favorite destination wedding designer:
PLEASE remember that the people you invite to your destination wedding should bring you joy, make you feel safe, and be honored to participate in your special day.
You have every right to invite and not invite people as you see fit, regardless of how long you’ve known them, if you’re related, etc. Anyone who tells you otherwise should probably seek counseling to figure out why they think guilt, shame, and manipulation tactics to try and make someone else’s wedding day about them.
This is a big one: in my opinion, SKIP the wedding favors. If you do really want to give some kind of favor, opt for something meaningful and useful for your guests. I really love local artisan shot glasses from Mexican craftspeople, small glass jars for collecting sand and seashells if you’re on a beach, or even just a photo booth that prints out pictures with your names and wedding date on them.
This is YOUR DAY, baby!
Congratulations on your forever together, and don’t forget to consider working with a destination wedding designer if your destination wedding planning is becoming more stressful than fun - you deserve to enjoy being engaged
I’m Erin, your travel bestie. Based in Michigan with plans to see the entire globe, I am passionate about empowering my travel clients to create and experience your very best adventure. After studying abroad in Rome during college, marrying the love of my life in 2020 (COVID wedding!), and becoming a mom, I know that we all want to spend less time stressing on the internet and more time enjoying the people we love. Let me help you achieve this by taking on the work of your next vacation so you can spend more time enjoying your people.
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