Destination wedding under $7,500?

Hartyt509 · 07-06-2008, 10:56 AM

I think if you go from the US or Canada its a defo possibility from the UK not so. Its costing us about that just to get there for 2 weeks!!

Kathie · 07-06-2008, 08:49 PM

Thanks everyone for your input. We are looking into the sites mentioned. I'll keep everyone posted on how we do!

ButlerGirl08 · 07-08-2008, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agape Gems

Heck yea! I had plenty of bells and whistles and a fantastic photog for that amount. I just picked a resort (RIU Ocho Rios, Jamiaca) where there were lots of things for free- like a dinner reception at a simi-private restaurant, etc. By doing a lil research I found that we could afford to stay for 10 days if we went with the RIU over some of the other more branded places like Couples, Sandals, Beaches...

I agree with Courtney 100%...it can be done...we had no choice... We were well under...of course there were a few extra things...but it was beautfiul and less expensive... Make sure you go All Inclusive...i don't think I can go back to ever doing it Non All Inclusive...

Kathie · 07-09-2008, 06:04 AM

Hi ButlerGirl08. Was the liquor top shelf? If not, do you know if you can pay extra to get top shelf?

Raeka · 07-09-2008, 06:14 AM

Welcome the the forum Kathie.

There are so many options for DW's. I guarantee you that you will find something suitable for your budget.

Will you have to pay for anyone besides yourself and FH for airfare or hotel? Do you have an idea where you would like to go? Do you mind All Inclusive resorts? What type of band are you thinking of?

Kathie · 07-09-2008, 08:07 AM

I will not be paying for anyone elses travel, although I will be paying for a few activities. I was not open to AI until recently. I've been reading on here and it seems like it might be the way to go. My concerns are quality of food and liquor. A lot of people drink Absolut or Stoli, etc. and I want to make sure that those liquors are available to them.

We are thinking either Mexico, Aruba or Grand Cayman. Haven't even thought about a band yet.

TA Maureen · 07-09-2008, 08:21 AM

One of the great things about Aruba is that there are a few resorts that you have a choice when you book it if you want to book it as an AI or not. That may give you ad your guests more options. Instead of wristbands you sign a bill to your room and if you booked as AI the bill gets zeroed out if not it gets charged to your room.

SunBride · 07-09-2008, 09:52 AM

I'm not sure if your budget includes your travel expenses, that makes a huge difference as it will take up almost half that amount. But it's still definitely do-able.

Here was our approx budget:

travel fees: 3000$
photographer: 2300$
videographer: 800$
bride and groom clothes: 1600$
Wedding package: FREE! But had to pay 200$ for blood test and judge's transportation

and then a few hundred dollars on decorations and accessories and other stuff.

So if you cut down on the photography and videography cost you can definitely do it. I think most resort photographers under 1000$

You will likely have to pay a service fee for your reception (at my resort, it was 18$ service fee for above 10 guests, for the normal restaurant menu, or 45-55$ for a special menu).

For cocktails, it might be better to just let people go to the bars and take advantage of the free alcohol as part of the all-inclusive package, rather than getting a special cocktail hour with personalized waiter, because that can be expensive.

My resort was Dreams Tulum, I think all the Dreams resorts in mexico offer a free wedding package. The Riu chain also offers free packages (outside of mexico only, so DR or Jamaica)

ButlerGirl08 · 07-09-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathie

Hi ButlerGirl08. Was the liquor top shelf? If not, do you know if you can pay extra to get top shelf?

I'm not a big drinker...but I can say that when drinking evryday, I never had a hang over... I wasn't too much paying attention to what the bottles said...I don't think I recognized any names, but they had any type of drink that you wanted there.

Sorry if I am no help.

ButlerGirl08 · 07-09-2008, 01:19 PM

I went to the ROR and here is the breakdown from what I remember:

$5400 for the Jacuzzi Suite for 11 nights
$800 for roundtrip airfare for both of us
$700 for photography
$97 passport
$200 for officiant and paperwork (but I had the free wedding)

Everything else I spent money on was extra an optional like excursions, souvenirs, ))T bag supplies, clothes, etc...thinsg that would depend on you and your taste.