I'm scared a DW is going to be more expensive

[bncandi]

Hello all! I just got engaged and always imagined a DW wedding, since I'm not a conventional kind of gal:) also, since we will be paying for this ourselves I thought, bonus, nice & affordable! Now I'm starting to worry that this may cost more than a regular wedding! Between all the add ons needed like photographers, etc...I'm worried I can't afford this either. A lot of packages I'm seeing are only a 1 hour reception, hardly enough time to even talk to guests let alone dance & celebrate. Am I missing something? If I planned 10k including my travel cost is that even doable anywhere? I can't pick a date or destination cause I have no idea where I can pull this off. So overwhelmed. Sorry for my negative nancy rant I know I'm in the right place for help...

[Katryne]

Well, it really depends on your priorities.  Most brides spend less on their gowns because they tend to chose smaller ones (less pouff).  You don't have to spend as much on decorations cause palm trees are pretty cool! As for receptions being shorter, yes 1h is quite short, you sure thats not the ceremony?  Our reception will be 3hours plus the time for dinner.  But also, remember you're spending the week with people so you don't need as much time to mingle.  Ya got the plane for that.. hahahha  The photographer, that also depends on which resort you chose, what the local ones cost, etc.

[lgerry]

It really depends on your guest count and what the different resorts offer for packages too. I would suggest coming up with a few resorts you like and within your budget for travel costs, and then do some research on what their wedding packages include... especially how many guests are included. We had about 3 resorts picked out, and after researching we discovered thst 2 of the 3 would be way too costly for us becsuse they only included up to around 15 guests in the packages we were looking at. If we wanted to have the 40-50 guests that we estimate are coming, we would have to pay $100/person to have a private dinner intead of the included a la carte dinner. Our budget is around $10k and so far we are on track with that, and I dont feel like we are sacrificing much. I even splurged a bit on my gown and thst includes our extra week for our honeymoon!

[shan0487]

Pick the right resort with great wedding package perks!  Palace resorts have great benefits- I just got married at Sun Palace had a guest list of 40 people and didn't pay a dime for our ceremony, cocktail hour or reception.  I brought my own decorations and paid for the ipod tech and brought my own photographer from home.  I think all said and done we spent about $5000-6000 total on our wedding including our 7 night stay in Mexico and our flights.  Not too shabby!!! If you have any questions feel free to PM me!   Good luck!!!

[Sharonte]

Like the others have said it's all about your priorities on your day , after all you are paying for this. My budget was 10k. Narrow down your destination and then search the different resorts and their wedding packages. The trick is to set your budget and stick to it . I learned quick how to be creative when it came to planning my wedding. Just ask yourself what do you want to splurge on your dress or do you want to splurge on a photographer. Happy planning.

[Zoe Nguyen]

Hi bncandi, we chose not to have wedding parties, minimal decoration, no DJ, small wedding cake etc, for me it is cheaper to organise overseas than in Australia (and gosh, everything is ridiculous expensive here), and DW is an excellent excuse to do anything but traditional. 

[kellykanester]

Hi Bncandi, We just got home from our destination wedding at dreams cancun. We chose the ultimate package which included everything except bridesmaid flowers and groomsmen boutineers. We brought our own centerpieces, chair sashes and table runners, as well as made programs and menus, the wedding co-ordinator set it all up without charge. We also added a light up dance floor and lights under the table for our reception on the beach. With our 40 guests we ended up paying around 4000 dollars for our wedding package and extras. To be honest you could take the bare bones package with no add on's for 2999 and you would be so happy with it. I dont include our flight and hotel to this because it was a vacation for us, which we take every year anyways. Destination weddings are more affordable, as long as you are smart with it.

[CanadianLindsey]

My DW cost about $10K including our flight from Canada to Cancun & hotel for a week. We had 26 guests, ceremony, cocktail hour & private reception all at a 5 star Mayan Riviera resort with an amazing photographer. Since we are non traditional too, we cut out lots of costly things and splurged on what we wanted, like the 5 star resort!

We cut out the cake & DJ, had a photographer from pre ceremony up until cocktail hour to save money(prices double if you have them stay through the dance). We also did a symbolic ceremony(legally married in Canada) to save hassle, costs and have the exact ceremony and wording we wanted. Keep in mind too you need minimal decor at most resorts, because they are outdoors and have beautiful scenery to start with. That can save you hundreds-thousands. We also skipped the boutonnieres for the GM since it's not our style anyways and re used the BM bouquets for centerpieces.

It is a lot to consider...take your time and choose the right resort/location first and then you will know how much money you have to spend from there. Good luck!

[KristieT]

I am getting married at Beach Palace in May- my guest count is 30 (with enough room night you will receive unlimited free functions (reception, cocktail hour etc) My budget was also $10k but looks to be coming in around $13 with out the flights. But I did spurge of my dress and the flowers, this budget includes everything from the bridesmaid dresses and gifts etc.

 

It is definitely doable! Just do your research! Good Luck!

[RNtoBe]

I recommend doing a lot of research, you have to take into account location and resorts. The price differences between resorts can be huge! My priority was the photographer and videographer,  since at the end of the day that is all you have when everything is said and done. I didn't want to regret not paying extra for a photographer and having photos that I hate.