How to Budget for a Destination Wedding
A destination wedding sounds like a dream… ocean breeze, swaying palms, and your favorite people in one place.
But the big question is – how much will it cost?
Flights, guests, décor, it can add up fast.
Still, it can stay within your budget. And with a clear plan, you can save smartly.
This guide will help you do just that!
We’ll show you how to budget wisely, and still create a wedding that feels unforgettable.
Let’s break it down.
The average destination wedding in Mexico and the Caribbean usually falls around $10,500.
The final cost depends on:
- The resort category
- Country, and by extension, airfare
- Guest count
- And how much you upgrade your décor, entertainment, and events.
Generally, all-inclusive resorts bundle food, drinks, venues, and staffing into 1 wedding package, so you’re not dealing with separate vendors for everything.
Guest count shapes almost every part of your destination wedding budget.
More people = higher food and beverage costs, bigger reception spaces, and sometimes minimum spend requirements for private events.
Fewer people = pocket-friendlier packages, fewer upgrades, and a much more manageable bill.
Your guest list naturally trims itself because it’s a destination wedding. This is one of the biggest pros or cons, depending on how you look at it..
Not everyone you invite will travel, so your final headcount is usually smaller.
Here’s a cost table for your reference.
These ranges are what we usually see for weddings in Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts
Guest Count | Typical Budget |
15-30 guests | $8,000-$10,000 |
40-60 guests | $10,000-$18,000 |
80+ guests | $22,000-$30,000 |
Your own travel is a key part of the budget, and it’s usually more predictable than guest costs.
Here’s what you should plan for:
1. Flights
Prices vary by season and where you’re flying from.
For Mexico, here are ballpark prices for a round trip:
From USA:
- New York to Cancun – $340
- LA to Cancun – $270
- Miami to Cancun – 314
- LA to Los Cabos – $280
- San Francisco to Los Cabos – $320
- San Antonio to Puerto Vallarta – $290
2. Travel Insurance
A must for international travel. Travel insurance costs depend on your total trip value, usually a small percentage of the overall spend.
3. Airport Transfers
Some resorts include transfers; others don’t. Private transfers cost more but are convenient if you’re carrying décor or wedding outfits.
On average, a room or suite at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, during the regular season, costs anywhere between $210 and $575 per pers per night. The final cost depends on resort and room type you end up choosing.
You can get group rates for you and your guests are discounted rates. Most all-inclusive resorts offer special wedding rates when you book a “room block”.
That means you and your guests often pay less than public rates, and our team of certified destination wedding specialists can help you snag awesome perks like room upgrades, free nights, and cash-back concessions.
Pro tip: Book your room block early. Prices often rise fast as travel dates get closer.
This is where couples are pleasantly surprised.
Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean offer curated packages that often include:
- The ceremony setup and decor
- The bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
- Wedding coordinator
- Sparkling wine for toast
- A reception dinner
- And sometimes even cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, cake, and music.
You pay one price that covers most essentials.
Packages often start around $3,000-$5,000 for intimate weddings and can scale up based on the number of guests and the customizations you opt for.
Most resorts include a ceremony venue and a standard reception space in their wedding packages.
So if you’re happy with what’s included, you may not need to spend extra here.
But if you want something more unique, like a sky deck, or a private garden, or want to book an entire restaurant, you’ll usually pay an additional venue fee.
Depending on the resort and the venue you choose, these fees can range from $500-$4,000 for 2-3 hours.
The best part of an all-inclusive resort? You’re already covered for most meals and drinks.
But you might want to splurge a little on a private welcome party, or an open bar, or a rehearsal dinner.
And for these private events, catering typically falls between $60 and $120 per person.
Check if your resort allows a semi-private dinner at no extra cost, because many do.
These are the personal touches – a live musician, drone video, or a beach bonfire after-party.
No doubt these details make your wedding unforgettable, but they can also add up fast.
Here’s a look at common add-ons and what they typically cost at wedding resorts in Mexico.
Taxes (around 16%) may apply depending on the resort.
Item / Service | Approx. Price | Notes |
Minister service fee | $200 | For legal or religious ceremonies |
Fireworks | $2,000-$3,000 | Price depends on location and timing |
Rose petals for flower girl | $50-$170 | Price depends on size of petal bag |
Bridesmaids’ bouquets (each) | $50-$100 | Local flowers |
Groomsmen boutonnieres (each) | $15-$30 | Simple, matching floral accent |
Non-floral centerpieces (each) | $70-$90 | Candles, crystals, or sand-filled vases |
Fresh floral centerpieces (each) | $150-$200 | Local, seasonal flowers |
Cocktail table décor (each) | $30-$50 | Small floral or candle arrangement |
Bride & Groom table flowers | $150-$250 | Large, domestic floral design |
Additional ceremony arch or canopy flowers | $250+ | Depends on size and floral type |
Wooden walkway | $800-$1200 | Ideal for beach ceremonies |
Extra event hour for 40-50 guests | $1,000-$1,500 | Usually ends by 12 PM |
Outside vendor fees | $250-$500 | Includes vendors for hair, makeup, photography, music etc. |
Vendor meal (per person) | $45 | Applies to external photographers or musicians |
Only photography | $700-$1,000 | For 1 hour |
Photography & video | $1,400-$2,000 | For 1 hour |
Photo Booth | $500-$800 | For 2-3 hours |
Don’t forget to create an “extras” category in your budget.
That way, you can pick and choose what feels worth it rather than adding costs last minute.
Here’s a simple framework that works:
- 50% for resort stay + wedding package
- 20% for own travel and group transfers
- 15% for group experiences and/or stay upgrades
- 10% for additional services (dj, extra decor, live music etc.)
- 5% as an emergency fund
Keep everything in one shared spreadsheet or wedding planning tool.
Update as you go because I can tell from personal experience that it’s easier to adjust numbers mid-way than stress later!
If you’re doing a symbolic wedding, you’re all set.
But for a legal ceremony abroad, expect additional paperwork and fees for documents, translations, and officiant services.
Your wedding planner can handle these details, so you won’t have to stress about that.
Just set aside $150-$500 depending on the destination.
Now that you know where the money goes, let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to build a wedding budget that feels smart, not stressful.
1. Set Your Total Budget Early
It’s easy to start with the destination country, venue, décor, and theme.
But the smartest move is to decide how much you’re comfortable spending first.
Every decision you make should align with it.
This total budget should also include the cost for your clothing, accessories, invites etc.
2. Prioritize What Matters Most
Every couple has different non-negotiables. For you, it might be great photos. For someone else, it’s live music or a private rooftop dinner.
List your top three must-haves. That’s where your money should go first.
Everything else? Keep it flexible.
3. Invite Smart
A destination wedding naturally trims your guest list. Fewer guests mean lower costs for wedding food, décor, and transport.
Focus on the people you can’t imagine celebrating without, not everyone who’s ever liked your engagement post!
4. Travel Off-Season
We can’t emphasise on this enough!
Choosing dates just outside peak travel months (like late April or early November) can save you thousands.
Same beaches, same sunsets, just better prices. And fewer crowds.
5. Ask for Perks
When you book through a destination wedding travel agency (like ours), you get leverage.
We negotiate directly with resorts for perks like free nights, complimentary events, or even upgraded décor.
Resorts want your business, and it’s our job to make sure you get the best value possible.
How much does a destination wedding usually cost?
It depends on your destination, guest count, and resort. For a wedding in Mexico, most couples spend between $8,000 and $25,000, including travel, stay, and wedding events.
Is a destination wedding cheaper than a local wedding?
In many cases, yes! According to The Knot, the average wedding cost in the U.S. was approx. $33,000 in 2024, up from $29,000 in 2023.
Should I pay for my guests’ travel or stay?
Not usually. Guests cover their own travel and accommodation, though couples sometimes host a welcome event or excursion as a thank-you.
How far in advance should I start planning and budgeting?
Ideally 12 to 18 months before your date. That gives you time to explore options, secure group rates, and set up a savings plan without stress.
Budgeting can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling flights, guests, and resort options. But that’s exactly why we’re here.
At Paradise Weddings, we’ve helped 1000s of couples plan stress-free destination weddings that stayed within budget.
We handle the resort negotiations, guest coordination, and all the fine print, so you can focus on enjoying your big day.
Call us today at 877-737-0177 or email us at contact@paradiseweddings.com.
Can’t wait to hear from you!
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