How to Create a Budget for your Destination Wedding

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Even if money is no object, having a clear spending plan is essential. Planning a Caribbean destination wedding? Amazing choice! But before the menus, thes music, or the flowers, let's talk about something a little less glamorous (but absolutely necessary): your budget.

Start with the Basics

Sit down with your fiancé and create a wedding budget.  No cheating. No guesswork. This is your roadmap.

• Be honest about what you can truly afford.
• If you're not prepared, costs can exceed expectations no matter the destination.
• And here's the big question:
  How much can you spend on your wedding without going into debt for years to come?

Why You Need Wedding Budget 

Weddings are often one of the top three most expensive life events–after buying a home or raising kids.

The difference?

No one asks you to prove you can afford it. That makes it easy for things to go sideways, fast.

Pro tip:
Talk openly about money. if that conversation is difficult now, it might be a sign to slow down (just sayin'…).

 

So, How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost?

Your destination wedding can be as grand or small as you want.

When comparing a Caribbean destination wedding to a hometown wedding in the US, it’s possible to pay 40% less for your island celebration.

You could have a small destination wedding at all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean for 10 people for around $6,000.

Two Main Options:

1) An all-inclusive Resort or Hotel

2) Private villa, Boutique Property, or Offsite Venue

Each has different costs, expectations, and levels of convenience.

What You'll Likely Pay For

As the couple, you're financially responsible for:

• Your travel and accommodation
• All wedding-related expenses: wedding reception menu, ceremony site fees, photography, cake, wedding wardrobe, marriage license fees, etc.
• Guest activities – excursions, welcome gifts, etc.
• Subsidized travel for VIP guests (if you choose)

Prioritize What Matters

What's most important to you? 

• Is it the food?
• The photos?
• The guest experience?

Spend more on those, and trim back elsewhere.

How to Keep Track of It All

• Create a separate wedding account – savings, special credit card (great if you're collecting points!)
• If you're getting money from parents, stash it away in this account
• Funnel a percentage of every paycheck in to the account

Money-Saving Tips 

• Keep your guest list small – invite a small group of people
• Avoid high-end destinations that is not a favorite for wealthy tourists (e.g. St. Barts, Barbados)
• Go all-inclusive – you and guests pay a flat price for food, room, drinks and activities.

Bonus: Many resorts will offer free wedding perks if your group stays for a certain number of nights!

Final Thoughts

A modest budget doesn't make your destination wedding less special–it makes it intentional.

When you're honest about your finances and clear about your priorities, you're already winning.

👉 Remember:
How much can you spend on your wedding without putting yourself in debt for years to come?
Answer that truthfully, and you're well on your way to a celebration that feel just right.

Need help planning?:

Schedule a free consultation here.

I'd love to help you create a stress-free, joy-filled celebration in paradise.

Happy Planning! ♥