So, you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean?  Good choice! Sun, sand, and saying “I do” with a spicy margarita in hand—what’s not to love? But before we start planning your beachfront fairytale, let’s talk budget. Because while love may be priceless, weddings… not so much.

This Ultimate Destination Wedding Budget Breakdown is here to help you navigate the costs and make sure your big day is as stress-free as it is stunning.

photo credit: Melissa Jones Photography

Pro Tips for Staying on Budget

To begin, let’s start with some things to consider for staying on budget:

1. Consider the time of year:

My two favorite months for weddings are May and November, which are the shoulder seasons in the Caribbean. The most expensive time to get married is Christmas and the months leading up to Spring break – January, February, March. After Easter, and before the hurricane season so from April – mid June is the perfect time to consider a wedding in the Caribbean. Hurricane season is from July – October, prices are cheaper but I would not recommend booking during this time period.

2. Leverage Group Discounts:

Many people do not realize this but the larger the wedding group, the better value you will actually get. Hard Rock Hotels are one of my favorite resorts in terms of value for money, my groups get amazing deals here. Especially since I am a Hard Rock Hotel WOW specialist. This allows me to provide a special discount to wedding couples – for example one of my couples were able to reduce their bill by $1,400 – allowing them to host a cocktail hour completely free because of this perk!

3. All-Inclusive Packages:

This feels obvious but let me say this anyway, if you are considering getting married in Mexico or the Caribbean going all-inclusive is a must! In addition to the perks mentioned above, all inclusive packages can simplify the planning massively and make budgeting way less stressful since everything is packaged together. By booking an all-inclusive package it will enable you to stay on budget much easier than if you were having to piece everything together.

photo credit: Melissa Jones Photography

Now let’s dive into your destination wedding budget breakdown. Use this as a guide for how much of your budget you should allocate to the different elements of your wedding:

Venue (40%-50% of Total Budget)

Your venue is the biggest expense. Most all-inclusive resorts in Mexico & the Caribbean offer wedding packages that cover ceremony space, décor, catering, and even a wedding coordinator, but pricing varies. The overall cost will depend on the type of resort you go for – mid-range, premium resort or ultra-luxury. Expect to spend $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the resort and package inclusions. 

What you get depends on the package, the resort, and how extra you want to go. (And if you want all the deets, you need to check out my free wedding pricing guide!)

Travel Expenses (20%-25% of Budget)

Flights for you, your partner, and potentially key guests (like parents or bridal party members) will take a significant portion of the budget. Round-trip flights to Mexico or the Caribbean typically range from $300 to $800 per person, depending on the season and location. 

Additionally, you will want to allocate funds for accommodation. It is important to consider the number of guests you may be bringing with you as group bookings can often mean significant discounts. Room rates typically range from $250 – $500+ per person, per night.

Don’t forget any local transportation that may be required such as airport transfers or car rentals. When you work with a travel advisor (like me!!!) – I set it up so that your package includes transportation for all of your guests – which is one less thing to worry about (or budget for!) 

I dive deeper into these calculations in my wedding pricing guide which you can download for free here.

Photography and Videography (10%-15% of Budget)

You are definitely going to want to hire someone to capture your wedding weekend. . Destination wedding photographers often charge $3,000 to $6,000, including travel expenses. Some resorts have in-house photographers, but hiring an external professional may give you more flexibility and quality.  My favorite part of bringing your own photographer is being able to have them shoot ALLLL the events of the weekend!  

photo credit: Honeyscout Photography

Other Costs to Consider:

– Wedding Attire (10%-15%):

Bridal gowns can range from $500 to $3,000, while suits or linen outfits for grooms typically cost $200 to $800. Factor in additional costs for accessories and alterations, and the bags you want to use to bring them with you!  

– Flowers and Décor (5%-10%):

Floral arrangements and décor may cost $1,000 to $3,000. However, this is the area where I tell people to save as much money as you can and keep this amount low.

Pro tip:  When speaking to your on-site coordinator in the planning phase, ahead of time – give them a dollar amount you are comfortable spending along with some colors and inspiration then let them run with it. It allows them to be creative and have fun producing something unique for you within your budget. Sometimes they even throw in little extras because you are not too obsessed with it. 

– Entertainment (5%-10%):

Local musicians or DJs typically range from $500 to $2,000.

– Additional Activities: (5%-10%)

You may want to include activities for your wedding weekend such as a Catamaran Cruise, rehearsal dinner or wedding brunch. Note that some activities may even be included if you opt for an all inclusive package. (Some of these are included specifically when I plan your wedding – with some of my extra perks I can share!!) 

photo credit: Melissa Jones Photography

In Summary – The Destination Wedding Budget Breakdown For Mexico or the Caribbean

There are many factors to consider when budgeting for a destination wedding and I hope this destination wedding budget breakdown helps to provide a realistic guide of how and where to allocate your funds.  If you are looking for an even more detailed breakdown – you will want to grab my guide How to REALLY estimate the PRICE of your Destination Wedding

I promise it is possible to enjoy the wedding of your dreams without financial stress! If you’re ready to start planning your dream wedding or need additional tips tailored to your unique celebration, reach out today for personalized advice and resources. Let’s make your destination wedding an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones!