Realistic Dream or not?

[Mrs.G2B]

Hello all DWB,

 

Im a newbie here and am hoping to become a DWB. I've been reading many threads and researching websites of Riviera Maya All-inclusive resorts. My parents arent to crazy about this idea, but they have given my FI and I a budget to work with. Can someone please give me a "BIG picture" idea of how much this will really cost. Im assuming we will have a small wedding with a MAX of 16 ppl. Also have all of you paid for your wedding party's stay at the resort? Ive read that this is appropriate. If you dont wish to disclose this information I understand. Im just trying to figure out if this is a realistic for us. We have a budget of $6,000.00....... am i dreaming??

 

I understand all the packages and add-ons, I just want to say the simplest wedding.... how much??

 

Hope i can get some answers.....Thank you in advance

[asbarret]

this is definitely possible!

 

FI and my travel, (12 days at 2 resorts and flights) 3000

total cost of private reception w/decor/music (which is free if i book enough rooms) 1800

the outside photographer i hired for 3 hours: 900

 

we are staying at the moon palace i oct, when the prices are lower. basically with a destination wedding, you can make your wedding as expensive or inexpensive as you want.

 

for example, we don't have to do a private reception (which includes full open private bar and buffet dinner w/ apps and desert). we can have a dinner on a private terrace in a restaurant for FREE!

 

the free wedding package at moon palace also includes my bouquet, the wedding location, a minister/JOP and a lot of other perks.

 

just do your research and you will soon see you can afford it if you pick the right resort.

 

and we are NOT paying for the wedding party travel expenses.

[josietoms]

In terms of budget I think this is possible - I am a UK bride travelling from London to Mexico in Jan 2011 and for me and my partner and the wedding package it is £3400 (approx $5000) - but includes full reception, flowers etc - but as 'asbarret has said the benefit with a destination wedding it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. This is for 14 nights and is all inclusive.

It just takes hours of research on the internet but you can do it and the choices are endless - shopping around is the key.

We have 15 others coming with us and we are not paying for any of them - we explained this right at the start and everyone just said let us know the cost and we will make the decision.

As a way of thank you we are just buying some more expensive thank you gifts than we would if we were getting married at home in the UK.

If you go low season this would help with costs as well.

Hope you find your dream wedding.

[carolina24]

well if you are only having 16 ppl, many resorts offer "free weddings" provided you stay for a certain amount of time. these are the "minimal" ones you talked about. at our resort (Dreams Cancun), the most expensive package is $2700 for a max of 20 ppl and this includes the ceremony, reception (with food and drinks), photog, video, your bouquet, his bout (plus 2 more for moms), cocktail hour, a mexican trio (you can use this for the ceremony or cocktail or reception), your make-up and hair, steaming your dress and his outfit, and they give the groom a room for the night before the wedding (if you don't want to stay together). they have other packages as well so you could check the website.

 

I think you could definately do a DW on a $6000 budget, you just have to do some research.

 

as for the bridal party, when we asked our friends to be in the wedding, we made it clear that it was a DW and we would completely understand if they couldn't afford it, ie we are not paying for anyone!! if you give people enough time to plan and budget it shouldn't be an issue.

[NaM]

Sure it's possible. Check out the 'Budget" thread-you should do a search...and tons of brides list what they spent on their weddings. Really helpful for your question.

[mrs.timpone]

that's the beautiful thing about a destination wedding, you can have a beautiful wedding without spending that much! My wedding isn't until Sep but I estimate that after everything is said and done I will prob spend around 10,000. And I have a lot of add ons I'm getting married at Dreams Cancun. Good luck!!! Happy Planning!

[prettypigpig]

$6000 is very very possible. $2000-$3000 for plane tix and 1 week of stay at the resort

and some resorts offers free wedding or $1000 package that includes the essentials.

You can add $1000-2000 for photos +video

Guests can eat at the resort' resto, and drink all they want (no need to worry about extra food/drink cost). Of course, they have to pay for their trip and stay out of their own pocket. Just send ur STDs in advanced, so everyone can start budgeting.

Just shop around and compare! This forum is extra helpful!

[barbiegirl_27]

I think this is totally realistic.....my FI and I have set a $6000 budget including our stay at the resort....and I don't think we're going to have any problems staying within this budget. We aren't paying for anyone, it's just not possible. people have been given a year notice, and if they can't make it, oh well. This day is for us, not them! maybe try talking to a TA and let them know your budget, and they might be able to suggest resorts for you that would fit that budget!

Good luck and happy planning!

[Mrs.G2B]

Yay! Thank you everyone for your feedback, very helpful. My mom made me think I was in La La Land for thinking this would be possible. (she wants a wedding for “showâ€) My FI and I love to travel and feel DW is really or style. I have been so excited and she rained on my parade, I wanted to check with others. I will definitely be contacting a TA ASAP!! Let the planning begin.....I'm so happy I found this forum.

 

Thank you again.

[mrs.timpone]

aww good for you mrs. g2b!!! this site is def a lifesafer and will help you stick to your budget! there are so many smart and frugal brides on here!