(This post is a continuation of destination wedding series using St. John as an example)
As the Wedding Report states that the average cost of a wedding has declined again, the destination wedding world has also experienced cut backs. USA today reports that couples are refusing to pay less for their dream weddings and some couples are even trying out backyard weddings (Thanks, Mark & Tom for the links!)
Source: Matt May for USA Today
So what do you do if you want the destination wedding but you’re budget doesn’t match that of those who got married several years ago? There are many ideas for stretching that destination wedding dollar, but here’s a wedding plan put together with a $10,000 budget in mind. You’ll be pleased to know that we came way under $10,000. I included the assumptions I had to make so you know what goes into these estimates.
Wedding Plan Profile:
- Total people: 10
- Time of Year: Early November
- Total Days: 12
Wedding Plan Costs:
Because these costs vary so much depending on the bride, I made a ballpark estimate of $4000 (more for elaborate weddings, less for simpler weddings):
- Wedding dress
- Wedding rings
- Vacation activity for you and guests
- Travel (Booking months in advance, I’ve seen $320/per person for round trip from Washington, D.C. to St. Thomas)
- Ceremony Music
The following important stuff is estimated at $4050-$4770. What it includes:
- 12 nights in a waterfront condo on St. Thomas (next to Ritz Carlton beach and the ferry to St. John) – $1920 (May-November) $1920 (December-April)
- Pastor, marriage license, beach license – $400
- Photography, Wedding CD, Hair & Makeup, Bridal Bouquet, Boutonnière – $960
- Stationary from Michael’s or AC Moore (invitation set, programs, thank you’s, stamps) – $90
- For the reception, there are several options. For my reception estimate, I used Asolare, a restaurant we really enjoyed while we vacationed there. The restaurant owners didn’t get back to me about a specific reception menu, but I estimated $700 assuming 10 people in your party at $70 per person when you order off the menu. Well-known pastor, Anne Marie Porter also suggests Rhumb Lines or Zozo’s for a fun reception. If you do a rehearsal dinner, that would be another assumed $700.
Source: St. John Weddings
What does the total look like? $8770. What does that get you? Accommodations at a condo in St. Thomas and fabulous intimate wedding for 10 people in St. John for 12 days!
Of course costs can go up and down. The biggest factors (you statistic geeks can perform a sensitivity analysis and agree with me) are the costs in the first list above, number of guests, and the reception dinner. Therefore, if you want to bring the price down, invite fewer guests and go to an inexpensive restaurant.
Next, I’ll share about our stay at Cabrita Point and why I thought it was a good idea for this wedding plan.
Did you do a destination wedding that you could share about? If so, leave a comment or contact us!
FYI, we cannot guarantee the quoted prices by third party vendors. These quotes are subject to change without notice. However, they are good estimates. :O)
I’m not very familiar with destination weddings, so my question is: How many people have destination weddings with only 10 people? Take the bride, the groom, the 4 parents and one sibling each plus spouses, that’s 10 people.
Also, are you expected to provide food for your vendors (e.g.) photographer in a destination wedding?
Hi Erica,
Talking to several wedding planners in St. Thomas and St. John, it looks like the majority of the destination weddings are 10 people or less. In terms of frequency, it’s not common to have a larger and elaborate wedding that is common to the States.
Most vendors do not stick around long enough for you to provide food. The only ones would be the wedding coordinator and the photographer, in which case you can offer a vendor meal (like you would for any other wedding). A vendor meal is basically a smaller meal for cheaper since they are also expected to work during the wedding. Thanks for your comment!
I love the idea of destination weddings because it gives your guest the opportunity to travel to a new place. What I love most is that you get all the essentials, a great memory and amongst your dearest family members and friends.
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My friend just got married in her backyard! It was really beautiful and really nicely done! You can’t tell from the pics that it was a backyard ceremony at all!
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Is 10 people too less for a wedding? Is destination wedding like this? I think 10 people will definately too less for my wedding. I’m planning my wedding now. It is in next Sept. I would like to have as many people as come.
@Lutus, many of the St. Thomas and St. John planners that we met with said that most destination weddings they do are 10 people or less. But of course, the number of guests is up to the bride and groom. My friend just had a destination wedding this past April with about 200 people. Usually it’s on the smaller side because of cost or the bridal couple is looking to do something more intimate. Good luck in your wedding planning! I’d love to hear more about it some time.