How to Plan a Caribbean Destination Wedding on a Budget

Have you always dreamed of getting married on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean? If so, you might assume that your dream must stay at dream due to costs. Despite what you might assume or what you may have heard, destination weddings in the Caribbean can be a lot cheaper than anticipated. So, how can you plan a destination wedding on a budget?

Find all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that offer free standard wedding ceremonies. Yes, some resorts really do offer these! They usually require a minimum nights stay, such as 3 or 5 nights. What does a free wedding include? Inclusions vary depending on the resort in question; however, you are likely to find some common inclusions. It is common to get free access to a wedding planner, a choice of ceremony locations, a provided witness or a couple of guest passes, and a private dinner afterwards. With a longer stay, such as 7 or 9 nights, the resort may take care of the additional expenses required to validate a marriage in a foreign country.

Choose the all-inclusive resort that is the perfect fit. Since many Caribbean resorts give guests the option of having a free standard wedding, you have a choice. Don't opt for the first resort you see. Take the time to find the perfect fit. Most brides and grooms combine their destination wedding with their honeymoon to meet the minimum stay requirement. Since you may spend a week or more, choose a good resort. Don't just focus on the wedding, but the honeymoon too. Opt for a resort with a long list of inclusions, meaning you don't pay extra. Beachfront resorts may have a host of beach activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

Make your travel plans. This involves reserving your room or suite at the all-inclusive resort. Many resorts give you the option to include your airline tickets too. Do it because you may save money and it eliminates another reservation that you need to make. Although you can make your trip arrangements online, you may want to contact the resort in question. Remember, you want to have a cheap, but memorable destination wedding in the Caribbean. Honestly, you are one of many. Contact the resort by phone to ensure you can have a wedding during your anticipated travel dates. Don't find out too late that the garden is booked for other special events.

If you didn't contact the all-inclusive resort before booking your trip, do so now. You shouldn't just show up and expect to get a wedding. As previously stated, even free standard wedding ceremonies may qualify for a free wedding planner. Make use of yours. Destination weddings can be difficult to plan, as you may be thousands of miles away. A wedding planner can ease the stress and ensure you have a perfect day.

Review the Caribbean resort's inclusions for free wedding ceremonies. As previously stated, this varies. Most of this information is found on resort websites, but your wedding planner should also be able to mail you a packet.

Review the resort's wedding upgrades. A free wedding is nice, but you usually get just the basics. If the basics aren't enough for you, order some upgrades. These upgrades are affordable, meaning you can still have your dream wedding when on a budget. As with inclusions, available upgrades depend on the resort in question. You can usually get in-room hair and makeup, purchase additional guest passes, have a wedding reception instead of a private dinner, rent a tux, arrange for a photographer, and live or recorded music. If you wish for upgrades, discuss them with the resort's provided wedding planner.

Finalize your travel plans. In the week or two before your destination Caribbean wedding, contact the resort again to ensure everything is in place. Now is also the time to make any necessary changes to your wedding, like adding additional upgrades. When packing, pay close attention to your wedding dress. In fact, contact the airline ahead of time to know how you can travel with your dress. Can the airline hang it in the cabin or must you check it with the rest of your luggage?