Last Updated on July 4, 2024 by greatvacationsawait
Destination Wedding Resorts offer wedding packages that can cover everything from pre-wedding events to your entire wedding day, or vow renewal and honeymoon. Whether doing an intimate elopement or a 100-guest celebration, you’ll find a package that will give you everything you want.
Let’s look at examples of some typical all-inclusive resort wedding and vow renewal packages and discuss what you need to know.
NOTE: Every resort brand has its specific wedding packages and pricing; this blog aims to give you a “ballpark” idea of what your wedding package options include and the type of pricing you will discover for each package.
COMPLIMENTARY WEDDING PACKAGES FOR 30 GUESTS
Most destination wedding resorts offer some type of complimentary wedding package. However, to receive this package, you will usually need to meet specific requirements, such as a 3-night minimum stay for a certain number of guests or rooms. For example, a minimum of five rooms for three nights each could qualify for the free destination wedding package.
You will need to clearly understand the requirements for receiving your complimentary wedding package so you aren’t disappointed when it comes time to finalize everything.
A good destination wedding travel agent can help you set up your destination wedding or vow renewal ceremony correctly to qualify for the complimentary package.
What is Included in a Complimentary Wedding Package:
For the Ceremony:
- Outdoor location for the ceremony
- Minister to perform symbolic ceremony (if required)
- Complimentary wooden pergola & matching wooden ceremony table
- Witness (If required and needed)
- 30 white avant-garde chairs
- Sparkling wine during the ceremony
- Basic audio system
For The Reception:
Semi-private dinner reservation for up to 30 guests in one of the resort restaurants, with standard restaurant decor. So, the complimentary package won’t include a dance floor or any setup on the beach.
When is a complimentary destination wedding package an excellent way to go?
A complimentary wedding package will allow you to customize your wedding completely. Over the years, I’ve advised many of my destination wedding couples to get the complimentary package, especially when other wedding package options included things they didn’t want.
It is never wise to pay for something you won’t utilize. 😉
Prices & Options For Other Wedding Packages
Wedding Packages For Up to 24 to 28 guests: Price Range: $7,600-$24,500
Compared to the above complimentary wedding package, here is an example of an upgraded Destination Wedding Package for up to 24 people that is USD $10,000 and $199 per person for additional guests (staying onsite):
In this example, you can have a quality destination wedding while adding a few personal touches. The music and photography will usually be included in this $10K destination package that couples need.
Overall, I still like the complimentary wedding package vs the $10K package because it is an inclusive base package upon which to build. However, you do need to factor in that it will cost much more than $10K by the time you add the extra elements (DJ/band and photography) and a few touches like bistro lighting, all the table centerpieces, dance floor, music (or musicians) for the wine & cheese hour, etc.
Let’s look at a deluxe wedding package for up to 50 guests.
Wedding Packages For 50-100 Guests: Price Range: $14,000-$30,000
An example of a destination wedding package for up to 50 people usually includes one free night for you and your spouse when celebrating your first anniversary within the same resort chain.
Here is a breakdown of what would be included in this example Wedding Package:
Looking at the inclusions for this package, you can see that it includes many more elements, such as a two-hour welcome cocktail party, hair and makeup, and four hours of standard DJ.
So, for the right couple, this is a great package. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for someone with 40 guests or a couple who isn’t planning to have a welcome cocktail or maybe wants a live band instead of a DJ.
Popular FAQs About Most Destination Wedding Packages:
Q1. “Can I substitute items”?
Answer: Most resorts do not allow substitutions (it would be nice if they did), so I advise most clients to go with the wedding package that gives them everything they want and a la carte the rest.
Q2. “What if I want a band instead of a DJ”? Can I just pay the difference”? Answer: Some resorts may allow this, but if not, select a package that doesn’t include the services of a DJ.
Q3. “Can I substitute the flowers”?
Answer: Generally, yes, but there will be a price difference that will be higher, not lower.
Q4. “Can I bring my own photographer/videographer?
Answer: Many resorts have quality professional photographers, but if you would like to bring your own vendor, there will either be an external vendor fee or a minimum night stay requirement—usually, at least three nights are booked at the resort.
LEARN MORE: Top 7 Destination Wedding Questions Answered:
Here are a few more tips regarding wedding packages:
- Packages include complimentary venues. It is typical to see sky wedding terraces with a venue rental fee of $1,500. Buying a restaurant at a resort may have a venue rental fee of $5,000. Beach wedding venues may have an extra setup charge. I’m happy to guide you through these details.
- If a resort requires that you pick out a package, find out if you can make a change before signing the contract. Generally, you can change it if it is an upgrade, not a downgrade. So, if there is a lower-cost wedding package, select the cheaper one for your contract.
- Guest inclusions generally refer to those who are booked with the wedding group. Guests staying at a different resort or who booked outside the group may have a separate per-person rate. I advise your guests book within the wedding group to avoid surprise fees.
REMEMBER: every resort brand differs in its pricing and packages. A thriving destination wedding is always planned in these three steps.
- Choose the best destination resort venue for your wedding.
- Secure your wedding date and time.
- Choose the best wedding package that gets you as close as possible to everything you want without including anything you don’t want.
I highly suggest you work with a destination wedding travel agent who can help you easily choose and plan a destination wedding that will be everything you dream it will be, without the stress of trying to do it all on your own.
Deciding on a destination wedding package involves more than just picking a beautiful location. It requires careful consideration of the options offered, the overall cost, and the unique experiences each package provides. By doing your homework and understanding the nuances of each package, you can create a wedding that reflects your love story in a truly spectacular setting.
You can use the information in this blog post to help you figure out the best wedding package for your destination wedding, or you can just hit the easy button and schedule a free 30-minute destination wedding strategy session with me.
P.S. if you still need help after reading this but don’t want a complimentary strategy session with me, check out my complimentary Ultimate Guide you will discover:
- -Get important wedding checklists all in 1 place including:
- * Packing Lists For Everyone
- *Destination wedding Time Line
- * Checklist for wedding planning and more
- -Get insider tips to help you get unstuck and jump start your wedding planning.
- – A Q and A section for LDS couples planning a destination sealing. ( if you don’t need this section, please recycle if you print it, or just don’t print it out)
- -Great time saver!
