The Cost of it All

Wedding budgets and how to save some serious $$$$

Dollars are money spent for budgeting wedding
We have been organizing weddings since 2001 and know some tricks!

Weddings in Mexico! white beach, palm trees and tequilas!! Cheap price right? ehemmm…

All in all organizing these events was extremely cheap 20 years ago when we started the business yet certainly this has changed since all venues have doubled their fees and post- Covid prices have increased. Additionally, flights and hotel rooms have caught up.

plants as wedding decor
Plants instead of flowers

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and with varying price tags. All things considere, hosting a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to mean to go into debt nor breaking the bank (unless you know how to…). We’ve used our collective experience to put together a list of the best wedding budget tips and hacks. Preparation and research can help save you a lot of your hard-earned money as you plan the big day.

Throw the wedding of your dreams with these wedding budget tips and money-savings secrets

You can have the wedding you’ve always wanted without wiping out your savings.

In this paragraph, moreover, i will suggest how to plan your wedding clearly during a less traditional time of year or time of day to make your rupee/dollar/peso/euro as well as that yin stretch… In addition some hotels give great accomodation deals if you book a large group! (we love https://www.hyatt.com/es-ES/hotel/mexico/grand-hyatt-playa-del-carmen-resort/cunpc)

1. Book in the off-season

Above all, if you’re interested in a destination wedding, choosing a wedding date during slower seasons can save you a lot of money on venue rental, overnight accommodations, flights and more, however that is not always the case. Check online deal and your TA or OTA.

2. Avoid holidays

Another key point is to avoid holidays and other special events that raise local prices. All in all in conclusion it should be noted that to have it at one location, so wedding ceremony, cocktail and reception will be less expensive!

dogs at wedding can be fun
Watch our for uninvited guests! Be clear with your friends if you allow +1…

Booking the venue ( Btw: we love https://bluevenadoweddings.com/)

3. Keep the guest list small

Altogether a small, intimate wedding will save the bride and the groom money on venue rental as well as food and beverage service,but in case of a very large wedding (i am planning one for 300 right now!), ask your guests for no gifts but cash contributions: however couples have everything since they already live together and that will help you both to give the party you dream of!

4. Look for venues that allow outside vendor setup

Also bringing in external vendors is often cheaper than using the in-house version and make sure to ask about additional fees for using outside vendors, set up/tear down fees, gratuity, and any other fees that may unexpectedly arise. Ask to see an example contract and compare various venue policies. We love DJ DIego https://www.instagram.com/evolutionmixaudiovisual/?hl=en

5. Create the ideal menu

Dance carefree because your budget is looking good!

Skip a full-plated dinner service that requires serving staff and includes multiple courses. Family style or buffet are great and everyone can get what they want! In conclusion altogether forget the cake and go for the delightful Mexican pastries like the ones we buy at http://www.chezceline.com.mx/ or at https://ahcacao.com/… We are clients and as a result have been buying for our couples their fab brownies ( for https://ahcacao.com/) and the creme brulee and mini tarts (@http://www.chezceline.com.mx/) since they opened!!

Brownie from Ah cacao

Ah cacao brownies, to die for…


 
6. Extend your cocktail hour to transition into the reception

As cocktail hour is wrapping up, unveil a slider bar, charcuterie station and break out the entertainment to seamlessly transition into the reception without including dinner service.

Signature drinks make your cocktail more you!

Thrifty decorations yet super cool!!

Spend your money where it matters most. Don’t allow decorations to take over your wedding budget; save money with these great tips. In addition, Pinterest is a super great helper!!!
 
7. Stick with one theme

Choose one style—one color scheme—and stick to it. Extra flowers, tissue paper, or linen can easily be repurposed to save elsewhere. Please no more gold and violet! seen and re-seen…

8. Paper flowers

Instead of shelling out major money for fresh flowers (be planet savvy since flowers have a high cost) , consider mini plants (like the ones at http://www.jardinfloreria.com) or origami flowers or other crafty DIY alternatives. Furthermore, they are they a bargain, they last a lot longer than “the real thing.” Plus they make a great gift at the end of the night! Arches also can be DIY…

Our clients were creative and got a unique decor for their kissable moment!

The look

We all want to look our best on our wedding day too; that’s a given (that is why our make up artists are the best: we use https://www.sarahgarnier.com/ and https://www.dorannahairstylist.com/ . Furthermore, you can still go glam without gutting your expense budget.

9. Accentuate a simple dress with standout accessories

Simple, classic dresses can easily be taken up a notch with an eye-catching accessory. Lastly, choose jewelry, hair accessories, or shoes that stand out when paired with an affordable gown.

Me helping a client wear their jewelry

10. Choose a simple hairstyle and add a headband or barrette (or find a good friend…)

Stylists are typically needed for excessive updos. Choose a simple, elegant hairstyle accentuated by a headband or barrette to save on styling costs. If you have good friends, you can ask them for a make up or a touch up…

Friends in action…

Financial planning

Financial responsibility is essential to wedding planning with less stress. It’s also a core component of a healthy marriage foundation. Start your marriage off right by setting financial goals, tracking expenses, and working with your partner to stay within a designated budget.

11. Discuss your budget with your partner and agree early on

Set goals and limits that you both agree on. Ensuring that you’re on the same page from the beginning will help avoid unnecessary drama down the line. Set a credit limit, and don’t go over it… Be financially responsible with your wedding planning. If you are comfortable paying off $500 of credit card debt this year, for example, set that limit and stick to it. If you can’t afford it, don’t charge anything at all. Only purchase what you can afford right now.

12. Decide what details are negotiable

Pinpoint “must have” and “can definitely live without” wedding details so that you can allocate money to what you want most. Take advantage of credit rewards and benefits. f you already have a credit card or two, research your reward benefits. See which retailers your creditor partners with to find unadvertised discounts and cash-back opportunities.
 

13. Look for unexpected expenseTry to anticipate any unforeseen expenses. Will you need to rent restroom trailers for an outdoor wedding? Is there ample parking? Most venues in Riviera Maya are far away from the city. consider that… what is the cost of transportation for the guests? and what if they want to leave earlier? Ask us for everything you need to know, we are always available at Watsapp +529838337771. You can never have too many options. Buy and create the items you really want and set for a budget friendly and amazing wedding day!! ENJOY in the creation…

Thanks for the photos to : https://delsolphotography.com/, https://www.lilibretonphoto.com/ https://www.facebook.com/officialABPhotography, /https://deansandersonweddings.com/ https://naalweddingphotography.com/

Weddings In Playa Laura Joe
Thanks to all the great vendors that make my job easy

Tonia & Michael, Paamul Beach, Destination Wedding, Playa del Carmen

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In 1997, I Maria, and my man decided we were eloping. We woke up one morning and he asked if I wanted to head down to the courthouse and get married. We had been engaged for 1 month, together for just 9, and were feeling overwhelmed. We weren’t overwhelmed by our quick decision to get married, but by the reaction to our wedding plans—our day of choice was shot down (it was on a Wednesday, six months in the future).

We were young and in love, so when he told me to go all in on eloping, I did and we got married later that day.

Therefore I always am very happy when I meet other couples who want to do the same, like Tonia & Michael who got married last Nov. 12th on Paamul beach. I love when people make a conscious joyous decision to just do it, so be it. I am thrilled to say that, to get married on a deserted beach legally, they needed 4 witnesses and their dear friends accompanied them in the happy occasion: congratulations Tonia and Michael, I adore your joie de vivre!

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The couple exchange rings

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It’s always hard not to cry at weddings!

Inky fingers from signing the register

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And they’re married! Time to have some fun…

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IMG_4615-22To elope, most literally, means to run away and to not come back to the point of origin. More colloquially, elopement is often used to refer to a marriage conducted in sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving a hurried flight away from one’s place of residence together with one’s beloved with the intention of getting married …

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Thanks to Kalu Restaurant for food and drinks, Flowers Jardin for bouquet, Isaura Rodriguez for photos and Styling Trio for Hair and Makeup.

Adana and John, Punta Esmeralda Elopement

photostudioab008We couldn’t be more thankful to work in an industry built on love. With everything going on in this world, we couldn’t be happier to look back on these weddings and feel the love and happiness. Pure and true.

Here we have Adana and John, a wonderful couple from the UK who came to elope at the stunning and secluded Punta Esmeralda. photostudioab001 photostudioab002 photostudioab003 photostudioab004 photostudioab005 photostudioab006 photostudioab007 photostudioab009 photostudioab010 photostudioab013Thank you Adana and John for sharing your love and making the world a brighter place!

Photos by PhotostudioAB

 

Lisa and Joeri, Paamul Elopement, Destination Wedding

Photostudioabplaya001What we have for you today is a truly perfect Playa love story! Lisa and Joeri met here in Playa del Carmen just over 10 years ago. They now have a beautiful little baby girl and it was no surprise they chose to come back for their destination elopement celebration!

Photostudioabplaya002 Photostudioabplaya003 Photostudioabplaya007It was a beautiful day in Paamul, intimate and romantic. Perfect for this special moment and I was honoured to be their witness!

This happy little loving family was a pleasure to work with and we wish them many more beautiful memories!

Photostudioabplaya012 Photostudioabplaya015Thank you to PhotoStudio AB for the photos.

 

Ryan and Ryane, Punta Esmeralda Elopement

Ryan_Ryane_Wedding_68How adorable is that?! Ryan and Ryane… finding true love with one another! This wonderful couple decided to elope to the Riviera Maya and Punta Esmeralda provided the perfect backdrop for this intimate moment.

I was on double duty for this one! I had the honour of helping beautiful Bride Ryane get ready and acted as minister as the couple said their “I Do’s”.

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Ryan_Ryane_Wedding_13 Ryan_Ryane_Wedding_42The Riviera Maya is a truly magical place and there are so many tucked away spots for a small ceremony or for just the two of you to share your special day.  We are so fortunate to be a part of these intimate moments!

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Congratulations Ryan and Ryane! We wish you a lifetime of happiness!