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

Melissa and Ramzi, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen Destination Wedding

Xcaret-Wedding-Playa-del-Carmen Weddings at Xcaret are just magical. The venue has so many special little spots and attractions that make it romantic and original. It’s a treat for you and your guests and a photographers dream, which are some of the many reasons why Melissa and Ramzi came all the way from Beirut to exchange vows at this amazing venue!

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playa-del-carmen-xcaret-wedding
There were tons of carefully planned details to pulling off this super celebration and not one went unnoticed! Guests were raving about the beautiful ceremony and reception! Beautiful flowers by Cherry Blossom and personal touches were everywhere!

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La Isla Restaurant at Xcaret made sure everyone was happy and full and DJ Diego had the party going until the early morning!

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Congratulations to the very happy couple! And thank you to Queztal Foto for the wonderful photos!

Patricia and Juan, Indigo Beach, Playa del Carmen Wedding

weddings-in-playa-destination-wedding-medicoFeast your eyes on this perfect destination wedding in Playa del Carmen to fight the Monday winter blues! The flowers are gorgeous, the crown is to die for, the couple is beautiful and the venue is stunning!Photostudioab01 Photostudioab03WIPThe romantic “I Do’s” were held at Nuestra Señora Carmen, right at the start of Playa’s famous 5th Avenue with father Hubert performing the ceremony. Photostudioab08 Photostudioab07The group made their way down to the beach where Indigo Beach Club was ready and waiting to host the gorgeous beachfront dinner and party, complete with Mariachi del Sol with Don Elio. Photostudioab13 Photostudioab15WIP3WIP2WIP4Congrats to the happy couple and thank you to PhotoStudio AB for the fabulous photos. Photostudioab11

Getting Married in Mexico, Legal/Civil Wedding

legal_wedding_mexicoIt’s easy to get lost in all of the exciting aspects of wedding planning. Colors, themes, floral arrangements, the dress, the champagne… the paperwork. Ok, so maybe not that last one, however legal documentation is unavoidable should you wish to be legally recognized as husband and wife, in any country.

You may choose to take care of the paperwork in your home country before or after your ceremony in Mexico, however some of our couples feel strongly about completing the civil union on the day of the wedding. You shouldn’t be concerned about the process here in the Riviera Maya despite what you may have read about it being lengthy or complicated.

legal_wedding_mexico

Here is the low down on “making it official” in paradise!

WHAT YOU NEED:

Passports: valid passports for bride and groom (must be valid for more than 6 months from the wedding date).

Tourist Card: given to every foreigner on the flight to Mexico.

Blood Test: to determine blood type, HIV, RH factor and Venereal diseases. By law this must be done in the municipality where you get married within 2 weeks from the wedding date.

Witnesses:  4 witnesses with their passports (min. 6 months of validation) and tourist cards.

That wasn’t so bad was it?! Now here is what you should know about the process.

Travel: the bride, groom and their 4 witnesses must be in Mexico for at least 3 complete business days (Saturdays, Sundays & Public Mexican Holidays are not included) before the wedding, not counting the arrival date or the wedding date, to submit all the required documents.

Marriage License (for USA, Canadian and British Citizens): we will obtain the apostle for the Marriage License and will send it to you by courier. The procedure takes around 2 months. This certificate is legally recognized in your country, the same as you would have received at home.

Ceremony: Mexican Law requires a Justice of the Peace to perform the ceremony. Some may perform in English however traditionally this is done in Spanish.There is a short script and you are welcome to have a friend or family member officiate in your language. Please note that the script can not be edited or altered, however you are free to add personal vows.

Blue Venado Beach Club Wedding

TIMELINE

 3 months before wedding

Photocopies of bride, grooms and witnesses passport emailed to planner

Make sure everybody has valid passports (remember, they need to be valid for at least 6 months past the wedding date)

In case of a divorce on any side, ask your planner if you need to present any document

3 days before wedding

Meet planner and review all documents are in order

Blood tests (it is usually possible to have a nurse come to your hotel or condo to perform the test and it only takes a few minutes to complete the forms and take the sample… you’ll even get a lollipop!)

Complete forms for marriage certificate. Couple and witnesses need to sign the papers.

Natalie y Seth

Hopefully this helps you in your planning process. Your planner will be able to review everything with you should you have questions or concerns.

HAPPY PLANNING!