Average Destination Wedding Budget

Here are a couple of current facts about destination wedding budgets for those of you considering hosting a destination wedding away, in lieu of a traditional hometown wedding lasting for just one day.

FACT: Spending for destination weddings has actually increased over the last decade and has exceeded the average budget for a traditional wedding in the last three years, despite the recession.

As reported by Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Magazine:

“…the average traditional wedding budget has decreased by 7 percent in the last year from $21,814 to $20,398.”

whereas

“The average destination wedding budget has increased 4 percent, from $19,800 in 2006 to $20,600 in 2009…”

What does this mean?

It means that hosting a destination wedding with your closest family and friends does not necessarily mean that you will spend less  money on your wedding than if you were to host a traditional hometown wedding.

However, one benefit to hosting a destination wedding is that you may be able to do more with your budget (plan a nicer wedding) and create a more memorable time for your guests, especially when you consider that the average number of guests attending a destination wedding is 48.

Although your guest list is more likely to be smaller than when hosting a traditional wedding, you are likely to spend just as much because you will be entertaining your guests over a period of days, usually three and as a result, you are spending more money per guest.

Of course, it is also important to keep in mind that the average cost of a destination wedding also will vary depending on the location you choose and the things you want to do and plan for your guests.

Are you thinking of hosting a destination wedding? If so, what is your biggest concern?