OK, I was just going to comment on the original Planning a Destination Wedding - Budget post, but it ended up that I had too much to say as usual, so it turned into another post.

For those of you that looked at the first post, and thought that it seemed too broad and lacked numbers, I figured I'd give you a look into some ballpark numbers that I encountered while planning a destination wedding this past May in Nassau.

**Necessary disclaimer: I am giving these numbers as an example of what happens when you start adding stuff while planning a destination wedding, not so that you can plan on the same situation or numbers.  Prices vary greatly on number of guests, location, and options, like the original post said...so don't pay attention to the numbers as much as the change in overal budget versus original**

OK, here we go.  We wanted a less-expensive party-type all-inclusive resort, and weren't too concerned with how fancy it was, it was more important that it be laid back and a good time.  We decided that we wanted a simple wedding, nothing fancy, just a beach wedding.  We also decided that we didn't want a traditional reception, and that we would just go out to one of the resort clubs with all our guests after the ceremony to party.  Sounds reasonable right?....Here's where the budgets start going crazy:

-We spent approx. $3,500 on our travel for the week (we picked an inexpensive resort remember?)

-Good news...weddings are FREE at the resort, and the gazebo was perfect for us. 

Now stop here.  This is where we originally wanted to be, and this would have been extremely affordable!  A great deal on travel, and a free wedding makes for a happy couple!  But wait, here come the additions:

-We decided to get a better photo package (turned out to be a great decision by the way): $350

-She wanted a different bouquet (I said flowers are flowers, but lost that argument): $50

-We decided to do a cocktail reception after the ceremony so we could hang out with everyone before starting the party: $750

-OK, now the biggy...we decided to do a reception after all: $1300 (we didn't go too crazy with the options here)

-And, you need music right?  DJ: $500.

So, we started with $3,500 right?  Then we started adding on options...and we ended up over $6000, which is about an 80% increase!   Again, don't pay attention the numbers themselves, but the fact that we increased our budget by 80%.  So, like the original post said, make sure you really decide if you need these additions before you nail down your budget.  In the end, it is was probably at least $20K cheaper than if we got married at home, so I am not implying that it was bad!

Then there was the honeymoon of course...at a much more expensive resort...which was worth every penny!