According to the WeddingWire’s 2022 Newlywed Report, over half of couples who married last year chose a destination wedding. Los Cabos, Mexico, is a top choice for weddings, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and luxury. But, before you plan your Cabo wedding, understanding the costs is key. This article will cover the main expenses and offer budgeting tips for a dream wedding in Cabo.
Key Takeaways
- On average, 40% of a wedding budget is spent on the venue, food, and beverages1.
- Photography and videography typically account for around 15% of the total budget1.
- Music and entertainment expenses usually make up 10% of the wedding budget1.
- Flowers and décor expenses combined usually amount to about 20% of the total budget1.
- Wedding attire and beauty costs generally represent around 5% of the budget1.
- Big day budgeting strategies
- Marriage cost breakdown
- Wedding finance management
Understanding the Major Expenses of a Cabo Wedding
Planning a dream wedding in Cabo means looking at big costs. From the beautiful venue to the delicious food, each part adds to the total cost2. Last year, over half of couples chose a destination wedding, says WeddingWire’s 2022 report3. The venue you pick can change how much your Cabo wedding costs, based on its location, size, and how exclusive it is3. The number of guests you invite also affects the budget, especially for catering and choosing the venue.
Venue Costs and Location Fees
2 Venue fees in Cabo can be from $5,000 to $50,000 USD, based on how many guests you have and where you choose to have your wedding4. Cabo’s venue fees are lower than in the U.S., ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 USD, unlike the $15,000 to $20,000 USD in the States3. By focusing on what matters most to you, you can make sure your venue fits your budget and dream.
Food and Beverage Expenses
2 For weddings at European plan hotels or top restaurants, food and drinks can cost between $280 to $375 USD + tax + service charge per person4. The average cost for food and drinks at a Cabo wedding is $377 USD per person, not including tax and service fees4. For 5-Star hotel weddings, it’s about $450 USD per person, plus tax and service4. All-inclusive hotels offer a cheaper option, with food and drinks costing around $185 to $250 USD per person for smaller weddings.
| Venue Type | Food and Beverage Cost per Person |
|---|---|
| European Plan Hotels or Restaurants | $280 – $375 USD + tax + service charge |
| 5-Star Hotel Wedding Venues | $450 USD + tax + service |
| All-Inclusive Hotels | $185 – $250 USD |
4 High-end restaurants in Cabo might charge more than $40,000 USD plus tax and service for 80 to 100 guests3. Karla Casillas and Co. offer personalized advice to help you understand what you want and need. They work with local vendors to fit your budget and style.
3 Planning a Cabo wedding should be easy and fun, no matter the size or budget. With good planning and budgeting, you can have the wedding of your dreams in this beautiful place243.
Entertainment and Photography: Capturing Memorable Moments
Your Cabo wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The entertainment and photography choices you make are key to keeping the magic alive. From fun music to beautiful photos, these elements can make your day even more special for you and your guests.
Music and Live Bands
The cost of music for your Cabo wedding can vary a lot. A DJ might cost about $300 to $400 per hour5. On the other hand, a solo musician starts at $500, and a full band can be from $6,000 to $15,0005. Think about the vibe you want and the energy you want on the dance floor when picking your entertainment.
Photography and Videography Services
Photography and videography are key to capturing your Cabo wedding memories. Good photography can cost between $3,500 to $7,000 USD5. Video services also have separate prices, often including a highlights video and the full ceremony if asked for.
It’s important to look at different options for entertainment and photography to find what fits your budget and vision5. Choosing skilled professionals for videography and photography is crucial to get the best memories6. Those who focus on their budget for must-have vendors tend to be happier with their wedding6.
“Wedding videography and photography are seen as must-haves on the big day. These pros are with the couple for about 10 hours or more.”6
By finding the right balance in Cabo wedding entertainment and photography/videography, you can make your celebration unforgettable. This way, you’ll have beautiful memories to look back on for years to come576.
The True Cost of a Wedding: Budgeting for Your Big Day
Planning a Cabo wedding is exciting but can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting. The cost of a wedding can change a lot based on things like the location, the number of guests, and the vendors you pick8. It’s important to know the costs to make sure your wedding is memorable and fits your budget.
Choosing the right venue is a big part of budgeting for a Cabo wedding. On average, a wedding venue costs about $12,000, but prices can vary a lot depending on where you are8. In places like the Bay Area, the cost for the reception alone can be between $26,000 and $46,0008. Also, having more guests can increase the total cost, with each guest adding around $300 on average8.
Other big expenses include catering, photography, and entertainment. Catering can cost about $40 per person8. Photography and videography can range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on what you choose and where you are8. And don’t forget about the cost of music and live bands, which can also be a big part of your budget.
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue | $12,0008 |
| Catering (per head) | $408 |
| Photography and Videography | $2,000 – $5,0008 |
| Entertainment (Music and Live Bands) | Varies |
When planning your Cabo wedding, set aside about 10% of your budget for unexpected costs8. This will help cover any surprises or changes that might happen during planning. Also, getting several quotes and talking clearly with vendors can help you avoid surprises and make the most of your budget.
“The true cost of a wedding can vary greatly depending on geographical location, number of guests, and individual preferences. It’s crucial to prioritize what’s most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.”8
By knowing what goes into the cost of a Cabo wedding, couples can make a detailed budget that fits their dreams and budget. With good planning and a smart approach, you can have a wedding that’s both special and affordable.
Decorations, Flowers, and Lighting: Setting the Ambiance
Planning your Cabo wedding’s ambiance is both fun and important. The cost of decor, flowers, and lighting can change a lot. This depends on your style and the venue’s look9. It’s key to know these costs when planning your budget for decor and design.
Rental Costs and Furnishing Needs
Think about if the venue has the lights, tables, and chairs you need. Renting them might be necessary. Uplighting for a big ballroom can be $700 to $2,0009. A monogram gobo light costs between $400 and $7009.
Texture lighting, for creating cool patterns, is $75 to $100 per light9. Cake spotlights are $30 to $1009. Pipe and drape, for dividing spaces, is $10 to $25 per foot9. Pin-spot lighting for tables is $25 to $45 per light9. Bistro lighting is $3 to $5 per foot9.
Chandeliers are $225 to $500 each9, and pendants $15 to $25 each9. Low fog for a dramatic look is $250 to $3509. Labor costs are $300 to $600, and delivery is $50 to $1509.
Cabo wedding decor and floral costs can add up fast10. Flowers for the wedding can be $500 to $12,00010. Centerpieces are $50 to $500 per table10. Decorating an outdoor reception can be $1,000 to $15,00010.
When planning your Cabo wedding decor budget, think about spending $1,100 to $1,300 for a small, simple wedding9. For a bigger, more detailed wedding, plan for $1,500 to $3,5009. Look for good deals on lighting from venues and DJs, which can be $800 to $1,2009. Make sure to pick quality lighting options9.
“Decorating an outdoor wedding ceremony can cost $200 to $3,000, while decorating an outdoor wedding reception can range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on existing amenities and guest count.”10
Understanding the costs of Cabo wedding ambiance and design helps couples make good choices. This way, they can have a beautiful and memorable wedding11910.
The Role of Wedding Planners and Their Fees
Planning a destination wedding in Cabo? A professional Cabo wedding planner is a must-have. They handle local vendors, manage logistics, and make sure your day goes smoothly. But, you’ll need to consider their fees in your budget12.
The average cost for a Cabo wedding planner is about $2,00012. Prices can go from $800 for a “day-of” coordinator to over $25,000 for a full-service team1213. What you get and how much you pay depends on the planner’s expertise and services12.
Full-service Cabo wedding planners charge a flat fee or a percentage of your wedding budget, usually 20-25%12. “Month-of” or “day-of” coordinators start at $1,000 to $8,00013. For Cabo weddings, full-service planners start at $5,000 and can go higher12.
Choosing a Cabo wedding coordinator means looking at their experience, local knowledge, and how they manage logistics. Even though it seems expensive, a good planner can save you money by negotiating with vendors and keeping you on budget13.
Deciding to hire a Cabo wedding planner depends on your needs, budget, and what you want for your wedding. Knowing the different services and their costs helps you make a choice that fits your dream wedding141213.
Miscellaneous Expenses and Creating a Realistic Budget
Planning your Cabo wedding means thinking about the little things that add up fast. This includes transportation, hair and makeup, favors, and invitations. Each one is key to making your day special15.
Transportation, Hair and Makeup, Favors, and Invitations
Transportation costs add up quickly. You’ll need to pay for shuttles for your wedding party, guests, and the newlyweds. This usually takes about 2% of your total budget15. Hair and makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, and others can be 5% to 10% of your budget15.
Favors and invitations also have their costs. Aim to spend 2% to 5% of your budget on them15. Choosing nice favors and invitations shows your guests how much you appreciate them and sets the mood for your Cabo wedding.
Creating a realistic budget means planning for these extras and saving for surprises. Set aside 5% to 15% of your budget for unexpected costs15. With careful planning, your Cabo wedding can be both fun and worry-free16.
| Wedding Expense | Average Percentage of Budget |
|---|---|
| Venue and Catering | 40% |
| Photography and/or Videography | 12% |
| Music and Entertainment | 10% |
| Flowers and Decor | 10% |
| Wedding Attire and Beauty | 9% |
| Ceremony | 3% |
| Stationery | 3% |
| Favors and Gifts | 2% |
| Transportation Services | 2% |
| Wedding Bands | 2% |
| Cake | 2% |
| Emergency/Miscellaneous Fund | 5% |
The average wedding costs about $29,000 as of 2023, with New York City weddings costing $43,53617. Make sure to plan your Cabo wedding budget carefully, covering all the costs for a memorable celebration15.
A well-thought-out budget is key to a great Cabo wedding. By planning for these extras, you can enjoy the journey and make memories with your loved ones15.
“A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost a lifetime’s worth of savings. By being strategic and realistic in your budgeting, you can create the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.”
Conclusion
Planning a Cabo wedding means you need to budget well and think about costs. This way, your big day will be unforgettable and won’t break the bank18. With the average cost of a wedding in 2023 at $30,119, up 3% from last year18, knowing the big expenses is key. It’s important to make a budget that fits your main goals.
Things like the venue and catering take up 40-50% of the budget19. Then there’s entertainment, photography, and floral decor to think about. Each part needs careful planning and talking to vendors to get the most value19. By choosing affordable options, like non-traditional spots, weekday or off-season dates, and DIY decor20, you can save a lot. This way, you still get the Cabo wedding you dream of.
The secret to a successful Cabo wedding budget is to know what’s most important to you. Talk openly with vendors, and have some extra money set aside for surprises18. With smart money management and creativity, you can handle the costs of a Cabo wedding. And you’ll have a great time getting to your happily ever after20.
FAQ
What are the typical venue costs and location fees for a Cabo wedding?
How much can couples expect to pay for food and beverage at a Cabo wedding?
What are the typical costs for music and entertainment at a Cabo wedding?
How much should couples budget for photography and videography services for a Cabo wedding?
What are the typical costs for decor, flowers, and lighting for a Cabo wedding?
How much do wedding planners typically charge for their services in Cabo?
What are some of the other miscellaneous expenses to consider for a Cabo wedding?
Source Links
- Wedding Cost Checklist: Here’s How to Allocate Your Entire Wedding Budget
- Cabo Wedding Cost-Blog – wedding photography | GV photographer
- Understanding the Cost of a Cabo Wedding — Karla Casillas and Co.
- The Cost of a Cabo Wedding | The Luxe Bride Experience | Amy Abbott Events
- Wedding Cost Breakdown: Guide to Understanding Wedding Costs
- Budgeting for Your Dream Wedding: Prioritizing Must-Have Vendors
- A Wedding Budget Breakdown for Your Perfect Wedding
- True cost of a wedding? – Weddingbee-Boards
- How Much Does Wedding Lighting Cost? – The Lighting & Sound Company
- Average Cost of Wedding Decorations – Zola Expert Wedding Advice
- Wedding Decorations for a Small Budget – Historic Acres of Hershey
- How Much Does a Wedding Planner Actually Cost?
- Wedding Planner Cost Guide| WeddingWire
- Here’s How Much a Wedding Planner Actually Costs
- Wedding Budget 101: Budget Breakdowns, Examples, & How to Do It
- How to Build Your Wedding Budget
- Wedding Budget Breakdown: How to Calculate and Budget Wedding Costs
- How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost? – NerdWallet
- WHAT IS A WEDDING BUDGET AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT:
- Budgeting for Your Dream Wedding (Without Breaking the Bank) – HelloPrenup