 | DIY on Public Beach: $200-$2,000+ |
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 | Beach Wedding Package: $200-$5,000+ |
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 | Beach Resort Wedding: $10,000-$50,000+ |
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| Typical costs: | - Beach wedding costs depend on many of the same factors as a non-beach wedding -- the number of guests, the size of the wedding party and the choice of the wedding dress ($200 -$5,000+), tuxedo or suit ($50 -$1,500+), flowers ($700 average for a traditional wedding), wedding officiant or minister ($50 -$400+), marriage license ($10 -$100+) and more. Because a beach wedding is typically informal, it can be less expensive. For example, while a formal wedding gown might cost $1,000 -$5,000, David's Bridal offers more simple destination wedding dresses for $100 -$800.
- A do-it-yourself wedding on a public beach can cost $200 -$2,000 or more, depending on the number of guests and how elaborate the set-up and ceremony are. Renting chairs can cost $2 -$8 or more per chair, often with a minimum of delivery charge of $50 -$125. A simple metal wedding arch can cost $20 -$130 or more; a sturdier bamboo or wooden trellis/arbor typically costs $100 -$400 or more; and renting a wedding arch can be $35 -$500. A permit for using a public beach can be free or $25 -$300 or more. For example, having a wedding ceremony with chairs and an arch on Fort Lauderdale Beach in Florida is free, but the ceremony area cannot be roped off and the reception must be elsewhere, while the city of Pacific Grove, CA, charges a $300 fee ($200 weekdays) for two hours in ocean-view Berwick Park.
- Commercially coordinated beach weddings can cost $200 -$800 for a bare-bones package with few or no guests, or $1,000 -$5,000 or more depending on number of guests and what's included. For example, the Platinum Florida Wedding Company offers a $200 ceremony only package with an officiant/minister and a rose or sand unity ceremony; a $795 package with a bamboo arch, bridal bouquet and groom's lapel flower with an unlimited number of guests (no chairs); or $2,995 with sand angel package with 40 covered chairs, bamboo arbor, two potted palms, two tiki torches, a rose-petal aisle, an audio system and more. Bridal Dream Hawaii has a $399 Waikiki wedding package with a minister and photographer (photos on CD) or a $799 "North Shore Package" with a minister, photographer (CD and 4"x6" prints), orchid bouquet and flower leis.
- It can cost $10,000 -$50,000 or more for a beach wedding with all the traditional touches -- bridesmaids, groomsmen, extensive floral decorations, live music, etc. -- for a ceremony held on the private beach of a hotel, resort or similar facility, followed by a catered reception and dinner either indoors or on a patio or balcony. For example, the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, MA, charges $1,000 to coordinate a beach wedding ceremony (getting the permit, arranging transportation to and from the hotel and wedding site, etc.) with a reception dinner at the hotel for $65 -$95 per person.
- Some couples choose a destination wedding, with the ceremony and the honeymoon slated for the same exotic locale. Destination weddings at a tropical beach location can cost $8,000 -$40,000 or more, depending on the length of the couple's stay, what's included in the wedding, the number of guests and if the resort is all-inclusive.
What should be included: | - If the wedding is being organized by a company or consultant, make sure it's clear who is responsible for which details. A Florida wedding planner lists crucial beach wedding supplies and important details to remember.
Additional costs: | - Coastal weather can be unpredictable; renting a tent as a back-up if it rains can cost $350 for a small 20'x20' square frame tent (up to about 40 guests) or $900 for a 30'x60' rectangle (up to 180 guests).
- If the wedding site is out of town, send save the date cards ($0.20 -$4+ per card) as early as possible.
- Unless the bride, groom and guests live near the coast, travel expenses will add to the total cost of the wedding. Actual expenses vary significantly depending on the distance traveled and whether people are driving or flying.
- Hiring a wedding planner to coordinate details can cost $1,500 -$10,000+, depending on what's included.
- If needed, renting portable restrooms typically costs $100 -$175 for a standard non-flushing Porta-Potty or $1,000 -$4,500 for a deluxe restroom trailer with multiple stalls.
Shopping for a beach wedding: | |
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Article updated August 2011 |
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