GUATEMALA WEDDING PLANNER
ANTIGUA GUATEMALA &
Guatemala wedding cost
UNDERSTANDING THE EXPECTATIONS
Is it expensive to get married in Guatemala?
There are different standards when it comes to foreigners' and locals' weddings; therefore, we are not going to discuss what a local would usually expect to spend on a Guatemalan wedding. With this, we also want to address that we have excluded all-inclusive weddings Guatemala that prioritize volume over crucial factors such as food safety.
As destination wedding planners, we prioritize safety and white glove service. We ensure that all of our selected vendors comply with various safety, administrative, and quality protocols. This guarantees a pleasant and secure visit to Guatemala for all your guests, which, of course, comes at a cost. If you wish to compare a destination wedding Guatemala to a fair comparison point, check this blog where we talk about how the Guatemala wedding cost stands against Italy.
HOW TO PLAN A DESTINATION WEDDING BUDGET
What is the average cost of a wedding in Guatemala?
Let's begin by acknowledging that every wedding is unique and has its own wedding budget or wedding cost, especially when it comes to bespoke weddings. That's why it's important to clearly understand what is expected before beginning our wedding planning journey.
In Antigua Guatemala, the cost of a professionally produced destination wedding for 80 guests starts at 45,000 USD. By professionally produced wedding, we mean a wedding where every detail is taken care of by professionals, including signage and the open bar.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN FOR
How much does it cost to get married in Antigua?
Our $45,000+ budget proposal for the year 2024 outlines the minimum expenses that you will incur if you choose to hire quality vendors for your 80-guest professionally produced wedding for a single day event.
Note: Intimate affairs are considered nontraditional, and they open a wide range of possibilities when it comes to crafting the experience. Therefore, we suggest you nail down your vision and share your plans with us; we will be happy to guide you and suggest an accurate budget for you.
For now. let's break down the items we've considered to compose this 2024 Guatemala wedding budget proposal:
​​
-
Wedding Photography and video package
-
Wedding Planning fees
-
Bridal Makeup and hairstyling
-
Welcome sign and styling
-
Wedding Cake and styling
-
Ceremony rentals
-
Ceremony decoration
-
Ceremony Musicians
-
Reception rentals
-
Reception Decoration
-
Personalized Tableware
-
Appetizers
-
3-course meal (plated)
-
Open bar
-
Simple Wedding Stationery
-
Lounge area
-
Lighting
-
DJ, equipment, and dance-floor
-
Day of transportation
-
Venue rental fees
-
Service, cleaning, and logistic fees
-
Bank fees
-
Weatherproof plan
If you're wondering whether Guatemala can offer a personalized wedding experience, the answer is yes! We would highly recommend having a skilled wedding planner (like us) to assist you in finding your unique style and voice.
Keep in mind that larger budgets can impact the experience in different ways, depending on where the money is allocated. Common upgrades include entertainment, wedding decorations, additional locations or renowned Antigua Guatemala wedding venues, and parallel events such as rehearsal dinners or welcome cocktails.
A BREAK PER CATEGORY
Antigua Guatemala wedding cost
At this point, you might be browsing popular wedding websites like The Knot, Brides, Wedding Wire, or Junebug Weddings and find information that states an average destination wedding is “cheaper.” However, you must know these websites refer to beach resort all-inclusive weddings, not to bespoke weddings, and therefore, the information can create mismatched expectations.
Nuances such as working with a venue that is a blank canvas or holding an outdoor wedding in a rainy country can greatly impact Guatemala wedding packages. To obtain a comprehensive overview of how much it costs a wedding in Guatemala per service level and what it entails, we kindly invite you to refer to our meticulously curated definitions:
GUATEMALA DIY WEDDING COST:
$5k - $12k (80 PPL)
Ideal for couples looking for a cost-effective solution, this scope requires a hands-on approach without ANY professional assistance (not even for decorations). Due to language and cultural differences, this is usually out of the question for destination weddings.
GUATEMALA ALL INCLUSIVE WEDDING COST: $15k-$25k (Budget Wedding - 80 PPL)
This option is ideal for couples seeking convenience on a tight budget or for those who don't feel the need to customize their wedding. This type of wedding is quite standardized and offered by budget venues (usually outside the touristic area of Antigua Guatemala). You will be working with your venue's in-house teams to deliver your event.
It's important to note that there might be some hidden fees, such as a mandatory room block, that you need to consider.​ While this category covers most aspects of the wedding at a fixed cost, it doesn't include the assistance of a travel concierge or a full-service wedding planner that will guide you and protect your investment.
​
You should factor in the cost of adding items like alcohol, entertainment, customizing decorations, and rentals, as these expenses can escalate and make the overall cost just as expensive as the next category due to the venue's markup. Note, this can happen even without the luxury of having high-end vendors or a high-end wedding planning experience which is why we recommend starting your budget on a Lovely market. ​
​
If your budget falls between this and the next category, we highly recommend that you still contact us for full-service planning because we can find ways to scale back and optimize the wedding budget to something more comfortable.
GUATEMALA TRADITIONAL WEDDING COST: $45k-$65k (Lovely Wedding - 80 PPL)
This type of wedding is perfect for couples looking for a professionally organized destination wedding within a healthy budget. They have the freedom to choose from the best wedding venues Antigua Guatemala and incorporate personal touches like floral design, wedding stationery, tableware, and rentals. Please note that this type of wedding can only be achieved by hiring a full-service wedding planner Guatemala with experience working with international clients.
Typically, a Guatemala wedding planner in this market is expected to work with only a few clients each year in order to provide a personalized experience. Choosing a wedding planner based solely on volume will diminish the potential benefits of this level of investment.
GUATEMALA BESPOKE WEDDING COST:
$80k-$120k (Upper Lovely Wedding -80 PPL)
This wedding type caters to couples seeking to incorporate luxurious touches while still adhering to their budget. Elevate your venue and entertainment to create a truly unique pop-up experience.
You will have access to white glove services and meticulous attention to detail, and even bring an international vendor to your splurge list. Additionally, enjoy travel concierge services for you and your nearest and dearest.
GUATEMALA HIGH-END WEDDING COST:
$160k+ (Entry Level Luxury -80 PPL)
This wedding style prioritizes creating an elegant and personalized experience with top-quality services customized to meet your standards. While floral arrangements remain significant, the primary focus is meticulous attention to detail, aimed at curating a truly exceptional event for all attendees.
The success of this wedding style hinges on delivering extraordinary experiences. Gastronomy and concierge services play a pivotal role. By incorporating a guest chef and hosting a welcome party and farewell brunch, couples can create a truly immersive and unforgettable celebration.
REASONS TO BOOK IN GUATEMALA
Best weddings Guatemala
We are confident that with the new information provided, you can make an informed decision and have the wedding of your dreams in Guatemala, the land of the eternal Spring. Not only will you have a chance to upgrade your wedding category at the same price as a basic wedding back home, but also considering the smaller guest list for a destination wedding, you may be able to upgrade up to two categories and include additional events.
​
Zeeba Productions specializes in creating exceptional wedding experiences that go above and beyond your guests' expectations. Our carefully curated amenities focus on every detail, atmosphere, and perfection to make your wedding day unforgettable. When you book your wedding with us, you can rest assured that we will take care of everything from start to finish. We pay close attention to every single detail to ensure a seamless execution and a satisfactory journey. Whenever you're ready to take the first step, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We would be more than happy to help you create the wedding of your dreams.