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What Impacts the Cost of a South Asian Destination Wedding?

Planning a South Asian destination wedding is a dream for many couples—one filled with turquoise waters, elegant décor, joyful traditions, and unforgettable memories. But if you’ve started exploring this path, you’re likely asking one big question:

“How much does a destination wedding cost?”

The answer? It depends.

At Destawed, we’ve helped hundreds of couples from around the world plan stunning multi-day South Asian weddings across Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and more. From intimate beachfront ceremonies to grand cultural celebrations, we know that costs vary based on your vision, priorities, and guest experience.

Here’s a breakdown of what impacts the cost of a South Asian destination wedding—and how to make smart decisions while planning your big day.

Location, Location, Location

Where you get married will be one of the biggest cost factors.

Some popular destinations for South Asian weddings include:

  • Cancun / Los Cabos / Riviera Maya, Mexico

  • Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  • Montego Bay or Negril, Jamaica

Each destination has a different cost structure for resorts, vendors, travel, and legal requirements. For example:

  • Mexico tends to have more resort options with a South Asian wedding experience, offering more competitive pricing.

  • Jamaica offers stunning oceanfront venues and private islands, but may require flying in more vendors.
  • is growing in popularity and can offer great value, but not every resort is equipped for a full South Asian itinerary.

Our Sales Team works closely with you to find a location that matches your wedding vision and your budget. We know which destinations offer the best value for your guest count, priorities, and event flow—and we’ll guide you toward the perfect fit.

Your Guest Count

Guest count is a major cost driver, especially in a South Asian wedding where celebrations are rarely small.

Here’s how it impacts your budget:

  • Accommodations: Resorts often offer group rates, but the more guests you have, the more rooms you’ll need to block and manage.

  • Catering: Most resorts charge per guest for meals, drinks, and events.

  • Décor & Rentals: More guests mean larger setups, extra seating, and expanded décor budgets.

  • Transportation: Airport shuttles, internal resort transfers, or off-site events will require more logistics for bigger groups.

A destination wedding naturally filters guest lists. Focus on inviting your closest circle—you’ll save costs and create a more meaningful experience.

Number of Events

South Asian weddings are beautifully rich with traditions, and most involve multiple events over 2 to 4 days, including:

  • Welcome Party

  • Mehndi or Haldi

  • Sangeet or Garba Night

  • Wedding Ceremony

  • Reception

Each of these events requires separate:

  • Venue reservations

  • Setup and teardown

  • Custom décor and floral arrangements

  • Audio/visual and entertainment support

  • Catering coordination

Some resorts offer multi-event wedding packages tailored for South Asian weddings. At Destawed, we help you compare packages and recommend the best-value resort for your event flow.

Resort Tier and Inclusions

Let’s set the record straight: At Destawed, we only work with luxury 5-star resorts.

Why? Because your wedding deserves a setting that matches the significance of your celebration—from service and ambiance to cuisine and accommodations.

But even among 5-star resorts, pricing can vary based on:

  • Room quality and amenities

  • Wedding inclusions (basic décor vs. premium floral packages)

  • Private event location fees

  • Food and drink quality

  • Number of included events or hours

“All-inclusive” doesn’t always mean all events are included. We help you read the fine print and understand what's truly covered in your wedding package.

Décor and Customization

Décor is often one of the biggest expenses in a South Asian wedding, and even more so at a resort.

You may need to invest in:

  • Custom Mandap setups on the beach or terrace
  • Colorful backdrops for Mehndi or Haldi ceremonies
  • Dance floor, stage, and lighting for Sangeet
  • Elegant floral centerpieces for the reception

Resorts typically offer a “base package” of décor—but South Asian weddings often require custom touches, which come at an extra cost.

Our planning team works with local and international décor vendors to bring your vision to life, while staying within budget.

Vendors and Special Requirements

Not all resorts offer vendors familiar with South Asian weddings. You may need to hire or fly in:

  • South Asian DJs and dhol players

  • Mehndi artists

  • Priests or cultural officiants

  • Photographers who understand cultural moments

  • Live entertainers or choreographers

Many resorts charge outside vendor fees—sometimes up to $1,000 or more per vendor. At Destawed, we help you choose resorts that offer flexibility or waive those fees when working with our preferred partners.

Travel and Transportation

Your wedding isn’t just about you—it’s about everyone traveling to celebrate with you.

Travel costs include:

  • Flights for the couple and guests

  • Airport transfers

  • Group bookings

  • Visa or entry requirements (many Caribbean destinations are visa-free for Indian citizens)

  • Vendor travel and accommodations

Destawed’s in-house travel specialists manage all of this for you—saving you time and ensuring your guests arrive stress-free and on time.

Season and Wedding Date

Your wedding date plays a bigger role than you might think in overall costs.

  • Peak season (December to April) = higher rates, limited availability

  • Shoulder season (May to June, September to November) = lower rates, more flexibility

  • Holiday weekends often come with surcharges

Booking early (9–12 months ahead) secures better rates and availability. We also help you time your date for ideal weather and pricing.

On-Site Support & Wedding Planning Services

Finally, one of the smartest investments is hiring a team that knows how to plan a South Asian wedding abroad.

Why it matters:

  • You avoid costly mistakes or last-minute issues

  • You get preferred vendor rates

  • You don't pay extra for things the resort should include

  • Your guests are supported every step of the way

At Destawed, our full-service planning and travel team gives you one point of contact for everything—no stress, no confusion, and no surprises.

Final Thoughts

Planning a South Asian destination wedding involves many moving pieces, but with the right team, it becomes an experience filled with joy, culture, and unforgettable memories.

At Destawed, we help you understand exactly where your money goes, how to maximize your value, and how to plan smart, without compromising the beauty or significance of your celebration.

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