Now for the breakdown. Originally our budget was $10k but as we went along, like most couples, we found a few things here and there that we decided to splurge a bit more on than originally planned (*cough* my dress *cough*). Eventually we settled on a $15k budget which to this day I am really happy with. Compared to the $28k it would have cost us back here in Michigan, Mr. Meerkat and I both felt we got a lot of bang for our buck.
Mrs. Meerkat's Attire - $1624
My dress was one of the items we splurged on. I had planned to buy something simple and low cost but when I tried this dress on I fell in love. I tried on over 100 dresses before I found this one but when I put it on I actually started jumping up and down with excitement. I told Mr. Meerkat I wasn't going to buy it because of cost, he told me to go right back to the store and order it. Which resulted in a happy bride and our first budget increase.
- Wedding dress: $1250
- Alterations: $84
- Custom Painted Shoes: $91
- Hair flowers: $15
- Necklace: $40
- Bracelet: $25
- Hair: $0 (gift from a friend)
- Makeup: $0 (gift from a friend)
- Manicure: & Pedicure $79
- Wedding Band: $40
- Custom suit & vest: $175
- Tie and Pocket Square: $14
- Wedding Band: $300
Bridal Party Gifts - $380
- Groomsman - Mexican Liquor (x2): $70
- Bridesmaids - Leather Makeup Case and Bracelet (x2): $90
- Moms - Necklace and Handkerchief (x2): $220
Misc - $332
- Invitations (x100): $125
- Bouquet & Pocket Photo Frames: $45
- 3 Parasol: $55
- Suitcase Purses: $65
- Out Of Town Bags: $0 (Thanks to Mama-In-Law Meerkat)
- Guestbook: $42
Photography, Videography & Trash the Dress Session - $7125
Here is another area we splurged. We booked both Sol and our videographer for an additional two hours and added a trash the dress session. This was one of the bigger reasons we had to increase our budget but I can honestly say it was the best money we spent. The photos and memories we got from Del Sol are worth their weight in gold.
Rehearsal Dinner: $0 (Included in Resort Stay)
Cost really wasn't a factor on this one as Mama-In-Law Meerkat wanted to host this for us. But it just didn't make sense to head off property when the restaurants at the resort offered to host it for us for free. We made the right decision. The food was amazing and totally free!
Cost really wasn't a factor on this one as Mama-In-Law Meerkat wanted to host this for us. But it just didn't make sense to head off property when the restaurants at the resort offered to host it for us for free. We made the right decision. The food was amazing and totally free!
Ceremony (Al Cielo Hotel) - $2731
Booking Al Cielo for our ceremony comes in #2 on the what I would do again list (right behind booking Del Sol). Everything was just perfect, they treated us like royalty and the setting was beyond amazing. There were a few things I added in like the vases with bamboo and the root balls which added to the budget increase.
Booking Al Cielo for our ceremony comes in #2 on the what I would do again list (right behind booking Del Sol). Everything was just perfect, they treated us like royalty and the setting was beyond amazing. There were a few things I added in like the vases with bamboo and the root balls which added to the budget increase.
- Transportation To/From Resort: $120
- Al Cielo Venue Fee & Cocktail Hour: $1,500
- Included palm leaves and petals for aisle, benches, chuppah, welcome drinks, cocktail hour with hor 'dourves and bathroom decor
- Additional Decor: $444
- Bridal Bouquet: $90
- Outside Wedding Coordinator: $500
- Engraved Sandalwood Fans: $31.25
- Programs: $35
- Shell Ring Bowl: $10.75
Reception (La Laguna @ Grand Palladium Resort) - $2766
The food was delicious and the drinks free flowing. They even setup a station for everyone to have flaming Mayan coffee. And our DJ, Bijan, kept the party going all night.
- Venue Fee: $0
- Four Course Dinner ($60 x 25): $1500
- Alcohol: $0 (included)
- Flowers: $325
- Cake With Flowers Added: $104
- Cake Toppers: $55
- DJ: $600
- Favors: $90
- Menus, Signs & Cork Stands: $22
- Meerkat Statue: $70
TOTAL: $15,447
So there you have it, the Meerkat's Mexico budget. We came in $447 over budget but for us that is pretty darn close! ;)
How are you doing with your budget? Are you close to your goal to?
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