The Venue:
I thought it might be helpful to tell you a little bit about the venue we chose. This amazing place was Las Caletas, a little “island” about an hour from the marina in Puerto Vallarta. Las Caletas, once home of Hollywood director John Huston, is now owned and operated by Vallarta Adventures, a tour provider. They provide all kinds of wonderful tours for the adventurous traveler in addition to wedding services on their beautiful beach for couples of all types – and their LGBT clientele is certainly growing!
- Photography by Kristina Hill
The company hires only locals which is a wonderful thing, and all of the leftover food and such is donated local community centers. Nothing goes to waste and they are very interested in promoting local businesses and people. Kelley was our wedding planner and she was simply wonderful. We immediately became fast friends. And the venue – absolutely gorgeous. It is secluded, natural, and completely unique. Our guests never wanted to leave.
The Budget:
I think it may surprise you but we actually came in right on budget. We wanted to stay below $18,000.00 and we definitely managed to do it. We don’t owe a thing for the wedding and to be honest, even after adding it all up, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It was the best money we ever spent!
Here is a breakdown of costs:
| COST AND PAYMENT DETAILS: Brian and Tom | |
| LAS CALETAS | COST |
| Adult price per head: 25 people | $1,250.00 |
| Planning fee: Las Caletas (food, boat transportation, open bar, and staff all included) | $5,295.00 |
| Tips: Island Staff and planner | $650.00 |
Extras at Las Caletas: |
|
| Extra appetizers | $337.50 |
| Extra hour on the island | $250.00 |
| Bamboo Chuppa no flowers | $150.00 |
| Petals | $150.00 |
| Wedding Cake | $225.00 |
| Centerpieces | $40.00 |
| Black chair bows | $60.00 |
| Pro Video | $575.00 |
| Port tax | $37.50 |
| DJ | $490.00 |
| Chair covers for boat | $30.00 |
| Fire Dancers | $300.00 |
| OTHER | |
| Photography | $2,000.00 |
| Flights to PV | $1,100.00 |
| Tom’s Ring | $300.00 |
| Invitations/Save the Dates | $400.00 |
| Guestbook | $40.00 |
| Floating Candles | $20.00 |
| Wedding Party Sashes | $100.00 |
| Tom and Brian Suits/Shoes | $500.00 |
| Parasols/Fans | $60.00 |
| Cake Toppers | $40.00 |
| Frames/Pictures for Dinner Table | $10.00 |
| Placement Cards/Coasters | $20.00 |
| Favors/Rainbow Ribbon Flowers | $200.00 |
| Accommodations for Tom and Brian and Wedding Party for 8 days | $1,200.00 |
| Massages | $100.00 |
| Welcome to Mexico Party | $380.00 |
| Rehearsal Dinner | $250.00 |
| GRAND TOTAL: | $16,560.00 |
Not bad if you ask me! Especially for a wedding in another country!
Destination Wedding Recap 1: The Final Countdown Before the Guests Arrive
Destination Wedding Recap 2: An Unconventional Guestbook
Destination Wedding Recap 3: The Ceremony
Destination Wedding Recap 4: Portraits & Wedding Party Photos
Destination Wedding Recap 5: Our Dinner Table
Destination Wedding Recap 6: Our Romantic Luggage Wedding Cake
Destination Wedding Recap 7: Gay Symbols In My Gay Wedding – A Follow-Up
Destination Wedding Recap 8: The First Dance
Destination Wedding Recap 9: Entertainment and Our Beach Reception
Wow…talk about bang for your buck! I think you did great!!!
Thanks Tami! Me too! :)
Seriously not bad, Brian! Especially when you think about it as a wedding/holiday/honeymoon all in one!
That sounds great, I never heard of that island. Would love to see more pictures!
Totally! And actually, if I hadn’t added all those “extra’s” I could have save a whole lot more! Destination weddings CAN BE cheaper — most people don’t know that, I think.
I will be posting more on my personal website once I receive my disk, Robert at http://www.thegayweddingexperience.com.
Can’t wait to see more pics!