What Should You Do With Money Left in Your Destination Wedding Budget?

You did it.

You created a destination wedding budget, made educated decisions along the way, and somehow reached the fun part: there is still money left. Now what?

Do you upgrade your room? Give your guests something special? Throw another party? Upgrade the transportation? Add entertainment? Or take that money and disappear to another resort after the wedding? On this episode of Destination Wedding Planning Made Easy, our Destination Weddings Expert team decided to play a little destination wedding This or That. And there are a lot of ways to spend that extra money.

Bali Beds or a Pool Takeover?

Let’s start with the day before or after the wedding. You could reserve Bali beds or cabanas where your group can relax by the pool without worrying about finding chairs. Depending on the resort, these can even come with upgraded food and beverage service or other perks.

Or you can go bigger. Some resorts allow groups to take over an entire pool area, creating your own private pool party complete with music, drinks and entertainment.

One thing to consider is timing. A big pool party before the wedding can be a fantastic way to bring everyone together, but you probably don’t want your wedding party showing up to the ceremony with fresh sunburns. After the wedding, something a little more relaxing might suddenly sound very appealing.

Resort Activity or Private Excursion?

One of the biggest decisions is whether to keep your guests at the resort or get them out to experience the destination. Resorts can have surprisingly good included activities, from tastings and fitness classes to cultural experiences and workshops. These can be an easy way to give your group something to do without adding another major expense. Just remember that included activities may have participation limits. Showing up with your entire 100 person wedding group isn’t necessarily going to work without arranging something privately.

Then there are excursions. A catamaran, food tour, cultural experience, adventure excursion or even a wellness focused experience can give your guests an opportunity to see something beyond the resort. One of our favorite ideas is a sunset catamaran after the wedding. Nobody has to wake up at 8:00 in the morning after celebrating all night, and everyone gets another memorable experience together.

You can also make an excursion optional and allow guests who want to participate to pay their own way.

Personalized Keepsake or Welcome Bag?

Destination wedding welcome gifts can go in two very different directions. You can choose something personal that guests will take home and remember, like hand painted tequila bottles, personalized drink ware or another locally inspired keepsake.

Or you can go practical. A welcome bag filled with things guests may actually need during the weekend can be incredibly useful. Think sunscreen, bug spray, pain relievers and other little items someone might suddenly be very grateful to have. There are logistical considerations here too. Items sourced locally can often be delivered directly to the resort. If you’re bringing personalized items from home, however, you’ll need to think carefully about getting everything into the destination.

Drinks on the Transfer or Luxury Transportation?

The guest experience doesn’t have to begin when they check into the resort. It can begin at the airport. When your guests have private group transportation, you may be able to stock those transfers with cold water, beer or other drinks. It is a relatively simple upgrade, but after a long travel day, getting into the vehicle and immediately having a cold drink waiting can set the tone for the entire weekend.

Another option is upgrading transportation for a few VIP guests. Maybe your parents don’t arrive in the standard transfer van. Maybe an upgraded SUV is waiting for them instead. You don’t necessarily need to provide luxury vehicles for everyone. Choosing a few strategic upgrades can still create memorable moments without blowing the budget.

DJ or Live Band?

Entertainment is where things get really fun. Mariachis. Tequila robots. Mentalists. Fire dancers. Water drums. DJs. Live bands. There are far more entertainment options available at destination wedding resorts than many couples realize. A mentalist, for example, can be an incredible icebreaker at a welcome event where guests are mingling and getting to know one another. Fire dancers or water drums can create a big visual moment during another event.

And then there is the classic DJ versus live band debate. A great DJ can keep the reception moving all night. But there is something about live music that can completely change the energy of a wedding. Just remember that bands commonly perform in sets, so you’ll want to plan what happens during their breaks.

Book the Incredible Room or Hope for an Upgrade?

This one is important. If there is a particular suite you absolutely want for your wedding, consider booking it. Contracted upgrades can be fantastic, but they don’t necessarily mean you’ll end up in the highest room category at the resort. Those premium suites can also sell out.

Think about how you’ll use the room. Will people be getting ready there? Do you need space for your wedding party? Do you love entertaining and expect everyone to end up back in your suite? Then the bigger room may be worth the investment. If your room is simply going to be home base and you’re perfectly happy with the category you booked, taking your chances on an upgrade may make more sense.

Stay With Everyone or Get Out of There?

Finally, the wedding is over. Your guests are staying a few more days. Do you stay too?

There is something special about having those days after the wedding with your friends and family. The pressure is gone. The timeline is over. You can finally relax and enjoy everyone who traveled to celebrate with you.

But there is another option. Leave. Spend a few days somewhere completely different with your new spouse. It doesn’t have to be your full honeymoon. Think of it as a mini-moon or decompression period after several days of being surrounded by people. And don’t feel guilty about it. Your guests came for your wedding, but they’re also on vacation. They may be perfectly happy having the resort to themselves once you leave.

Spend Where It Changes the Experience

Having extra money in your wedding budget doesn’t mean you need to find a way to spend every dollar. But if you do want to add something, think about what will actually change the experience. Maybe that’s one unforgettable party. Maybe it’s a cold drink waiting for every guest when they leave the airport. Maybe it’s live music. Maybe it’s the room you’ve been dreaming about. Or maybe the best splurge has nothing to do with your guests at all and it’s two quiet days somewhere else after everyone has celebrated you. There are plenty of possibilities.

The important part is choosing the ones that feel like you.

Listen Now to Destination Wedding Planning Made Easy.