How much should I plan on spending on my Virgin Islands wedding this summer?

Question

I am getting married in St. John's, and I'm trying to figure my budget. I'm not a big spender, but it is my wedding/honeymoon so I don't plan on camping out.

Also, any opinions on all inclusive packages with a travel agent vs booking on my own?

And what about spending money for touristy c**p?

One more Q, rent a vehicle or use taxi everywhere?

I am looking for a stress free wedding and honeymoon, but I don't want to break the bank. I'm hoping to spend under 4K for everything so we can still afford to pay the bills when we get back. I know that the 2 biggest expenditures are the plane tickets at around 1k and lodging at about the same.

Any 1st hand knowledge would be great.

Answer 1

I would say be prepared to spend A LOT of money.  The island is expensive! Simple things like milk cost a ton of money, so I would imagine a wedding would be very expensive. Sounds amazing though, have fun!

Answer 2

First of all, you don't say how long you will be in St John.  you also failed to tell what month you would be getting married in.  Without this info, I'm gonna give you some blind advice that I wish I knew the first time I went to St John.

The only place I know for sure,  on St John that is all inclusive is the Caneel Bay Resort.  the Westin may have a all inclusive plan, I'm not sure.  Caneel Bay is a beautifully understated and elegant resort but you definitely pay the price for that luxury!!(Up to $700 per day).  I wish I was wealthy enough to stay there but I'm not.  My recommended place to stay would be the Gallows Point Resort for a number of reasons.  They have very nice units all facing the water (harbor view or ocean view) which are fully equipped with stove, coffee maker, fridge, all dinnerware, tv, stereo etc.  The grounds are also beautiful there and make the units seem very private.  They have a large and beautiful pool with a multi-tiered deck right on the ocean.  Lastly, the snorkeling off the pier there is world class!  Gallows is close enough to town for an easy walk there and you would save the money from renting a car every day. You could then rent a car for just a few days if you felt you needed to.

There is not alot of touristy c**p to do or buy on St John so you most likely wont be spending alot on that stuff. The taxis can get quite costly if you use them alot.  I would plan out my days.  Maybe take a taxi if you are going to Trunk Bay or Caneel bay for the day and use the car for a day you want to go to Cinnamon Bay or Waterlemon bay.  There is a public bus that can take you to Salt Pond Bay for $1.00 pp each way.

A big expense that you come across in the Caribbean is food weather its eating out or buying groceries, it costs quite a bit more than home (no matter where you live).  We find that its cost effective to eat breakfast in the room and pack a lunch for the beach.  Then you can blow a bit more for dinner somewhere special.

Congratulations on your up and coming wedding and Im sure you must be one of the very smartest people around since you picked the MOST beautiful place on earth to get married.

Answer 3

St John is expensive even in the summer. Just for food, You would spend the very LEAST 100 a day, lodging 200 night if you can find something (in that price range close) to town so you can walk to restaurants. Save money on cab fares that can get expensive.

Renting a jeep on St John will cost about $400 a week. Maybe you can rent on St Thomas for cheaper and bring it over on the car ferry.

We are up to 3,500 with airfare. $500 for gas,taxis, excursions etc is a bit close. You could do it, but it would be very tight.

There is a VI bus ($1.00) but it is on "island time" and not very dependable. And it doesn't go to any of the north beaches.

I would look into renting a cottage/villa. You can save some $$ eating breakfast, packing a lunch and cooking some meals at the villa/cottage.

check these sites for rentals

http://www.vrbo.com

click on Caribbean

http://www.stjohnusvi.com

You can also just google St John USVI rentals. See what comes up. There are only two major resorts on St John, Caneel Bay and Westin. And your budget would be gone on just lodging.

Good Luck and congratulations on your up coming wedding)

Answer 4

Yes, plan on spending $ on St John.

If you can find a good travel agent that does NOT add extra fees then that would be the way to go.  They can get the same or lower rates plus you have their knowledge.  Suggest you interview them like you would any other professional. You will have an awesome wedding.

Answer 5

first I will only answer the car question they drive on the wrong side of the road with the steering wheel still on left ! and there are no street signs ! there is not too many places to go use a taxi it will be easier and it is not expensive . my husband spend about 4000.00 for a week for food and entertainment while we were there and that included the   boat ride to St,  Thomas!  I do not know what the wedding will cost or what kind you want hope that helps