What's Actually Included in a Destination Wedding Package?

The phrase "wedding package" can mean almost anything, which is precisely why so many couples get in touch feeling a little confused. One quote looks wonderfully affordable, another far more comprehensive, and it is not always obvious why. Here is what tends to be included, what usually costs extra, and the questions worth asking before you commit to anything. The ceremony essentials Most packages, wherever you marry, will cover the core ceremony elements: the venue or setting, a celebrant or officiant, a table and signing area, chairs for your guests, and some form of simple decoration such as an arch or floral arrangement. Legal packages (as opposed to symbolic or blessing ceremonies) will also usually include the paperwork handling — translations, certified documents, and liaison with the local marriage authorities, which in Cyprus, for example, is a genuinely streamlined process compared with some other destinations. What catches people out is the detail beyond this baseline. Is the celebrant speaking English fluently and warmly, or reading from a script? Is the decoration a few chair sashes, or something that actually reflects your taste? Does the package include a rehearsal, or at least a proper run-through on the day? These are worth asking about directly, because the difference between a package that technically ticks the box and one that feels considered is usually in these finer points. Photography, styling and the personal touches Photography is one of the most variable inclusions. Some packages include a set number of hours with a photographer, others simply "arrange" one at an additional cost, and the quality and style can differ enormously. It is worth asking how many images you will receive, in what format, and how quickly after the wedding. The same goes for video — some couples are surprised to learn it is rarely included as standard and is usually an add-on. Bridal styling is another area to check carefully. Some packages include a bouquet and buttonhole and nothing more; others include hair and make-up trials, a bridal car, or even a welcome gift on arrival. None of these things are essential, but knowing what is and is not there from the outset means you can budget properly rather than discovering gaps a few months before the big day. The reception and beyond A ceremony package and a full wedding package are not always the same thing, and this is where couples most often find themselves paying more than expected. Does your package include a reception venue, or just the ceremony? Is catering included, and if so, is it a set menu or something you can tailor? What about drinks — is there a welcome cocktail, a set number of wine bottles per table, or an open bar arrangement? Music is another point worth clarifying. Some packages include a DJ or musician for the ceremony only, leaving you to arrange entertainment for the evening separately. Similarly, check whether your package includes tables, linens, and any lighting beyond what the venue naturally offers, as these can add a noticeable cost if arranged independently at the last minute. Guest accommodation and logistics This is often the part couples underestimate most, simply because it does not always feel like "wedding planning" in the traditional sense — yet it shapes the whole experience for your guests. Does your package include help sourcing and booking accommodation for your wedding party, or are you expected to coordinate this yourself across different hotels and providers? Is there support with transfers to and from the airport, and transport between the ceremony and reception if they are in different locations? At Weddings in the Sun, this is one of the areas we focus on most closely, because a beautifully planned ceremony can be undermined by guests struggling with logistics, mismatched hotel bookings, or unclear transport arrangements. Our full planning service and concierge support cover this from the outset, alongside the wedding day itself, so nothing is left for you to piece together in the months beforehand. Questions worth asking any planner Before comparing prices too closely, it helps to ask a few direct questions: What is the maximum guest number included before extra charges apply? Are supplier costs (florist, photographer, musician) included at a set standard, or can they be upgraded? Is there a dedicated planner on the ground on the day itself, or just up until you arrive? What happens if weather affects an outdoor ceremony — is there a covered backup included at no extra cost? Cyprus tends to offer particularly strong value across these areas, partly because of the established infrastructure built up over years of destination weddings there, and partly because our own team is based on the island year-round, meaning the relationships with venues and suppliers are long-standing rather than arranged remotely for each event. A note on comparing packages fairly As a general guide, our destination wedding packages start from £6,000 and run to £13,000 depending on guest numbers, chosen destination and level of inclusion, though this varies considerably based on what is actually bundled in. The most useful approach is not to compare headline prices, but to list out exactly what each package includes against your own priorities, then see where the real differences lie. If you would like an honest, no-pressure conversation about what is included in our own packages — and how they might be shaped around the wedding you are picturing — we would be glad to talk it through with you. Do get in touch for a free consultation, and we can start building a clear picture of what your day could look like, in Cyprus or elsewhere.