IS A LAS VEGAS WEDDING REALLY CHEAPER?
A lot of people choose Las Vegas to elope, to escape the big preparations of having a wedding, and just get married. Ben Affleck and JLo got married quietly over the weekend in Vegas. I think quietly is the wrong word here, because big stars like that can’t really have a low key event, right? It was quickly picked up by every news outlet. And while Bennifer, can really, and I mean REALLY afford a lavish, big wedding anywhere in the world, why Las Vegas? I guess they just want to get it done. and be over with. Who knows, they might have another big wedding in the future.
For the “common folk” like us, is having a wedding in Las Vegas practical? I guess if the people attending are just you and your groom-to-be, then I guess, it’s a big money saver. But if you are having a full wedding ceremony, with a wedding reception, is it cheaper?
Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about it, or maybe planning already:
Exchange rate - if you live in another country, (like for me, I live in Canada), you have to consider the exchange rate. All the pricing is in US dollars of course, so the pricing for the wedding packages might be lower or higher depending on your local currency.
Season - there are peak and off peak seasons everywhere you go, especially for a destination such as Vegas. For Las Vegas, the off season is usually between the months of Sept to Nov, and January to April. That’s when airfare and hotel charges are a little bit lower which is very helpful, not only for you but for your guests as well, who will be travelling for the wedding.
Hotel - each hotel has a different wedding package available, you can check out the pricing at their respective websites. But you can’t just look at the wedding packages. You also have to inquire about group hotel room bookings. Remember, this is not just your expense, your guests will also be shelling out a lot of money for the trip and the hotel. Find the one with the most affordable group bookings for your guests and decide from there. The wedding ceremony and venue might be the perfect place for you, but if the hotel rooms are very expensive, it might turn off some of your guests.
Airfare - like I said earlier, if you are doing this wedding with a whole bunch of guests, think about their expense also, and if possible, do your wedding during off season, to keep their costs down. I know it’s your wedding. It’s your choice, BUT, personally, I think it would be nice if you consider the guests also who will be travelling.
Deals - surely there are so many deals out there, especially for Las Vegas because it’s such a popular destination. There are so many options available as far as venues and packages go, so make sure you look for a really good deal. Again, not just for the wedding but for the airfare, and hotel as well.
Wedding Packages - look closely at what you will be paying for when you’re comparing the wedding packages available at each location. List all of them, one by one so you can compare. Some of the packages may appear lower than the other, but then the other one has more items included or maybe the food is better? Take your time, study the packages and make sure you only get the one that matches what you really need. Do you really need an open bar? I think if you’re in Las Vegas, you can do a cash bar. Guests who are prepared to travel to Vegas for a wedding, will surely be prepared to shell out money for liquor. I know I will be prepared if I am going to Las Vegas. I will have my own money for alcohol. This is one of the reasons why I want you to make sure you get a good deal for the hotel group bookings, so that your guests can save money on hotel and airfare, and put that money towards their own expenses while there. I am sure that they there not only for your wedding, but also for themselves. like a holiday break.
Ceremony and reception time - How long is the ceremony? Is it in the same area as the wedding reception venue? How long is the whole event? I am asking these questions because you might want to keep your whole wedding at a 1 night maximum so that you and your guests will still have lots of time to explore and do other fun stuff with or without you and the groom. I am saying this because if I were to go to Vegas for a wedding, yes I will go for the wedding, but also I will go there to explore and do other Vegas activities, since I’m already there.
So the question is, is it cheaper than having it locally?
I think it depends on the number of guests who will come. I think it might be cheaper in the sense that, not a lot of people can come to your wedding, therefore, you won’t have to pay so much for the reception. But,then again, you have to pay extra for your airfare, plus the exchange rate might be different if you’re not the US already. There are a lot of factors really. Another thing that might make it seem cheaper for you is that you can have your honeymoon there as well. You don’t have to fly somewhere else.
This will not be cheap for your guests though, so be mindful when choosing the season and hotel where you are having your wedding. Think about their expenses as well. Also, maybe don’t do the wedding this year. Maybe wait until next year, 2023, because as we all know, after everything opened again when most of the restrictions were lifted (are we really over the pandemic?) everyone is travelling again to see loved ones, airports are full, airlines are scrambling to catch up, and so there are so many articles in the news of people getting stranded in airports, or flights being cancelled and rescheduled. People paying so much money to get into hotels because their flights have been rescheduled. I’ve read somewhere about 4 people sharing an uber ride worth more than $1,000 just to get home, instead of waiting for the flight reschedule. It’s chaotic right now. You don’t want that added stress at the moment, not just for you but for everyone attending. SO if I were, you, wait for another year.
Here are some websites for Las Vegas venues with wedding packages you can check out:
https://www.venetianlasvegas.com/celebrate/promotions/ceremonies.html
https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace/things-to-do/weddings
https://mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/en/meetings-groups/wedding-package.html
