A destination wedding on a Caribbean beach is a dream many brides (and grooms) push to the backs of their minds, concerned about the staggering costs of such a venue. If only someone had told them ahead of time that booking a destination wedding can actually save them money, there would certainly be tropical sandy shores laden with white-gowned princesses elbow-to-elbow.

Let's take a look at the numbers ...

The average wedding at home can run roughly $28,000. That includes full fees for the ceremony and reception – costs that can run up to $11,000!

Add to that, the cost of:

• decorations – average cost = $1800
• musicians - average cost = $1300
• catering - average cost = $60/person
• photographer - average cost = $2800
• transportation - average cost = $400
• wedding dress - average cost = $1600
• wedding coordinator (optional, of course) - average cost = $1800

We still haven't covered all the additional fees such as having hair and makeup done, the cost of invitations, gifts and favours, and marriage licenses.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Let's take a look at how holding a Caribbean destination wedding can save you money ...

1. When you book a destination wedding and meet the minimum booking requirements, the cost of the reception hall rental and ceremony fee are part of the wedding package, which can cost a lowly $1500. You don't have to worry about wedding decorations – your resort/hotel handles that for you. A small enough wedding may not even require a full hall if the guests can fit into the resort/hotel restaurant area.
2. Booking musicians or a DJ for your wedding is cheaper in the Caribbean ... they simply charge less.
3. An all-inclusive resort covers the cost of meals, meaning your wedding dinner is already paid. If you want a custom menu however, many resorts have an average cost of only $35/person.
4. Wedding photography is usually included in the cost of the wedding package, saving you that additional $2800.
5. Booking your wedding and all related events right on the grounds of your hotel or resort means no additional transportation costs.
6. Chances are good that you're not going to want to wear a thick taffeta gown with a full train on a hot tropical beach – knock about a thousand dollars off the cost of a wedding dress.
7. If you want a wedding coordinator to put everything together for you, they come with a nominal fee in the Caribbean, but keep in mind that your travel agent or wedding travel consultant can put together your perfect wedding without hiring additional help.

Once you factor in some of the other extras, like a wedding cake, a videographer, or a florist, you still manage to come up considerably short of the traditional wedding costs. The numbers don't lie, so stop putting that dream of a Caribbean wedding to the back of your mind and start planning that destination wedding today!