What will your
wedding cost?
Adjust guests, area, style and extras — and watch a realistic range with a per-category breakdown update in real time. Figures from vetted peninsula vendors, refreshed quarterly. Not a formal quote, but it orients you before you ask for one.
You have the range. Now what.
- If the range fits — ask for real quotes from 2–3 vendors per category. We'll get them for you at /en/solicitar with no obligation.
- If the range is over budget — before cutting guests, try lowering the style or changing area. Simple in Las Terrenas costs about the same as standard in Las Galeras. Also consider a weekday in low season (negotiate 15–25%).
- If you're torn between areas — the area moves the budget more than almost any other choice. Compare the three peninsula zones (Las Terrenas, Samaná, Las Galeras) before you settle on a number.
- If the planner is a big share of your breakdown — for small weddings at restaurants, day-of coordination is often enough. Toggle it off and see the difference.
- Once the number feels right — work the 12-month planning checklist so nothing slips before it's too late to change.
How to read the number the calculator gives you
The figures are honest orders of magnitude — useful for three things:
- Knowing whether your plan is near or far from the budget you have. If the calculator says $35–55k and you pictured a wedding of 80 for $12k, it's time to rethink (area, format or guests).
- Comparing two scenarios. Switch between 50 and 80 guests, or between Las Terrenas and Las Galeras, and see the concrete difference. It's far better than mental math for questions like "are 30 more guests worth it?"
- Understanding where the money goes. The breakdown tells you which choice moves the budget most (usually catering + venue, together 50–60% of the total).
What the calculator is NOT for
- It isn't a quote. No vendor is quoting "$X" based on what you adjust here. It's a market estimate.
- It doesn't replace asking for a quote. To decide which vendor you hire, you need a formal quote with your date and details.
- It doesn't predict the exact price. Some variables it can't capture: the contract with a specific vendor, seasonal promotions, bundle discounts for several services.
Where the big changes are
Play with the inputs for a minute and you'll notice three levers that move the budget more than any others:
- Guest count. Each guest adds $130–200 (catering) plus a proportional load on other categories. Going from 50 to 100 guests typically raises the total 60–80%, not 100%, because part of the cost is fixed.
- Style. Simple costs 25% less than standard; premium costs 45% more. The gap between simple and premium is nearly double — more impact than doubling guests. If the budget is tight, dropping from premium to standard usually beats cutting guests.
- Full vs. day-of planner. Turning it on adds $3–8k. It's worth it for many weddings, but it's a several-thousand-dollar decision worth making deliberately.
Frequently asked questions
What are the calculator's numbers based on?
Real quotes from vendors in the miboda directory, collected quarterly. The per-category ranges reflect what villas, restaurants, photographers, catering and planners quote in Las Terrenas, Samaná and Las Galeras. For Punta Cana and other areas we use secondary references (published resort packages + quotes we've gathered for couples who ended up switching areas).
Why a range instead of an exact number?
Because no vendor quotes the same for two different weddings. The date (high vs. low season), the day of the week (Saturday vs. Sunday), the exact format (seated dinner vs. cocktail) and specific choices (which flowers, which music) move the price 30–60% on the same concept. The range reflects that real variability. For a firm number you need a formal quote with your details.
How do I go from a range to a real budget?
Three steps: (1) lock a date (month + day of the week); (2) set guest count as a tight range (not "around 80" but "between 75 and 90"); (3) request quotes from 2–3 vendors per category. The calculator gives you the order of magnitude; the quotes give you the number. We handle steps 1 and 3 if you tell us about your wedding at /en/solicitar.
Does the calculator include rings? Or the honeymoon?
No. The calculator covers the event itself — everything between the ceremony and the last drink. Rings and the honeymoon are separate line items that depend entirely on your preferences. See our Dominican Republic honeymoon guide in the Journal.
Why isn't "simple" 50% cheaper than "premium"?
Because there's a floor of costs that doesn't drop no matter how much you trim: professional photography costs the same regardless of the menu, the venue has its minimum rate, the planner's day doesn't get shorter. "Simple" runs about 25% below standard — past that, you stop having a wedding and start having a gathering.
How much can I save versus the calculator's numbers?
Realistically 10–25% without sacrificing quality: by marrying Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday in low season (May, June, November), choosing a menu without premium options, and negotiating a bundle with one vendor covering several services. Below 25%, the cuts start to show: less food, lighter photography, less planner time.
Already have a budget in mind?