How much do Santorini weddings cost? Well, that all depends on you!
In summer 2022, I had the opportunity to plan a destination wedding in Santorini. It was elegant, unstuffy, and minimal, but most importantly it did not cost a fortune. So I’ve decided to take you through the steps and cost of this beautiful wedding.
Weddings are expensive. Whether you spend 1M or 50K, your budget is dictated by your own finances, so it always ends up being a significant amount. To add to that, the cost of living is increasing, so you may be reluctant to spend all your savings on a wedding. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you have to skip the wedding altogether. Your solution to a beautiful inexpensive wedding might be a destination one.
Why plan a destination wedding?
It’s a two for one deal: a wedding and a vacation all wrapped into one trip!
A destination wedding will inevitably cost you less than a wedding back home, since 50 of your nearest and dearest friends and family will make it to the wedding as opposed to 200.
You may treat your guests with a welcome dinner and a next day brunch to add to their experience. But this is not obligatory and can be skipped to limit the total cost.
The destination you choose will most likely be a lot more charming than your home town. The views in Santorini are breathtaking! I’m not opposed to beautiful extensive decor: if you could afford it, go for it; but if you can’t, that’s ok because your wedding is already happening in one of the most gorgeous places on earth. A little goes a long way in Santorini.
I explained the above points to my clients and here is how we spent their budget. Please note that this wedding took place in 2022, prices may vary in today’s market. These prices are based on a 44 person head count and includes taxes/ VAT.
Venue
My clients got married at Cavo Ventus. The fee includes the rental and the alcohol. There is a fixed price per person per hour based on the chosen bar package. The good news is you can drink as much as you want. It’s open bar from the moment you walk in until you leave.
Cost: 6984 euros
Catering
The clients had a small cocktail hour with a few bites but a very large meal with shared plates. We even had to double the tables to ensure all the food would fit. After dinner, they offered a sweet table with assorted desserts, espresso and cappuccinos and late night gyro station.
Cost: 5486 euros
Flowers and candles
We ordered a beautiful ceremony arch, one bride bouquet, cascading florals on the long dinner table, and centrepieces throughout the length of the tables.
Cost of flowers: 3000 euros;
Cost of candles: 100 euros
Photography
Cost: 3000 euros
The clients skipped out on the videographer to save on cost. Sometimes the only way to save is to eliminate some vendors from your wedding completely, in this case it was the videographer.
Rentals
The standard table and chairs, glassware, cutlery are included in the catering price. These are brought to the venue by the caterer. However, my client wanted to upgrade a few things to enhance the look. We rented, cutlery, charger plates, and dinner plates. We also received an upgrade on the tables and chairs for free from the caterer as I have a great relationship with them. This was greatly appreciated as it made all the difference.
Cost: 1000 euros
Officiant
My clients had a symbolic ceremony, they were legally married in Canada the day before they flew to Greece.
Cost: 700 euros + $500 CDN
It is so much easier to file the paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony at your destination. I recommend this to everyone.
DJ and lighting
We hired a DJ who also provided lighting. We ordered string lights for the dinner area. The same DJ had an event the night before and asked me if I wanted to keep the string lights that he already installed above the dance floor for free. I was more than happy to say yes!
Cost: 1200 euros
Transportation
1 car and 2 buses to bring everyone to the venue and back to their hotel.
Cost: 520 euros
Invitations and menus
These were made in Canada and I brought the menus in my luggage.
Cost of invitations $1000
These invitations were sent out to about 200 guests. Despite the fact that the couple already knew many people would not attend, they felt obliged to send an invitation regarless.
Cost of menus: $150
Welcome dinner
Each person paid for themselves. The meal was about 50 euros per person. They had a nice evening at a restaurant overlooking the caldera with a perfect view of the sunset.
Bridal hair and makeup
Cost: 300 euros
Wedding Cake
Cost: 200 euros
Grand total: 23,490 euros + $1 650 CDN
Additional costs:
Wedding planner fee + accommodations
Hotel for bride and groom
Attire
While the total cost isn’t exactly considered inexpensive, bear in mind that this is still significantly cheaper than a wedding back home with 100 or 200 guests and you are getting married in one of the most beautiful places on earth. In my opinion, this is a steal. My clients were elated and their guests were blown away. This was more than a wedding; this was an experience of a lifetime.
I hope this helps you on your destination wedding planning journey.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
I’m a wedding planner from Canada that plans wedding in Greece and Italy during the summer months. If you are looking to get married in one of these beautiful places feel free to contact me as I would love to plan your big day.
