When my partner and I got engaged, we knew we didn’t want a typical, cookie-cutter wedding.
We dreamed of something exotic but intimate, beautiful but affordable—and that’s when Bali came into the picture. A destination wedding in paradise? It sounded expensive.
But guess what? It was surprisingly affordable! Here’s how we pulled off our dream wedding in Bali without breaking the bank.
Venue: Stunning and Affordable Options
One of the biggest expenses in any wedding is the venue. In Bali, however, you can find breathtaking locations for a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home.
We chose a cliffside villa overlooking the ocean in Uluwatu, which cost around $2,000 for the day.
Compare that to similar venues in the U.S. or Europe, where you’d be looking at $10,000 or more, and it’s clear why Bali is a hotspot for destination weddings.
For couples on an even tighter budget, there are plenty of beachfront restaurants, gardens, or small boutique hotels that offer wedding packages starting at $1,000.
Many of these packages include decor, food, and even a wedding planner.
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The Wedding Planner: Worth Every Penny
Speaking of planners, hiring a local wedding planner was one of the best decisions we made.
For around $1,000, our planner handled everything: securing the venue, hiring vendors, organizing the timeline, and even translating legal documents.
Having someone who understands local customs and logistics saved us both time and stress.
Plus, they have insider knowledge of where to get the best deals.
Food and Drinks: Feast Like Royalty
We opted for a buffet-style dinner with Balinese and Western dishes. The food was incredible, with dishes like nasi goreng, grilled seafood, and satay skewers, and it cost about $25 per person, including drinks. For a guest list of 50, that totaled $1,250.
If you’ve ever planned a wedding at home, you know how unheard-of that price is for such high-quality catering.
For drinks, we went with a mix of local beers, imported wines, and a signature cocktail. Bali has amazing local breweries, and Bintang beer was a hit with our guests.
Our open bar came to about $15 per person.
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Decor: Natural Beauty Does Half the Work
One of the biggest perks of getting married in Bali is the natural beauty. From lush tropical gardens to golden beaches, you don’t need much to make your venue look stunning.
We spent around $500 on flowers and decorations, focusing on simple arrangements of frangipani and orchids.
The venue itself did most of the heavy lifting with its panoramic ocean views.
Photography and Videography: High Quality for Less
We found an incredibly talented local photographer and videographer for $1,200.
The photos and videos were magazine-worthy, capturing every laugh, tear, and golden sunset moment.
In Western countries, hiring professionals of this caliber could easily cost upwards of $5,000.
Entertainment: Local Flair
To add a touch of Balinese culture to our wedding, we hired a traditional gamelan band to play during the ceremony. It cost $300 and added a magical, authentic vibe to the day. For the reception, we hired a DJ for $500 who kept the dance floor packed all night.
Accommodation: Luxury on a Budget
One of the best parts about a Bali wedding is that your honeymoon can start right away. We stayed in a private villa with a pool for $150 per night, and our guests found affordable options ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Many villas and hotels also offer discounts for group bookings, so it’s worth coordinating with your guests.
Total Cost Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of our wedding expenses:
- Venue: $2,000
- Wedding Planner: $1,000
- Food and Drinks: $2,000
- Decor: $500
- Photography/Videography: $1,200
- Entertainment: $800
- Miscellaneous (legal documents, transportation, etc.): $500
Grand Total: $8,000
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. For $8,000, we had a wedding that felt straight out of a dream. Bali offered us not only affordability but also an unforgettable experience for us and our guests.
The combination of stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and rich culture made it a day we’ll cherish forever.
If you’re considering a destination wedding, Bali is proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to create something magical.
With a bit of planning and the help of local experts, you can have a wedding that’s as breathtaking as it is budget-friendly.
