Planning a wedding at a beachfront resort offers a unique blend of romance and elegance. Ocean Manor Beach Resort, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provides an idyllic setting for couples seeking a memorable celebration. Understanding the associated costs is crucial for effective budgeting. This comprehensive guide delves into the details of hosting a wedding at Ocean Manor Beach Resort, including venue specifics, cost factors, expense breakdowns, budgeting tips, and a budget estimate summary.
Venue Details
| Venue Name | Ocean Manor Beach Resort |
|---|---|
| Location | 4040 Galt Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 |
| Phone | 954-766-4245 |
| Website | oceanmanor.com |
| @oceanmanorbeachresort | |
| [email protected] | |
| Average Price | $12,000 |
| Capacity | Up to 150 guests |
| Awards | WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2023–2025 |
| Facilities | Ceremony Area, Private Bridal Suites, Indoor & Outdoor Ceremony Areas, Dressing Room, Reception Area, Wireless Internet |
About Ocean Manor Beach Resort
Ocean Manor Beach Resort is a premier oceanfront venue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With its direct beach access, the resort offers a picturesque backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. The resort boasts seven private event spaces, including the Oceanfront Ballroom, Penthouse Terrace, and Tiki Bar, accommodating various wedding sizes and styles. Amenities such as on-site accommodations, full-service salon and spa, and diverse dining options enhance the guest experience.
Location
Situated at 4040 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, Ocean Manor Beach Resort is conveniently located near major transportation hubs and local attractions. Its beachfront position provides stunning ocean views, making it an ideal setting for destination weddings.
Factors Influencing Ocean Manor Beach Resort Weddings Cost
Understanding what drives the total cost of a wedding at Ocean Manor Beach Resort can help you plan more efficiently and avoid unexpected expenses. Whether you are aiming for an intimate beachside elopement or a large, luxurious gathering, several key elements influence the final price tag. Below is an in-depth look at the major factors that determine how much you will likely spend.
Guest Count: The Most Significant Variable
One of the biggest factors in wedding pricing is the number of guests. Ocean Manor Beach Resort typically offers all-inclusive packages for a base number of guests — usually up to 50. If your guest list exceeds that, additional costs will apply. On average, each extra guest will cost around $180, which can quickly increase the total.
The reason guest count matters so much is because it affects nearly every aspect of the event: catering, seating, staffing, bar services, and even the size of the event space you will need. If you’re looking to stay within budget, trimming your guest list is one of the most effective strategies.
Wedding Date and Seasonality: Peak vs. Off-Peak Pricing
Just like airlines and hotels, wedding venues have peak and off-peak seasons. Ocean Manor Beach Resort is particularly popular during the spring and winter months, when South Florida’s weather is at its best. Booking a wedding during these high-demand months — particularly March, April, November, and December — may come at a premium.
On the flip side, couples willing to consider weekday weddings or events in the summer and early fall (low season due to heat and hurricane risks) may benefit from discounted rates or special promotions. Choosing a non-traditional date could potentially save thousands of dollars.
Wedding Package Inclusions: What You Get for the Price
Ocean Manor Beach Resort offers customizable all-inclusive packages designed to simplify planning and reduce the stress of working with multiple vendors. Their Paradise Package, for instance, often includes:
- Ceremony and reception setup
- Photography and videography services
- DJ and entertainment
- On-site catering and bartending
- Chairs, tables, linens, and décor
While these packages can appear expensive at first glance, they may actually provide excellent value when compared to booking each service separately. Understanding exactly what’s included — and what may incur additional fees — is critical to managing your budget.
Vendor Selection: In-House Convenience vs. Outside Flexibility
Ocean Manor offers in-house vendors for many wedding essentials, including floral design, entertainment, and catering. Working with these preferred vendors usually ensures a smooth, coordinated experience and may even include discounted bundle pricing.
However, if you have a preferred photographer or florist you’d like to bring in, be sure to ask about vendor fees. Some resorts charge extra for working with outside vendors, so make sure to factor this into your budget if you’re going the DIY route or hiring specialists.
Wedding Décor and Personalization: How Much is Too Much?
Ocean Manor’s beachfront setting and scenic surroundings provide a naturally beautiful canvas. Still, some couples choose to elevate their event with themed décor, floral installations, and luxury rentals.
While personalization adds charm and character, it can also significantly increase costs. Fortunately, many essentials — such as seating, ceremony arch, and lighting — are included in Ocean Manor’s standard packages, so you may not need much more to create the vibe you want.
Entertainment and Enhancements: Setting the Mood
The base wedding package typically includes a professional DJ, but couples looking for live bands, specialty performers, or unique entertainment like fire dancers or interactive photo booths will need to budget extra.
Entertainment is not just about music — it’s also about creating unforgettable moments. Enhancements like cold sparklers, LED dance floors, or live artists painting during the ceremony can make a wedding feel extraordinary, but they do come with additional price tags.
Guest Accommodations and Room Blocks
Ocean Manor Beach Resort doubles as a hotel, offering the convenience of on-site accommodations for wedding guests. Booking a room block may qualify you for discounted rates, especially if you meet a minimum room requirement.
Providing lodging is especially important for destination weddings, and while the cost of guests’ rooms is often covered by them, couples may wish to pay for VIP guests or family members, which should be included in the overall budget plan.
Time of Day and Event Duration
Evening weddings tend to be more expensive than morning or midday events, especially if they include extended hours for reception and entertainment. Time also impacts staffing, lighting requirements, and alcohol consumption — all factors that can contribute to higher expenses.
Some couples choose brunch or early afternoon ceremonies with lighter meals and shorter celebrations to save money while still offering an elegant experience.
Special Requests and Luxury Add-Ons
Do you dream of arriving at your ceremony in a vintage Rolls-Royce? Want a custom signature cocktail menu? How about fireworks to close the night?
While Ocean Manor Beach Resort can accommodate many luxury touches, each special request typically comes with an added cost. Communicate openly with the event coordinator to find creative alternatives that fit your budget without sacrificing the “wow” factor.
Breakdown of Ocean Manor Beach Resort Weddings Expenses
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Fee | $2,000 |
| Reception Fee | $1,500 |
| All-Inclusive Package (up to 50 guests) | $12,000 |
| Additional Guests | $180 per person |
| Bar Service | $10 per person |
| Service Charge | 24% of total cost |
Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary based on specific requirements.
Tips for Budgeting and Saving on Ocean Manor Beach Resort Weddings
Planning a dream wedding on a beautiful beachfront resort like Ocean Manor doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart strategies and thoughtful decision-making, you can have a stunning celebration while keeping costs under control. Here are practical and effective tips to help you stay within budget without sacrificing style or experience.
Prioritize What Truly Matters
One of the first and most important steps in budgeting is to identify your top priorities. Ask yourself what elements of the wedding are absolutely essential — is it the photography, the food, the entertainment, or the venue itself?
By ranking the components of your wedding in order of importance, you can allocate more of your budget to the things that will have the most lasting impact. For example, you might choose to invest in a professional photographer to capture lifelong memories while simplifying table centerpieces to save on décor.
Book During Off-Peak Seasons and Weekdays
Timing plays a major role in wedding costs. Ocean Manor Beach Resort, like many venues, adjusts its pricing based on the season and day of the week. Peak months in Fort Lauderdale (typically March to May and November to December) will be in high demand and carry higher rates.
If you’re flexible with your date, consider planning your wedding during the off-season (summer or early fall) or even on a weekday. Many venues, including Ocean Manor, offer significant discounts for less popular dates. A weekday sunset wedding can be just as magical — and much more affordable.
Keep Your Guest List Intimate
While it may be tempting to invite everyone you know, remember that each guest adds to your total cost — not just for food and drinks, but also for seating, favors, and staffing. Ocean Manor’s pricing model includes a base rate for 50 guests, with an extra charge per additional attendee.
By keeping your celebration more intimate, you can create a cozy, meaningful atmosphere while substantially reducing your expenses. Focus on inviting close family and friends who truly matter to you.
Take Advantage of In-House Services and Packages
Ocean Manor offers comprehensive wedding packages that include essentials like catering, décor, DJ services, and coordination. These packages are designed to simplify planning while offering great value.
Opting for these in-house services not only reduces the need to coordinate multiple vendors but can also come with discounted bundle pricing. In contrast, sourcing services individually from external vendors can quickly inflate your budget due to additional fees and logistical complexities.
Simplify Your Wedding Décor
With the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop, you already have one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable. Instead of spending a fortune on elaborate floral installations and rentals, embrace the natural beauty of the beach.
Ocean Manor’s wedding packages already include a range of décor basics such as chairs, linens, arches, and lighting. With just a few personal touches — perhaps a customized sign or a few statement pieces — you can achieve a chic and elegant look without overspending.
Opt for a Limited Bar Package
The bar is one of the most underestimated costs in wedding planning. Offering a full open bar for several hours can quickly add up, especially with a large guest list. One way to save is by selecting a limited bar package or offering beer and wine only.
You can also offer a signature cocktail instead of a full spirits menu, adding a personal touch while keeping costs manageable. Be sure to discuss your options with the resort to find a balance between budget and guest satisfaction.
Negotiate and Ask for Customization
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your venue coordinator. If you have a fixed budget, let them know upfront. Venues like Ocean Manor often have flexibility and may be able to customize packages or offer add-ons at a reduced rate, especially if you’re booking multiple services.
Whether it’s adjusting your catering menu, modifying décor elements, or shortening your reception hours, there are usually creative ways to cut costs without compromising on quality.
Cut Unnecessary Extras
It’s easy to get swept up in all the trends and “must-haves” promoted on social media, but not every item on the Pinterest board is essential. Do you really need custom cocktail napkins, elaborate seating charts, or a dessert bar alongside a cake?
By cutting back on these non-essentials, you’ll create more room in your budget for meaningful details — or even for your honeymoon. Remember, simplicity can be beautiful and elegant, especially in a naturally stunning setting like Ocean Manor Beach Resort.
Plan Early and Be Organized
Booking early gives you access to more availability, better pricing, and sometimes early-bird promotions. It also allows for a more relaxed planning process, reducing the chance of last-minute rush fees or limited vendor choices.
Create a detailed wedding budget spreadsheet, track every deposit, and set aside a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. Staying organized helps ensure that no detail — or dollar — is overlooked.
Budget Estimate Summary
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Fee | $2,000 |
| Reception Fee | $1,500 |
| All-Inclusive Package | $12,000 |
| Additional Guests (50) | $9,000 |
| Bar Service (100 guests) | $1,000 |
| Service Charge (24%) | $6,360 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $31,860 |
Note: This estimate is based on a wedding with 100 guests. Actual costs may vary.
Final Thought
Planning a wedding at Ocean Manor Beach Resort offers couples the perfect balance of luxury, romance, and convenience. With its stunning oceanfront views, all-inclusive packages, and dedicated team of professionals, this resort provides an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. While the average cost may seem high, the comprehensive services, elegant ambiance, and prime location justify the investment.
By understanding the factors that influence pricing and making thoughtful budgeting choices, you can create a dream wedding tailored to your vision—without unnecessary stress. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate beach ceremony or a grand celebration, Ocean Manor Beach Resort is a beautiful place to begin your forever.