The idea of tying the knot on a picture perfect beach, by a dramatic mountain range, or in a cute European villa often paints a picture of great expense. Many dream of a destination wedding but immediately dismiss it, thinking it is for the elite. What I want to put forth is that getting married in a far off place does not have to break the bank.
Planning a destination wedding within a budget is not only doable but at times is more affordable than a traditional home based wedding. The key is in strategic planning, smart choices and a willingness to step out of the typical wedding box.
The Legend of the Prized Destination Wedding.
Let out that which has been a myth for a while. In your own town a usual 150 guest wedding may break into the tens of thousands at times even reaching six figures when you include venue rental, catering, open bar, decorative elements, multiple vendors, and all the little details.
Destination weddings also tend to have a smaller guest list which in turn means less on food, drink, favors and stationery. Also many resorts and destination venues put forth all inclusive wedding packages which in turn reduce costs and planning stress.
Here is how you do it, let us go in.
Fewer is Better
This may very well be what is most effective when it comes to saving at a destination wedding. At a local wedding you may think that you have to invite that aunt you only see at family reunions but with a destination event that isn't the case. Many will not be able to make it and that is fine.
Be Strategic: Determine what is non negotiable: your closest family, your best friends.
Communicate Clearly: Alert guests early so they can plan and budget.
Embrace Intimacy: A smaller invite list allows for more in depth interactions with the people that matter to you most. You will find the conversations to be more meaningful, the environment more intimate and personal.
The Savings: Each guest you leave out is a big win for the budget in terms of food, drink, favors and also as far as we’re able to go, transport.
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Location, Location, Location: Choosing your budget destination.
Not all which we term paradise in terms of price are the same. Do your research.
Consider "Value" Destinations: Places in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica as well as some areas of Central America (for instance Costa Rica) see to it that you can find great all inclusive resorts which also have economic wedding packages.
Think Off-Season: Travel outside of peak season time frames to get lower flight prices, cheaper rates on accommodation, and also often better choice of venue and vendor. Do note that you should pay attention to the weather which may vary by location (e.g. hurricane season in the Carribean).
Local Hidden Gems: Instead of popular and well known destinations, seek out the unknown beautiful places. For example instead of Santorini try other Greek islands out, also instead of a high end Tuscan villa try out agriturismos in more remote Italian regions.
Proximity Matters: If the majority of your guests are from North America, we see that a Caribbean or Mexican destination will have the advantage of lower and shorter flights, for instance to Southeast Asia.
The Savings: Smart location decision impacts flights, accommodation and the total cost of services.
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Embrace All-Inclusive Resorts: Your Full Service Wedding Store.
This is what destination weddings do best for budget conscious couples. Many all inclusive resorts have wedding teams which put together full package deals that may include:.
Ceremony Venue: Gardens by the sea, beach settings, garden.
Officiant: To lawfully carry out the ceremony.
Basic Décor: Roof, furniture, flowers and greens.
Reception Dinner: Also at your private event space within a restaurant.
Wedding Cake: A basic yet graceful cake.
Photography/Videography: Basic sets of which included.
Bridal Bouquet & Boutonnière: Floral designs of a simple nature.
On-Site Coordinator: To manage logistics.
Honeymoon Perks: Free night stays, room upgrades for couples.
The Benefits: Bundling services takes out the great effort and cost of finding, vetting, and coordinating individual vendors. Also you are to which you get volume discounts the resort passes along.
The Savings: Significantly cuts down on use of external vendors and we offer predictable upfront costs.
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Smart Scheduling: Time is of the essence.
Also in terms of budget the day of the week plays a role.
Weekday Weddings: Weddings on Mondays through Thursday are what we recommend. Over the weekend, which is our high season for events, we see higher prices from venues and suppliers go for a midweek date instead.
Morning or Brunch Receptions: Evenings out tend to be more expensive which we attribute to lighting, extensive drink service, and also that they go later. As for a great morning ceremony which is followed by a delightful brunch we may find that to be very affordable.
Skip the Saturday Night: If you have to do it over the weekend do Sunday, they say it’s usually cheaper than Saturday.
The Savings: Ven on popular and off peak days/times.
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Vendor Savvy: Local vs Importable.
One of the greatest temptations is that you will fly in your favorite photographer or hair stylist from out of town. While it may seem like a treat, this can quickly blow your budget.
Utilize Resort Vendors: At the all inclusive you should start with their recommended list. They have experience with the venue, have built relationships there, and often provide competitive pricing as part of the package.
Go Local: Research out local photographers, florists, and musicians. They know the best spots, the local flora, and also usually at a lower price than international providers. Just do in depth research and read the reviews.
DIY Where Possible (Carefully): Small decor items, favors, or personal touches may be DIY projects but at the same time think practical what can you realistically transport and manage.
The Savings: Reduces travel and accommodation costs for your vendors as well as potential customs fees.
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Décor & Details: Celebrate Nature’s Beauty.
One of the best aspects of destination weddings is the “setting” which often includes beautiful natural decor.
Let Nature Be Your Backdrop: At a sunset beach, in a lush garden, or at a historic building decoration is minimal.
Simplify Flowers: Use what is local and in season. They are easier to find and at a better price. A few large scale arrangements will go further than complex centerpieces.
Skip the Swag: Do you require that which is totally customized, from table linens to sign in books, to that which is tailored just for you? Pick out what is truly meaningful to you and do not try to change everything.
Repurpose: Use ceremony flowers for your table centerpieces.
The Savings: Reduces the use of rentals for decor and flowers.
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Food & Drink: Keep it simple.
Weddings have the large expense of catering.
Limited Bar: Instead of a full open bar which runs all night we can present wine, beer and a signature cocktail at the reception.
Buffet or Family Style: These at times may be more affordable than plated meals at the same venue.
Skip Multiple Meals: While people may love welcome dinners and farewell brunches, in the end it is all an accumulation. I would rather put my budget toward that one great reception. Also, your guests are out on vacation which means they will enjoy to go out and explore local restaurants.
The Savings: Direct per person catering costs.
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Honeymoon in One: Join Save.
Many a time couples combine their wedding and their honeymoon into one grand trip.
Stay Longer: Upon your guests leaving, stay on at the resort or transfer to a different nearby property for your honeymoon.
Utilize Perks: Also it is a common practice for resorts to include free nights or upgrade packages for the couple.
No Second Trip: This does away with the need (and cost) of a separate honeymoon.
The Savings: Combines which would be reported as two separate travel expenses into one.
Don't Forget the Legalities!
While not a money saver in and of itself but rather a strategic move, we find out that which we must do for marriage in our choice of destination is very important. Some countries have a minimal residency requirement, particular documents may be asked for, and also there are different waiting periods. Put this into your plan from the start to avoid last minute issues or extra fees. Also it is a trend that we see a legal civil ceremony at home and a symbolic one at the destination which in turn simplifies the paperwork.
Final Thoughts: Identify what is important.
Marking your love out in a beautiful and meaningful way with your closest loved ones.
With the right decisions on location, guest list, timing, and vendors your dream destination wedding is within reach, which in turn will leave you with amazing memories and a healthy bank account to begin your married life. Why not, pack your bags and prepare for an “I do” of a lifetime!
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