Planning and dreaming of your wedding is so much fun, but once you start tallying those numbers up, your budget can get out of hand quickly! The average cost of a hometown wedding is close to $33,000 – yikes! A destination wedding allows you to get married for less AND vacation with all the people you love most. That’s a win-win in our book!
Destination weddings are typically about a third of the cost of a traditional wedding at home. Budgets of approximately $10-$12k give us enough room to plan something spectacular! Here are a few tips to keep the wedding budget from spiraling out of control.
GET LEGALLY MARRIED AT HOME
Have a legal ceremony at home before your wedding trip, and opt for a symbolic ceremony in your destination. This alone can save you hundreds of dollars and lots of stress. Read more about the difference between legal and symbolic ceremonies here.
MAKE THE DESTINATION WORK FOR YOU
Getting married in a tropical location means you’re likely saying “I do!” outside or on the beach. Save money on decor and let the beautiful turquoise water and white, powdery sand provide the perfect backdrop for your big day!
CHOOSE AN ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
Take advantage of the amenities included in the wedding package from the resort. Almost all wedding packages include the complimentary services of a wedding planner. Additional amenities included in the basic package are the ceremony location, the officiant, a sound system, and sparkling wine for a toast. Wedding packages will build off these basics allowing you to add items to make your wedding unique and special.
THE HONEYMOON
Many couples opt for a honeymoon in the same destination to get the most bang for their buck with airfare. Hosting your wedding at a family-friendly resort? Consider changing hotels and honeymooning at an adults-only property that provides a more romantic ambiance.
AVOID OUTSIDE VENDOR FEES
A few things not included in most wedding packages are the photographer and the DJ. Most resorts have preferred vendors they recommend and work with often. Choosing one of these preferred resort vendors will save you money on outside vendor fees.
Instead of hiring a DJ, consider having a cousin or close friend keep the party going with a playlist that will get everyone out on the dance floor. Many resorts allow your photographer to be a guest at your wedding. If the photographer has a room reserved as part of your group room block the resort may waive the outside vendor fee.
HIRE AN EXPERT
Working with a destination wedding specialist can alleviate unnecessary costs. On top of negotiating the best room rates, we provide guidance and support for you and your wedding guests throughout the entire process.
If you are looking for an intimate, affordable destination wedding, click here to get in touch. We’ll schedule our preliminary phone call and chat about your vision for an unforgettable destination wedding!
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