How To Save Money On Your Destination Wedding

Want to save money on your destination wedding? This post has the tips for you!

There are so many awesome reasons to have a destination wedding. It’s an opportunity to combine a vacation with a wedding, for example. It’s a whole experience. A vibe. For guests of a destination wedding, it’s an event they will never forget. It’s easy to see why many couples opt to travel for their weddings, even if the logistics can seem a bit daunting at first glance.

The downside of a destination wedding is that it’s a bit more difficult to plan simply because you’re not close to the venue itself. Yes, of course, you can find an all-inclusive wedding venue who will coordinate everything for you. More on that later. The more money you can spend, the easier it is to plan a wedding. However, you may want to save money on your destination wedding. Maybe you don’t want to miss out, even if your budget isn’t huge. If so, this post is for you.

How To Save Money On Your Destination Wedding

This post is going to give you tips on how to save money on your destination wedding. Not every tip is for everyone. Maybe you have your own methods and they work for you. If so, that’s awesome. Feel free to share them with me on social media or in the comments below. That said, there will be tips in here that work for most people who want to save money on their destination weddings.

Let’s get into it!

KEEP THE GUEST LIST VERY SMALL

This tip to save money on your destination wedding applies to just about any wedding.

Keep your guest list very small, and you will save on costs.

Now, there is a caveat here. When you have a destination wedding, you may be more willing to splurge on your guests. So, there is a quality verses quantity kind of thing going on. Depending on your budget, you may consider paying for part of your guest’s travel expenses. Or, treating them to some fun excursions on site. These are amazing things to provide to your wedding guests, but should not come at a cost you can’t afford.

Remember, you’ll only save money on your destination wedding if you have a budget per each guest and stick to it. If you splurge too much, you might as well have invited more people.

FIND A SETTING THAT REQUIRES MINIMAL DÉCOR

Does the thought of trekking wedding décor to a destination setting give you hives? Me, too.

How about the thought of buying or setting up décor once you arrive? I can’t even.

Look, yes, beautiful locations can cost more money than locations that are less than ideal. However, there is a cost savings there when it comes to décor. Plus, set up and clean up, and all that other stuff will be minimized if you get married in a gorgeous spot that requires very little extra. So, going for a spot that is naturally beautiful or already designed for weddings will save you some costs overall.

CHOOSE A DESTINATION THAT IS BEAUTIFUL, BUT GO WITH OFF-PEAK SEASON

For this tip, you’ll have to do your research.

Getting married at a destination in the off-season can save you so much money. However, the wrong location, in the wrong off-season, and you may be faced with a disaster. So, do your research. Find a location that is great all year round, even if there is an off-season. Avoiding potentially dangerous weather risks, such as high heat or hurricanes, is key here. If you can find the right spot (and they are out there), you’ll save a ton and still have a gorgeous destination wedding.

WORK WITH A TRAVEL AGENCY OR DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIALIST

Feeling a bit lost about where to start? Consider working with a travel agency or destination wedding specialist.

Now, I know what you may be thinking. Don’t these services cost money? Yes, and no.

Many travel agencies and destination wedding specialists get kick backs when couples book through them. Meaning, the couple themselves don’t pay for their services. And, it’s their reputation on the line if they suggest locations that aren’t great. In an ideal setting, everyone wins.

Of course, you can pay for these services, too. And, you’ll likely still save as these types of people know the best deals and how to negotiate and get them. It’s worth looking into if you’re not sure where to start or beginning to feel overwhelmed.

OPT FOR AN ALL DIGITAL WEDDING

One clear way to save money on your destination wedding is to go all digital with your wedding communications.

This means no paper at all. All emails, online communications, or text messages.

When you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll have lots to communicate out. Having a quick and cheap way to do so is key. And, luckily for you, you can do this for free.

So, utilize Canva and opt for digital save the dates, invites, and even thank you cards. Put all important information on your wedding website or social media feed. You’ll save tons and it’ll be so convenient to share up to date info with guests.

For more tips on communicating with wedding guests, check out this post.

RESEARCH RESORTS THAT SPECIALIZE IN WEDDING PACKAGES

Remember earlier when I mentioned all inclusive wedding venues for your destination wedding? Let’s talk about that right now.

Wedding packages can be your friend when planning a destination wedding. Not only do they allow someone else, on site, to help with the logistics of your wedding, but the costs are predictable. Plus, there is minimal effort or set up for you to deal with. Sometimes these packages also have activities included in them for your guests, or discounted services, so win, win all around.

INQUIRE ABOUT ROOM RATE DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS

A big expense for destination weddings is often the cost to travel.

Air fare and hotels can really add up. The farther you go, the more it will cost. One way to combat this is to look for discounted room rates. This is where a block of rooms are booked all at once and a hotel or venue gives you a discount. If you have enough rooms, they may even provide a room for the newlyweds for free. It’s a big win when that happens, and everyone benefits.

STAY IN CONTACT WITH THE VENUE YOU CHOOSE (AND READ THE CONTRACT)

If you know where your destination will be, and have booked a venue, it’s pivotal that you stay in contact with them to save money.

The main concern here is for when you book other vendors for your wedding. A photographer, for example. Or, hair and makeup. Before you book, read your contract. And, talk to the venue. They may have preferred vendors to choose from. Or, they may have vendors who they recommend who will give you a discount.

CHOOSE A WEDDING PLANNER FROM THAT DESTINATION WHO SPECIALIZES IN DESTINATION WEDDINGS

If you’re having a destination wedding, and have never planned a destination wedding before, you need a wedding planner.

Now, yes, of course, you may be using a venue who provides a wedding planner as part of their package. If so, that’s awesome. If not, you need to listen up. You need a wedding planner to help out. Or, at least, a day of coordinator (and yes, you need a DOC anyway to help on your wedding day, no matter where you get married).

Ideally, you will hire a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings, at the location you are interested in. They should be able to help you understand local requirements, customs, and anything to watch out for that is not common where you are from.

Is this an added expense? Yes. However, it will help you save money in the long run by reducing risk.

HIRE LOCAL, IF POSSIBLE, INSTEAD OF FLYING OUT VENDORS FROM WHERE YOU ARE

I know. I know.

You may have some vendors close to you who you really want to be at your wedding. Maybe a day of coordinator. Or a photographer or videographer. And look, I get it. These are vendors you trust and love. And they may be willing to come to your destination wedding. At a cost, of course.

I wouldn’t do it if I was trying to save money.

The cost to help a wedding professional travel to a destination can really blow your budget. Just hire local, if possible. If the professionals from back home are your friends and willing to help on their own dime, that is another story. However, if they aren’t, you need to reconsider the cost to bring them.

GO ON YOUR HONEYMOON IMMEDIATELY FROM YOUR WEDDING LOCATION

Remember earlier when we talked about how expensive it is to travel?

The same costs will apply to your honeymoon.

The good news is that there are opportunities to save on your honeymoon when you have a destination wedding. You could honeymoon close to your wedding location, for example. Or, use that location as a “jumping off” point for your honeymoon destination. This can save on airfare, and time.

CREATE A CASH REGISTRY

This isn’t really a way to save money on your destination wedding so much as it’s a way to help pay for your destination wedding.

Have a cash registry.

Now, of course you don’t want to ask your guests for cash. No, no, no. But, you can have the option available. And, it can be the only option on your registry. It doesn’t have to be tacky, either. Simply state that their presence is present enough, however if they want to gift you anything contributing to your registry would be appreciated. Enough said.

HAVE YOUR LEGAL WEDDING AT HOME

Last way to save money on your destination wedding!

Get married at home.

Wait, what? What did I just say?

I said to get married at home. Legally, at least. You don’t have to have a wedding at home. But do the paperwork. This can help you avoid dealing with legal issues later on. And, you can avoid bringing various documents with you when you travel or having to go get random medical tests done.

Other locations can have extreme requirements in order to get legally married at them. Avoid that, and the hassle, by just getting married at home. That way, if you have any issues, you can deal with them close to you instead of jumping through hoops.

THOUGHTS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING

Friends, there are so many ways to save money on your destination wedding. You don’t have to pick just one, but you should combine the ones that work for you. Remember to do your research, look into options, and be intentional with who you hire. Choose the right location if you’re going during the off-season, and look into travel agencies. Combine your wedding with your honeymoon and don’t avoid the cash registry. Happy wedding planning!

More On Destination Weddings From Hummingbird Wedding Advice

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