How can you plan a destination wedding on a small budget? This is often the question that couples ask themselves when they are planning their big day. The answer may not be as clear cut as you would think. There are many ways to plan your destination wedding without breaking the bank, but it’s important to know what your priorities are before planning begins.
Do your research and find the best deals on flights
Making some phone calls and doing some online research can help you score a good deal on your flight to your chosen destination wedding spot. Be flexible with your travel dates and be willing to fly during less popular times like the middle of the week or off-season.
If you’re able to, try to book a package deal that includes your airfare, lodging, and some activities. Doing this can save you some cash on flight costs that you can then put toward other wedding expenses.
While it might be tempting to plan a destination wedding in Europe or an exotic spot abroad, if finances are tight, stay local or stick with the Caribbean where your currency will go far. You’ll find even more incentive to keep your destination wedding costs low by tying the knot during hurricane season!
Consider a smaller, more intimate wedding
One way to save money on your destination wedding is to have a smaller, more intimate wedding. Instead of inviting all of your friends and family, invite just your closest loved ones. This will help to keep costs down while still providing you with the wedding of your dreams.
Another option is to have your ceremony and reception in one location. This will help to cut down on costs for transportation, food, and drink.
Look for a location that is cheaper than most, but has all of the amenities you need
If you’re on a tight budget, consider looking for a destination wedding location that is cheaper than most, but has all of the amenities you need. For example, if you’re looking for a beach wedding, consider Puerto Rico instead of the Caribbean. While the beaches might not be as pretty, you’ll save money on your overall wedding costs.
Another option is to consider getting married in a location that offers free or discounted wedding packages. Many resorts and hotels offer these deals, but be sure to do your research before booking. You’ll want to make sure the resort you choose has all of the amenities you need, from a chapel or ceremony location to a reception area and catering.
Find out if there are any festivals or events happening in the area at the time of year you're getting married
Some festivals and events will draw big bucks into your chosen destination, so be sure to find out if there is anything happening during the time of year you’re getting married. If there is a festival or event going on, try booking yourself and your guests accommodations further in advance to get better rates.
Invite only those guests who are close to you
When it comes to inviting guests to your destination wedding, it’s best to invite only those guests who are closest to you. If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no reason that the grooms brother and his wife should be invited when they barely know you! Keep your list of invites short but sweet. You’ll find yourself with a more affordable destination wedding and more money to put toward other aspects of your big day.
Make sure to book well in advance so that prices don't go up
Like most things in life, destination weddings come with a price tag. The earlier you start planning and booking your wedding, the better chance you have of securing a good rate. If you wait until the last minute to book everything, you might find yourself paying significantly more for airfare, accommodations, and even the wedding itself.
Planning a destination wedding can be an amazing experience if you’re willing to save up and make the necessary sacrifices.
Hire a wedding planner who can help with everything from finding vendors to keeping costs low and staying within budget
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning a destination wedding, don’t worry! You can hire a wedding planner who can help with everything from finding vendors to keeping costs low and staying within budget. Wedding planners have tons of experience working with couples on all kinds of budgets, so they know how to make your dream wedding a reality without breaking the bank.
Destination wedding locations on a budget
There are many different places where you can hold your destination wedding, and the location will affect the overall cost. For example, a beach setting is naturally beautiful but it may not be as customizable as other locations. If you choose to get married in a less popular or exotic location, you might find yourself able to save money with fewer guests and better deals on venue and travel costs.
Here are a few examples of affordable destination wedding locations:
- Puerto Rico
- Las Vegas
- The Bahamas
- Mexico
- Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
Don't forget about honeymoon expenses - make sure they're included in your budget as well!
Honeymoon expenses are often overlooked, but they can quickly add up. Make sure that you include them in your budget, and consider opting for an affordable location for your honeymoon as well to keep costs down.
Compare prices for wedding packages
It can be helpful to compare the prices of different wedding packages. This will give you an idea of what is available and how much it will cost. It’s important to remember, however, that not all packages are created equal – make sure to read the fine print and ask questions about what is included in each package.
Final words
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can be difficult to find the right budget for this type of event if you’re not already living in one location or planning on staying there after your honeymoon.
We offer great tips and advice about how to plan a destination wedding on a small budget so that you don’t have to worry about overspending at every turn. We hope this blog post guided you to help plan a destination wedding on a small budget.