Where to Skip Spending: 5 Ways To Save On Your Destination Wedding

There is one thing that every past, current, and future bride can agree on: weddings are expensive!

Prices add up fast, and some couples end up spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on one day by the time everything is said and done. If you're anything like me, you want a memorable wedding day in a beautiful location but don't want to break the bank while achieving it. Before giving up your dream dress or venue to stay within budget, check out these ideas for saving money as you plan your destination wedding:

Start the planning process early so you can get the best deals on flights and accommodations for your group.

The more time you have to research airfare and travel packages, the better chance you have of securing flights for a fair price. Going in blind and purchasing tickets last minute will only lead to overpaying. Similarly, take ample time to research hotels, resorts, and Airbnb locations before committing to anything.  

Ditch the wedding favours...

opt for welcome bags full of things they will actually use!

It's customary that the married couple will offer a small favour or thank you to their guests at the wedding reception. Instead of buying wine glasses or a customized item for everyone, which they might never use or forget to take home, put together welcome bags for each guest. You can personalize the bags with items you and your partner can't live without on vacation. One of the best parts of welcome bags is that guests can start using them as soon as they arrive! Popular items people like to include, depending on the destination, are sunscreen, a shawl, flip-flops, luggage tags, a local map or itinerary, and koozies. 

**Remember! Everyone will be travelling back home from your location, so don't give out anything too bulky or difficult to store. 

Opt for simpler decor

(let your location work for you!)

A significant benefit of having a destination wedding is that you're in a picturesque location, so take advantage of it as much as possible. Don't spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on elaborate decor or floral arrangements; let the scenery do the work for you! You're already paying to be surrounded by stunning beaches and natural foliage, so why spend even more to add decor that distracts from the views (and you!)

Look for all-inclusive resorts!

because everything adds up quickly - for you, and your guests!

There are some resorts where you have to pay to upgrade for food and drink options and as always, these things add up quickly. Especially if you're paying per person. Try to find a venue that accommodates your needs and doesn't require you to pay additional fees for every little extra. Depending on the resort, some wedding packages can include all the details like menu cards, personalized centrepieces, hair and makeup for the bride, ceremony decor, and more. If your dream wedding has all the bells and whistles, and you can afford a resort that's all-inclusive in the aspects that matter most to you, go for it! You'll end up saving yourself money and from many headaches in the long run. 

For brides who are purchasing a resort wedding package

ask about substitutions!

You have selected your venue and it's perfect in almost every way except one thing - their pricing is set for an event of up to 30 guests and you're only planning on 15 people attending. Instead of swallowing the extra cost of only having half of the guests permitted, ask the venue or resort if you can swap some of what would have been spent on those additional guests for something else you want, like a cake or further florals. Major destinations are familiar with hosting weddings of all kinds with every type of request in the book, so why not try and negotiate if you can?