How to Plan a Destination Wedding on a Budget
A destination wedding appeals to many couples, but the hefty expenses can be overwhelming. However, with some planning, it is possible to have a beautiful wedding while being cost-effective. Here is how to have an unforgettable yet inexpensive destination wedding, maintaining the romance and sophistication.
1. Go for an Inexpensive Place
The choice of location alone has a vast deal of influence on how far your budget will stretch. Some locations are more budget-friendly than others due to living costs and the availability of services. A few affordable wedding destinations are worth considering:
Mexico (Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta): With beautiful beaches all these towns offer budget-friendly wedding packages.
Thailand (Phuket, Chiang Mai): A tropical wedding paradise, who could resist affordable luxury resorts?
The Bali of Indonesia: Stunning scenery and fairly priced wedding packages.
Portugal (Algarve, Lisbon): Having very picturesque places much cheaper than the other European options.
Dominican Republic: Another tropical paradise that has several all-inclusive resorts with budget wedding packages.
2. Off-Season Planning
The time of year you choose to marry can vary that much in cost. High-season weddings are (tourist peak times) expensive, off-season weddings are good deals. For most tropical destinations, off-season months are generally May through October, which also means less crowd and cheaper travel prices.
3. Guest List Limit
Destination weddings are relatively small in the guest department, which naturally sets them a bit lower on the budget. Less people also mean lesser costs for accommodations, catering, and other drag-on expenses. You should consider a very personal wedding with close family and friends so that your budget can stretch.
4. Get Package Deals
Most resorts sell an all-inclusive wedding package. This includes the venue, food, decoration, and photography in their quote. These package deals save you the stress of sourcing each vendor by yourself, as vendors often offer deals for bulk orders.
Estimated budget for all-inclusive resorts: $3,000 - $7,000 for a basic package
5. DIY Wherever Possible
DIY can make a sizeable dent in the budget. For example:
The Invitations: Design e-invites using free platforms like Canva.
The Décor: Pretty little things that will fit in your suitcase: fairy lights and handmade centerpieces, for example.
The Favors: You could personalize every souvenir in advance from home before jetting off.
6. Scout Out Budget-Friendly Vendors or DIY
Do the research on local vendors instead of hiring expensive international professionals. If your destination allows, bring your preferred photographer or hair & makeup artist from home if they offer better rates.
Estimated costs:
Local photographer: $500 - $2,000
Hair & Makeup: $150 - $500
7. Save Money on Clothes
Look for lightweight and inexpensive wedding attire. Many bridal shops offer off-the-rack dresses at a discount, plus grooms can wear casual yet stylish beach attire.
Budget accommodation for outfit: $200 - $1,500.
8. Travel Smart
Flights and accommodations can be one of the biggest expenses. Save where you can:
Book Early: Make sure to take advantage of early bird deals on flights and hotels.
Maximize Travel Rewards: Redeem airline miles or credit card points for that special trip on flights or hotels.
Inquire About Group Discounts: Most airlines or hotels will usually offer some discount on bulk booking.
Average flight cost:
Domestic: $200 - $500 per person
International: $500 - $1,500 per person
9. Public Venue or Small Resort
Instead of booking a high-end luxury resort, consider:
Public Beaches or Parks: Often require a small permit fee but offer stunning views.
Boutique Hotels or Airbnb Venues: Can provide an intimate setting at a fraction of the cost.
Estimated venue costs:
Public beach permit: $50 - $300
Small resort/hotel rental: $1,500 - $5,000
10. Cut Catering and Bar Expenses
Food and drinks sometimes rank high among expenses, and there are a few ways to save costs on them:
Go for a buffet meal rather than a plated service.
Limit the open bar.
Serve local food, which tends to be cheaper and always so much more authentic.
Estimated catering costs:
Buffet-style: $25 - $75 per person
Plated dinner: $50 - $150 per person
Sample Budget Breakdown for a Destination Wedding (50 Guests)
Conclusion
A beautiful destination wedding doesn't have to cost a fortune. With some careful planning, smart budgeting, and a little DIY, you can easily accomplish a truly mesmerizing celebration. From there on, focus on the essentials: love, joy, and the unforgettable experience of being surrounded by family and friends that matter most.
