A modest wedding can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. These days, weddings have become more expensive than before. Although you may save money by choosing a destination wedding, there are other opportunities to save money when planning this type of wedding. Affordable Destination Weddings are available and the key is to find the right vendors. So, here are some tips to help you save money when you plan for a destination wedding:
Tie the Knot on a Weekday
Usually, local vendors provide discounts on weekdays even if you want to wed during the high season. Try to be flexible with the date you will tie the knot to save money down the road when it comes to flights, vendors, accommodation, and other expenses.
Pick the Shoulder Season
Often, peak-season weddings are more expensive than others and more tourists are around. When you tie the knot during a shoulder season, you can still take advantage of great weather, cheaper vendors, and fever tourists. Even if you plan your wedding in a short period, you may still find many vendors and the prices can be cheaper when you plan your honeymoon.
Reduce the Number of Guests
With a destination wedding, your guest list may already be smaller than with a traditional wedding. Your guest list can impact the cost of your wedding venue, food, and beverages. Sometimes, you can add accommodation and attire to your cost with a bigger guest list. If you want to save money, be thoughtful about the number of guests to invite before you send out invitations.
Pick the Destination Accordingly
If you live in the U. S., traveling to a neighboring country such as Mexico is more affordable than traveling to Asia or Europe for your wedding. The same goes when you choose domestic destinations. Also, you should think about how your guests will arrive at the location.
If you plan a destination wedding on a Greek island, it will be costlier than expected because some vendors must go to the island and you cannot take one plane to your destination. If you want to get married in Naxos, you must fly from the United States to Athens and take a flight or ferry from here to Naxos. This makes for a longer travel time and higher costs.
Hire Local Vendors
Hiring vendors to travel to your chosen location is costlier than picking local vendors. Instead of hiring a wedding photographer, look for a local in the area. This can help you save money on wedding fees.
Use Credit Cards
To save money on both your wedding and honeymoon, use credit cards. Never spend more than you have. A travel credit card will come in handy when planning for a destination wedding. Also, you should maximize credit card points.
Pick a Wedding Package
Some destinations such as all-inclusive resorts offer wedding packages that are easier and more cost-effective to plan. These packages will save you from managing various vendors. This can be a good option if you want something low-maintenance.
Know Your Priorities
If something does not matter to you, avoid splurging on them. Rather, it is best to splurge on what matters the most to you and enjoy some savings within your budget on things you do not care about. Once you begin planning your destination wedding and are setting up a budget, consider what matters to you following the wedding. Do you want to have photos to look back on? If so, you will want to splurge more on these at your wedding. Do you want to get an Airbnb big enough for the majority of your guests? Then, splurge on this. Never allow other people to pressure you into splurging on something that does not matter to you.
Destination weddings can be done without breaking the bank. Plus, it is usually less stressful than planning a big local wedding. If you are planning a destination wedding and want to make the most out of your budget, speak with an experienced wedding coordinator or planner.
