Many couples choose a destination wedding in the hope of reducing the wedding expenses and, in some cases, a destination wedding is really cheaper, but you have to be smart and plan everything thoroughly. We’ve gathered here several best pieces of advice for those who want to save money on a destination wedding. By the way, it doesn’t mean that your wedding will look cheap and boring – you can have a chic grand wedding and still pay less for it than you would in your native city.
Related articles:
What you should know about destination wedding. Let’s bust some myths and get useful tips!
Destination wedding ideas for your inspiration. Where to go?
Choose location smartly
Not every destination wedding is cheap and it’s not always the main goal of the bride and groom, so if you decide to organize a wedding abroad to save money, choose the location thoroughly and do research. For example, Hawaii is not the cheapest place for a wedding but a remote resort or a wedding venue in Latin America or in some European countries can be a lot more affordable. But don’t forget to include the expenses for transportation in your budget, especially if you plan to fly far to your wedding location.
Book room blocks to save on accommodations
Some couples pay for their guests’ accommodations. Booking room blocks, apartments, or bungalows where you can house several people instead of getting a separate room for every guest helps to reduce expenses. Some hotels offer discounts if you book several rooms at one time.
Even if you don’t pay for your wedding guests’ accommodations, give them the option to live together. For instance, your bridesmaids can stay in one large suite or single guys you invite to your wedding can bunk together.
Go local
Working with local wedding vendors, buying local flowers and food – all this helps to save big time. When you’re having a wedding in a tropical country, why not use exotic florals that are available and cheap in this location? Also, you can serve local dishes at your wedding dinner – that’ll be not only unusual and fun for your guests but will cost less, and the local chefs are always most skilled with their traditional food.
Negotiate the prices
In some destinations around the world, it is common to negotiate and haggle, people are used to it and expect you to do it. You can consult with vendors, tell them that you’re not a local and are coming from another part of the world for a wedding, maybe they’ll assist you with picking the optimal package. Don’t be shy to ask for a discount but never be disrespectful and insolent.
Use your wedding location to the fullest
Make sure you know and make use of everything your wedding destination offers. The typical local activities can be a lot cheaper than organizing an event you’re familiar with but that is foreign to the locals. The research will help you to find out what festivities or activities you can get there. What do we mean? Maybe a folklore festival or a carnival or a national holiday is held in your wedding destination on the same weekend. This can be free entertainment for your wedding guests, the entertainment everybody will remember.
Related articles:
What you should know about destination wedding. Let’s bust some myths and get useful tips!
Destination wedding ideas for your inspiration. Where to go?
