Modern brides want to have a wedding that is beyond the ordinary and traditional. This probably explains why destination weddings have drastically increased in popularity over the recent years. Getting married in a beautiful far-flung destination can surely be a memorable event not only for the couple but for the guests as well.
Now, if you are thinking about the cost, it is important to note that destination weddings are not that expensive when compared to traditional weddings. In fact, if you are resourceful, inventive, and creative enough, you can have the beach wedding of the year with a shoestring budget. How? Here are a couple of strategies on how to do just that.
Pick an off-season wedding date
When planning for a destination wedding, one of the factors that would affect the budget is the date of the event. Remember, during peak season, airfare and hotel accommodations cost a lot more than during off-peak. Saving money will be easier if you do not get married during the weekend or a holiday. If you are going to hold the wedding in a winter destination, consider doing it during spring or summer.
Minimize the number of guests
Keeping the party small and intimate will not only result in an easier-to-manage wedding event but also less expenses. Limit the guest list to your family and closest friends so that you will have maximum savings not only on the airfare and hotel accommodations but also with wedding favors, catering, and invitations.
Save the gifts
To save on the costs of shipping gifts from the venue of the destination wedding to your home, be sure to inform your guests that you would be receiving gifts at a welcome party to be held in your home. A better and more practical alternative to this would be to ask guests that instead of buying you a wedding gift, you would appreciate it if they use the money for the airfare. This way, they can bequeath you with the gift of their presence.
Ask for discounts, group rates or wedding packages
With the growing popularity of destination weddings, many destination spots are now offering wedding packages, discounts, and group rates. For example, if you are bringing 50 people to a hotel in the Bahamas, you may be able to get as much as 15 to 20 percent discount on their accommodation.
Whether you are a big or small party, do not hesitate to negotiate with hotels and vendors. If they do not want to give out a discount, you may ask for upgrades or freebies for you and your guests. For instance, you may get a free night, a honeymoon treat, or an upgrade from a standard accommodation to a fabulous suite.
Cut Down on Other Wedding Expenses
Below are general means on how to minimize the wedding budget, which are applicable whether you are having a destination wedding or not.
Flowers
- Use flowers in season.
- Opt for balloons.
- Buy from wholesalers.
Wedding Gown
- Shop for your wedding gown online.
- Wear your mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown.
- Rent your wedding dress.
- Wear a cocktail or summer dress. (This is especially ideal for a beach destination wedding.)
Invitation and Favors
- Do it yourself. Print your own invitations or create your own wedding favors.
Wedding Cake
- Choose a smaller cake with less number of layers or tiers.
- Go for a delectable and inexpensive tower of wedding cupcakes.
Wedding Rings
- Choose white gold, yellow gold or silver instead of platinum or titanium.
- Prefer others gemstones (rubies, sapphires, emeralds) over diamonds.
It is true that destination weddings are beautiful and special but of course, wherever you may choose to wed, at the end of the day, what truly matters is not the price tag of the event but the love and devotion that you and your spouse vowed to share for the rest of your lives.
[...] want to make it difficult for your guests to arrive to your wedding. Unless you are going to have a destination wedding and you plan to pay for the airfare, it would be a good idea to choose an accessible beach wedding [...]