Destination Weddings on a Budget: a Guide to Affordable Destination Weddings
Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to break the bank!
With over a decade of experience in the world of destination weddings, I’ve seen so many couples create unforgettable moments in breathtaking locations without emptying their wallets – myself included!
It’s proof that amazing memories don’t always come with a hefty price tag! Let’s explore how you can make your dream destination wedding come true without stretching your budget too far.
Cost saving tips for destination weddings
Ready to make your dream destination wedding a reality without breaking the bank? I’m here to help you pull off the wedding of your dreams — all while keeping your budget in check!
Get ready to uncover a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and insider secrets that will help you navigate the world of destination weddings!
1. Choose the Right Location
Have you ever imagined a dreamy destination wedding without draining your bank account? Here’s a little secret: all-inclusive resorts are perfect for couples looking to save while still enjoying the magic.
Choosing one of many amazing resorts means you can enjoy a stress-free experience with everything bundled together—accommodations, meals, drinks, activities, and more—while keeping your budget in check. It’s the ultimate way to get a picture-perfect wedding with an affordable price tag (with exceptions)!
Struggling on how to go about choosing a location? Check out my tips for choosing the perfect destination wedding location.
Depending on how many guests you have, these packages include the ceremony, DJ, meals, alcohol, decor, and even photography. Some all-inclusive resorts offer free wedding packages, too, like these resorts in the Riviera Maya!
It’s not just about saving a bit of cash—it’s the relief that washes over you when everything is taken care of in one place.
Plus, it’s so much fun for your guests when they know all their expenses are taken care of! You get a whole weekend or week of spending time with your guests. For us, that was one of the best reasons to have a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort!
2. Work with a Travel Agent
One thing you think you might have a handle on but I’m telling you that you don’t, is planning your own travel.
While I am pretty good at finding the best deals and booking my own travel arrangements, do YOU really need to be doing that when you’re planning a destination wedding?
Travel agents are FREE to work with – why wouldn’t you use one! Work with a destination wedding travel agent who will find the best deals and group travel incentives for you. They can save you a TON of money (and stress!) in the long run.
Plus, they’re there to field your guests’ questions and hunting down payments. Unfortunately for me, this was a huge destination wedding mistake I made not working with someone who specializes in travel and probably cost me way more time, money, and sanity than it should have!
3. DIY: Personal Touches That Save
If you’re looking to save some serious cash in areas that you can control, consider DIYing some big-ticket items (or small ones that add up!).
For example, do you need to do paper invitiations? Or can you go with digital invites? Not only is it a way to make your destination wedding eco-friendly, but it will save you a TON of money.
Also consider what decor you really need – or what you can skip on. We brought signs we printed at home, and DIY’d a lot of of our welcome bag items like our key card inserts and hangover kit toppers.
You can also make your own place cards, reuse your florals from your ceremony, and skip guest favours (or opt for inexpensive-but-big-impact ones) if you want to help you stay on budget. It’s entirely up to you how you design your wedding because there are no set rules!
4. Timing and Location Matters
Choosing the perfect time and place for your destination wedding isn’t just about finding that stunning view—it’s also a way to save some cash.
By picking an off-peak month, you could see significant savings, with venue and supplier costs dropping dramatically.
And when it comes to choosing a location, don’t forget to think beyond the traditional. Off-site venues are often hidden gems that provide a unique, authentic experience at a fraction of the cost. This gives you the freedom to invest in other key elements of your wedding or unforgettable experiences.
Your wallet will thank you, and your guests will be so caught up in the magic of your celebration, they won’t even realize how budget-conscious you were!
Check out my guide to deciding when to have a destination wedding.
5. Combine Celebrations: Wedding & Honeymoon
Saying “I do” in a breathtaking location and seamlessly slipping into honeymoon mode right after? It’s pure brilliance. Personally, I’m all for simplifying the celebration like this (and it’s what we did!).
Not only does it save a little extra cash, but it also gives you those precious first days of married life, free from the stress of extra travel.
It’s the kind of decision that leaves you with more memories, a little more money, and absolutely no regrets.
Combining your wedding and honeymoon is one of the top benefits of having a destination wedding, in my opinion!
P.S. This doesn’t mean you have to stay at the same location or resort, either. Is your wedding at a family-friendly resort? Opt to move to an adults-only all-inclusive afterwards. It’ll give you a totally different feel and is the perfect way to unwind!
6. Decor and Aesthetic Choices
After planning our own destination wedding, I realized how much the location itself can do to enhance the ceremony, so you don’t need to spend a fortune on decor.
Honestly, no one’s going to remember what kind of napkins you had, but they’ll definitely remember the incredible views!
The amazing backdrops you get with a destination wedding often mean that less really is more when it comes to decorating. Let the beauty of nature do its thing and provide all the glamour and sparkle you need.
It’s all about saving your money for the things you really want, while balancing those splurges with some smart savings.
Do you have your heart set on a floral arch that will forever be in your photos (that was my wish!)? Go for it. Do you really need a tequila donkey for 5 minutes that costs a months’ salary at your job? Well, maybe you do. That’s not for me to say. 😂
This was my wedding setup…the arch was the biggest spend of the whole wedding! Bows were also $5 a chair, so I decided just to do the back row.
7. Guestlist and Bridal Party Strategy
Unfortunately, having a destination wedding means not everyone we want to be there will be there. But that’s kind of also a perk. Less people = less money spent!
We had 18 of our closest friends and family attend our wedding and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
We also didn’t have a traditional bridal party; we both just had one on each side. While we paid for their attire, you don’t have to (although it’s a kind gesture given what they’re spending to come to your wedding!). Or, keep it simple and skip the matching dresses and have them come in a dress in a colour of your choice. That way they can pick something within their budget and will be something they will wear again.
P.s. I know a bride who had 20 bridesmaids. Twenty. That’s not a typo. Imagine the expense associated with that? Dresses, gifts, hair and makeup…yikes!
8. Alternative Ceremony Options
Let’s talk about a symbolic wedding ceremony—a little secret that could save you a bundle on your destination wedding!
By opting for a symbolic ceremony, the legal hassles and hefty fees that often come with an official marriage abroad are easily avoided.
A heartwarming ceremony can still take place at the dream destination, with the legalities taken care of back home, all without the stress.
The sentiment remains just as real, but without the strain on your wallet!
More Money-Saving Tips
Of course, there are lots of little ways to keep your wallet happy while planning your destination wedding.
Ever thought about using local flowers and seasonal blooms? It’s a game-changer, and most likely included as a part of your wedding package. They’re not just fresh and vibrant; they’re often far cheaper than imported flowers.
Another trick is skipping the Saturday weddings. Mid-week weddings can mean big savings on venue costs, and hey, it’s an excuse for your guests to take a mini-vacation!
Lastly, ask about group discounts—whether it’s for travel or activities, there’s usually room to negotiate.
Pin it for later!
