Everyone can definitely agree that destination weddings are something that dreams are made of.
What couple doesn’t swoon over sun-drenched beaches, fairy-lit courtyards, and jaw-dropping photos that make everyone on Instagram double-tap in envy.
Sadly, they also come with a reputation for being wildly expensive, often the kind of thing reserved for celebs and their limitless bank accounts.
But that doesn’t have to be the case! With proper planning, a destination wedding doesn’t have to wipe out your life savings.
With a bit of work, some research, and some proper planning, your budget wedding reception can feel like something out of a luxury magazine.
So, how exactly can you enjoy the ultimate destination wedding without breaking the bank? Keep these tips in mind to put together an event that you’ll never forget:
Keep the Guest List Short and Sweet
Destination weddings generally tend to have a smaller number of guests than a traditional celebration, since not everyone has the money or time to attend.
And in many ways, a smaller guest list can be a blessing in disguise. Rather than inviting everyone to the big event, narrow your guest list down to your nearest and dearest.
A smaller crowd keeps the vibe intimate, the costs down, and the dance floor filled with people who genuinely want to celebrate with you.
After your big day, you can always host a bigger reception at home for those that didn’t attend the main event.
Pick a Destination That Makes Sense
You don’t need to jet off to an exclusive island or a top five-star resort to make your wedding feel magical.
The key to an affordable destination wedding is finding that beautiful destination venue that barely anybody knows about.
Think charming coastal towns that are beautiful, but off the beaten path, picturesque small-scale vineyards, or a mountain retreat in a small European country.
To save on the stress of planning every detail, you may also want to look for destination wedding venues that offer packages bundling food, décor, and accommodations.
These all-inclusive options can vary in price, so get some quotes to see if you’re better off bundling everything together, or planning each element of your wedding individually.
Time It Right
When it comes to any type of travel, timing is everything. Peak travel seasons come with peak prices, so avoid those at all costs.
Instead, choose an off-season date, when flights, hotels, and venues will generally be much more affordable.
And, since you’re already taking the time to travel, there’s no need to limit yourself to a weekend wedding! A mid-week celebration is often a fraction of the price of a weekend one.
When you’ve found the most reasonably-priced time for your wedding, let your guests know as soon as possible, so that they can make any travel arrangements in good time.
Simplify the Details
It’s all too easy to get carried away with all the fun extras of a wedding celebration, but the best weddings aren’t about how much you spend on them.
Instead, think of ways to add thoughtful touches that feel personal and meaningful, without costing a fortune.
For example, you could swap traditional wedding favors for inexpensive locally-made keepsakes, or fun edible goodies.
Instead of a formal plated dinner, consider a buffet menu featuring the most popular local dishes. And swap those fancy centerpieces for a simple display of local fruit or flowers.
The destination is part of the experience, so it just makes sense to simplify everything else and let your venue speak for itself!
While planning an affordable destination wedding does take some extra planning and research, it can also be a lot of fun!
And the work will be well worth it when you’re enjoying the destination wedding of your dreams!