If money is tight, getting the wedding you desire could be difficult to arrange. Even though it may feel like you're spending a lot, most couples experience sticker shock once the costs are added together. The location, the food, and the bar packages all add up quickly, and the final cost is much higher than you anticipated. If the sum seems excessive to you, you might be looking for fresh inspiration. Or perhaps you always desired a destination wedding. Consider exchanging vows on a white-sand Caribbean beach. while exchanging vows on a beach with white sand and blue ocean. But how much will that cost? Is there a chance you may have a destination wedding if you can't afford a wedding at home?
Is a Destination Wedding Really Cheaper?
Unbelievably, a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort may be even less expensive than the simplest domestic nuptials. Because fewer visitors will attend, some savings will result. By selecting a wedding package that comes with everything at the resort, you'll save even more money. You must organize a large number of vendors, décor, and other expenses for an at-home wedding, which quickly add up. You can select a package at an all-inclusive resort that includes everything you need for a wedding. You are well aware of the value you are receiving and the cost. Even though you may need to purchase a few more items, such as wedding attire and invitations, it is far simpler to keep your expenses in check. The origin, season, and location you choose will all affect the exact cost of your destination wedding. for an overall sense of costs and a model budget.
How Do You Plan a Destination Wedding On a Small Budget?
A wedding ceremony and reception set up on the beach.
1. Set the Total Budget For Your Destination Wedding
Even while a destination wedding will be significantly less expensive than one at home, you'll still require at least a few thousand dollars. You'll be responsible for paying for your travel costs, the resort's wedding package, your wedding attire, and additional costs. Determine the total amount you are able to spend. How much money have you saved up? How much can you put aside before your wedding? Do any relatives want to make a contribution?
2. Budget For Your Travel Costs
In general, Canadians can reserve a charter package that combines the cost of the flight and the resort. If you're an American, you'll reserve your hotel separately from your flights. Regardless of where you reside, think about speaking with a travel agency. You shouldn't have to pay more for it. Once you make a reservation, the airline and hotel will often pay the travel agent a commission. They'll assist you in picking the ideal resort, securing your benefits, and maintaining group organization. Use a travel website to look up a few places and compare prices to get a basic idea. If you don't have a certain place in mind, start with the most well-known and find out how much the flight will cost from the airport that is the nearest to you. Next, look into the costs of a few of the resorts. The most well-known and reasonably priced places to start are in Mexico's Cancun. Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
3. Budget For Your Wedding Package
The majority of resorts provide three types of wedding packages: basic, upgraded, and luxurious. Everything you need for a wedding is typically included in even the most basic package. In addition to chairs and decorations for a specific number of guests, you will also have a symbolic ceremony. Cake and sparkling champagne are typically included with the basic package. A semi-private dinner at one of the resort restaurants is also included. Typically, a basic package is for 10 persons. More than ten guests will require an upgraded or deluxe package. A more expensive package will typically accommodate 20 to 30 people. For 30 or more visitors, a deluxe package will be offered. Larger packages will contain more features in addition to having more guests. Larger or nicer products, such flowers and decorations, may be included in upgraded and luxury packages. They occasionally also offer supplemental services like hair and makeup or photography. Cocktail hours or private dinners could also be included in upgraded and luxury packages.
4. Budget For Your At Home Costs
Most couples get legally married in advance, at home, to avoid communication difficulties and additional paperwork. Plan a budget for your marriage license and ceremony if you choose to do the civil ceremony at home. Include any additional wedding-related products you may want. Include items like invitations and save-the-date cards in your at-home expenses.
- Marriage license
- Civil ceremony
- Wedding rings
- Wedding dress or suit
- Save the date cards
- Wedding invitations
5. Avoid Paying Extra Fees at Your Resort
Choose a tropical beach for spectacular wedding photos.
After selecting your wedding package, you'll likely be presented with a list of add-ons. They can be excellent adds to your wedding if you have the money. You don't need to reserve any additional if you don't have any wiggle room, though. Ensure that every visitor stays at your resort. 80% of your guests must be staying at the resort, on average. You will need to purchase a day pass for any guests who are not resort guests in order for them to attend your wedding. Depending on the wedding event, the price per attendee might range from $25 to $75. Many couples desire quality pictures. Ask about vendor costs if your package doesn't include a destination wedding photographer or if you want to hire a better one. Anyone that travels to the resort for your wedding will be charged a vendor fee by the resort. It can be worthwhile to pay the price if you have your heart set on a specific photographer or vendor. Make sure you are aware of it up front and budget for it.
6. Save Money On Travel For Your Destination Wedding
Think about the season of the year you'll be there. Travel will cost extra during the busy season. You can travel instead during the low or shoulder season to save money. High season varies depending on where you're going. The ideal times to travel to your location should be discussed with a travel agent. By taking different flights, you can reduce your airfare costs. Weekday flights may be less expensive than weekend flights, depending on where you live. Ask your travel agent for price quotations on a couple other days if your travel dates are flexible.
How to Plan a Small Destination Wedding
There are several justifications for organizing a small destination wedding. Perhaps you're trying to cut costs, or perhaps you want to avoid the turmoil that comes with having a large guest list. There are moments when you just don't want a lot of eyes on you! A destination wedding is the ideal answer if you want a modest wedding for any reason. You now have a solid excuse for keeping your guest list short. Your preparations will be straightforward; just select a resort and a package, then pack your bags. Find a place you are interested in and start looking at their wedding packages if you want to organize a modest destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort. For groups of ten or fewer, most resorts provide a straightforward, affordable package. Make sure you understand how they count people by reading the fine print. The pair will often be one of the 10 persons. Therefore, you can still use the least package and invite an additional 8 friends. Sometimes the basic wedding package is free when you reserve 5 rooms, allowing you to further save costs. Many resorts offer elopement packages if you want an even smaller wedding. A private ceremony on the sand can be followed by a passionate feast. You can go to the resort nightclub for the ideal wedding for two if you wish to dance there with your new husband.
Free Weddings at All Inclusive Resorts
Free wedding packages are available at several all-inclusive resorts. Ask your wedding resort for specifics as each resort will have different requirements. If you reserve five or more rooms, most resorts will provide a free, basic package. The amount of nights you've reserved will be taken into account at other resorts. Once you start making a lot of reservations for rooms, certain resorts may even provide you additional benefits. You will be given extras like a complimentary cocktail hour, exclusive welcome parties, or after parties for your wedding if you reserve 10, 20, or more rooms.
Fantastic Wedding On a Small Budget
The basic or free wedding package will be excellent if money is truly limited. You'll be in a stunning resort, taking advantage of delectable food, delectable drinks, and a lovely beach. If you decide to remain with the standard package for your wedding, don't worry. Some couples are concerned that their nuptials will be too generic and similar to all the others. The fact that resorts host so many weddings proves that they are excellent wedding venues. However, it doesn't matter if they do 100 marriages exactly the same. Which weddings are your guests going to, exactly? One. Yours! No matter how many times it has been done, your wedding will be the only occasion when you or your guests see it. Resorts are experts at hosting weddings because they do it frequently. Your wedding will undoubtedly go off without a hitch. Additionally, no two weddings will ever be identical. Your personality, your sense of style, and your guests are unique. Even if you choose the normal resort package, only you and no one else will attend your wedding. You and your guests will enjoy yourselves at the resort and at your wedding if you select the wedding that meets your budget.
Destination Wedding Planner Book
Planning an all-inclusive resort wedding? It's simple to begin using the Destination Wedding Planner. To assist you in selecting the ideal resort for you and your visitors, the book is jam-packed with facts and comparison charts. Additionally, there are worksheets, checklists, and advice for everything from packing your bags to selecting your wedding package.
