It’s true! Destination weddings really can save you money while being so much easier to plan than a traditional wedding at home. The average wedding in the U.S. now tops $32,000. Meanwhile, most couples who plan their weddings with us spend under $10,000 for a full 3-night, 4-day celebration.
So how do you keep costs low without losing the fun, style, or experience? Here are seven tried-and-true ways to make the most of your destination wedding budget.
Choose an all-inclusive resort
All-inclusive resorts are the best value for wedding groups. Since meals, drinks, entertainment, airport shuttles, and taxes are bundled into one upfront cost, your guests know exactly what to budget. Plus, private dinners and events are more affordable because so much is already included. All this adds up to an amazing convenience factor, everything is taken care of!
Travel during the off-season
If you can be flexible with dates, September and October offer the lowest rates of the year. Resorts are less crowded, which means better prices and plenty of space at the pool. November and early December are also budget-friendly options as long as you avoid the holidays. And, since final payments are due about 60–70 days before travel, your guests won’t have to stress about Christmas expenses colliding with your wedding trip.
Start with the right wedding package
Every resort offers different wedding packages, from complimentary basics to all-out extravagance. The best strategy is to start small with the complimentary or basic package, then add personalized touches where it matters most. Almost all resorts have a bevy of add-ons, and will rarely remove items from a bigger package, so starting simple gives you more flexibility to customize!
Bring your own pros
Do you have a photographer friend, a hair stylist bestie, or maybe a college roommate who DJs? If they stay at the resort with you for at least three nights, they’re usually not considered outside vendors! This means you won’t have to pay extra vendor fees. This can save thousands, so don’t be shy about asking friends or family to swap their skills for a trip.
Try a honeymoon split-stay
About 80% of couples who host destination weddings still go on a honeymoon. A smart way to save is by splitting your stay. Spend 5–6 nights at your wedding resort with guests, then switch to another resort for a romantic 3–4 night honeymoon. Not only does it feel like two trips in one, but you’ll also save big on airfare by combining the two!
Embrace the natural beauty
When you’re surrounded by white sand, turquoise water, and swaying palm trees, you don’t need to go overboard with extra décor. Let the natural scenery be your backdrop and keep things simple. It’s stunning all on its own, and easy on your budget.
Work with a destination wedding specialist
The smartest way to save both time and money is to work with a wedding travel specialist. At Romance Travel Group, we know which resorts offer the best value and can help you compare packages and perks. We’ll guide you through every decision so you feel confident and stress-free. Truly, having the right expert by your side is priceless.
Convinced that yes, you can do a destination wedding? We hope so! We'd love to make this a reality for you. Sign up for a free consultation call and let's start planning your dream wedding together!