One of the first questions couples ask is, “How do we keep this affordable?”
Great news… destination weddings are already one of the most cost-effective ways to have an incredible wedding experience. But if you really want to be strategic with your budget, the key isn’t cutting corners. It’s cutting the wrong things.
After planning hundreds of destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean, we’ve seen what’s worth the investment… and what simply isn’t. Here are 8 things you can confidently skip to save money on your destination wedding.
TL;DR Here's the quick version:
- Tip #1: Skip the site visit
- Tip #2: Skip the RSVPs
- Tip #3: Skip the formal invitation
- Tip #4: Skip the welcome bags
- Tip #5: Go symbolic
- Tip #6: Travel off-season
- Tip #7: Go easy on decor
- Tip #8: Use preferred vendors
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Tip #1: Skip the site visit
Many couples assume the first step in planning is flying down to tour a handful of resorts. It sounds logical, right? But here’s what that actually looks like: flights for two, 2–3 nights at 1-2 resorts, time off work, meals, transportation, and excursions You can easily spend thousands of dollars before even booking your wedding date. And while you’re traveling back and forth trying to decide? Your ideal date could be disappearing. Your guests can’t book. Your group rates aren’t locked in. You haven't even started on the real planning process.
With today’s technology, site visits are simply unnecessary for most couples. We can use:
- Video tours
- Drone footage
- Resort walkthroughs
- Zoom calls
- Real wedding photos
- Trusted feedback from couples
And most importantly - as true destination wedding travel experts, we personally visit these resorts. We meet with wedding teams. We compare venues. We know the difference between what looks good online and what actually delivers.
Tip #2: Skip the RSVPs
RSVP cards work for hometown weddings... not destination weddings.
Here’s what typically happens: Guests get excited. They say “Yes!” Then they see the travel pricing… and suddenly things get quiet. Or worse - they never send the RSVP card back at all. The result? Couples think 85 guests are attending when in reality, 45 book.
Instead, do this:
Set a clear book-by date with your travel agent and use the rooming list as your official RSVP list. If they’ve booked and paid? They’re coming. No printing. No postage. No chasing people down. It’s clean, accurate, and completely free.
Tip #3: Skip the formal invitation
For a traditional wedding at home, formal, printed invitations go out 6–8 weeks before the wedding.
For a destination wedding? Your guests are typically booked and paid in full months before they travel. So let’s think about this… Why send a formal paper invitation to someone who already has their flight confirmation?
Instead:
Send a beautiful Save-the-Date 14+ months in advance. Direct guests to your wedding website. Let your travel agent manage updates and booking communication. You’ll save hundreds (sometimes thousands) on printing, postage, calligraphy, inserts, and RSVP cards. This isn’t a ballroom wedding down the street. It’s a tropical travel event.
Tip #4: Skip the welcome bags
I know. This one feels controversial. But hear me out.
Guests attending a destination wedding are trying to fit everything into a carry-on. The last thing they need is a bag full of “stuff” to pack home.
What typically happens? Half the items go unused. Water bottles and tumblers get left behind. Trinkets sit untouched. And then there are the hidden costs couples don’t consider: resort delivery fees, import taxes when bringing items into Mexico, extra luggage fees and assembly time Plus… your guests already packed sunscreen. They brought their own Advil. They don’t need a mini bottle of hand sanitizer with your wedding date printed on it.
What they do want?
Time with you.
Welcome drinks.
A great rehearsal dinner.
Memories.
Memories over tchotchkes...all-day-long.
Tip #4: Skip the welcome bags
Tip #5: Go symbolic
Legal ceremonies in Mexico and the Caribbean often require:
- Government paperwork
- Blood tests (in some destinations)
- Translation fees
- Judge fees
- Waiting periods
It adds cost. It adds stress. It adds logistics.
A symbolic ceremony, on the other hand, looks exactly the same. You’ll still walk down the aisle, exchange vows and share that magical moment with your loved ones. Your guests will never know the difference.
Many couples choose to legally marry at home before they travel — courthouse, pastor, backyard — and then celebrate fully at the resort. Less paperwork. Less expense. Same incredible wedding day.
Tip #6: Travel off-season
Peak travel seasons come with higher room rates and fewer amenities.
Higher rates mean guests pay more, fewer guests may book and fewer bookings can mean fewer group perks. For larger weddings especially, choosing a shoulder or low-season date can save guests hundreds per room, increase attendance, and unlock better wedding credits and group amenities.
Better rates = better turnout = more perks.
It’s simple math.
Tip #7: Go easy on decor
You’re getting married in Mexico or the Caribbean. The beach, the sunset, the palm trees swaying.
You already paid for the view. But many couples try to recreate a ballroom Pinterest wedding… in paradise. That’s where decor costs can spiral quickly.
Instead, let the location do the heavy lifting.
Invest in a beautiful bouquet, a stunning ceremony backdrop, good lighting for your reception, and a great photographer You don’t need ceiling installations and 47 centerpieces when the ocean is your backdrop.
Keep it elegant. Keep it intentional. Keep it smart.
Tip #8: Use preferred vendors
This is something many couples don’t realize until it’s too late. Many resorts charge significant outside vendor fees for bringing in photographers, DJs, makeup artists, and decor teams Sometimes those fees are $800–$1,500 or more per vendor.
In many cases, using preferred or resort vendors can eliminate outside fees, reduce travel expenses, and simplify coordination This doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It means understanding how resort contracts work and making informed decisions.
And that’s exactly where experience matters.
Spend Smart. Not More.
Saving money on your destination wedding isn’t about cutting the experience. It’s about being strategic.
Invest in:
- The right travel expert
- The perfect resort
- A strong group contract
- Guest experience
- Great photography
- An experienced destination wedding team
Skip the things that don’t add value. When done correctly, a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean isn’t just affordable - it’s an incredible, multi-day celebration that your guests will talk about for years.
Want more insider tips on planning your destination wedding the smart way? Let’s talk. We’ll show you exactly how to make it happen.
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