The rumors are true! Having a destination wedding costs less and is easier to plan then a traditional wedding at home. The average cost of a wedding in the States has climbed to over $32,000. By comparison, the couples who plan their destination weddings with us are spending a fraction of that, often coming in under $10,000 total for a 3-night/4-day event. So how do we do it? Here are 7 ways to keep the budget in check without sacrificing any of the fun, frills and experience of your destination wedding.

Go all-inclusive
It is no secret that all-inclusive resorts serve up great value. When all meals, drinks, entertainment, airport shuttles and taxes are included, your guests know the total trip cost up front and can easily budget for it. This is especially true for wedding groups. Because it is all-inclusive, the cost you pay for private dinners and events is significantly reduced. Convenience is also a major factor!

Travel off season
The best rates are found off-season in September and October. Besides rock bottom room rates, you’ll find that resorts are running at lower occupancy levels during the off-season, leaving plenty of pool chairs open for everyone. November and December are good, too, as long as you avoid the holidays. And, because final payments for travel are often due 60-70 days before travel, you don’t have to worry about the trip interfering with Christmas.

Choose the right wedding package
Almost all resorts offer a complimentary wedding package. They also all offer an extravagant package that includes more than you’ll ever need. Consider starting with just the basic package, then add in little pops of customization here and there where it makes sense. Resorts won’t typically negotiate with the inclusions you don’t want, so start small, then add your personality piece by piece.

Bring your own pros
Have a photographer friend? A hair-stylist bff? A DJ’ing college roomie? As long as these pros are staying at the resort with you for 3 nights, they are not usually considered outside vendors and you will not have to pay extra to use them. Ask around and negotiate travel for services.

Honeymoon split-stay
Almost 80% of destination wedding couples still take a honeymoon. Consider a split-stay. This means you’ll stay at the wedding resort for 5-6 nights while your guests are there, but then after the wedding, we’ll help you move to a new resort where you can honeymoon for 3-4 more nights. This will save you a lot in airfare.

Keep it natural
What is more beautiful than the soft white sand, crystal clear blue water and a swaying palm tree? The scenery is already gorgeous, so is there really a need for all the extra fluff? Keep it simple and natural.

Use a wedding travel specialist
Ah, there it is. You had to know it was coming! Using a wedding travel specialist like the ones at Romance Travel Group is the best way to ensure you are considering all the options. A good travel pro will make suggestions for you and knows the resorts that offer the most amenities based on what your needs are. She is worth her weight in gold!

Convinced that yes, you can do a destination wedding? We hope so! We’d love to make this a reality for you. Fill out our destination wedding questionnaire to get the conversation started. We’ll get back in touch with you soon to chat!