5 Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Destination Wedding

•  11/12/2022 -  Destination Weddings

When dreaming of the perfect wedding, the price of the wedding is something people usually talk about last, when it should be discussed first. Depending on where you have your wedding and the number of guests, the price of a destination wedding can go up and down. For example, let’s say you are planning a smaller wedding on a Caribbean island at an all-inclusive resort. It may be more cost-effective than a big wedding in a local US city. It all depends on what, and who, you want on your special day!

When it comes to planning a wedding, you will have to make a lot of decisions. Perhaps the most important decision you will have to make first, and that is where to have the wedding. As you begin brainstorming, you may be considering a destination wedding. Here are a few things to consider, budget-wise, to help you decide if a destination wedding is right for you.

If your dreams of a perfect wedding involve exchanging vows in a tropical rainforest, or during a beachfront ceremony, then a destination wedding might be the perfect solution! Even though planning a local wedding may save you money, it's still possible to plan a destination wedding without breaking your budget.

It’s also possible a destination wedding is a great way to save your budget, for you and your guests.

1: Don't be afraid to draw a line

Knowing how much you're willing to spend ahead of time is an excellent way to keep you on budget. That means setting a firm dollar amount and drawing a line that you don't cross. Determining the costs you're willing to cover means deciding if you're going to support your close family's travel costs.

Suppose you decide to do this; you must figure out other parts of the wedding to save money.

2: The smaller, the better

It's simple for couples to get carried away when they start writing a guest list. However, the key to staying on budget when planning a destination wedding is keeping guest lists short. Think about the people with whom you want to share the most important day of your life, and build your guest list from there.

It's a gamble to include everyone you know on your guest list, so choose your guests wisely.
For example, if everyone you invite shows up, that can quickly inflate your budget.

3: Research when and where your destination should occur

Prices fluctuate throughout the season, so timing is everything when trying to stay on budget.
Choose low-key destinations that are outside of their peak season. Look at the weather conditions during these seasons to determine which destination is ideal. For example, not everyone wants to travel to the Caribbean during hurricane season!

4: Look for cash-back and rewards opportunities

Overlooking the way you pay for your destination wedding could leave money on the table. Consider opening a rewards credit card that allows you to earn points for each of your purchases. If you're concerned about credit card debt, look at a reward checking account whereby you can earn cash-back each time you use it to pay for your wedding's expenses. It's also easier to plan a budget for your destination wedding if you start in advance by saving up as much as possible for your big day.

5: So many budget ideas!

From choosing a weekday to get married instead of a weekend, to getting married legally in advance, group booking offers, plan an elopement and consider adding guests later, parties aren't a must, bring in your own vendors, smaller guest list - there are so many ideas for a destination wedding on a budget. Please contact All Inclusive Weddings for more ideas and details!

When it comes to your budget, there is more to consider

As destination wedding experts, we can help you get the most for your budget, and your guests!

The Location
No matter where you have your wedding, the location will play a significant role in your wedding budget. It will set the tone for the rest of the planning process, and help you determine everything from what you wear to what you eat. Whether it’s a tropical wedding in the Caribbean, a fairytale wedding in a castle, or a romantic wedding in your hometown, location is everything!

Local Resources
Part of the appeal of having a destination wedding is incorporating the local culture into your wedding festivities. Using local flowers for your bouquet, serving traditional dishes for dinner and even using the natural beauty of your destination for photos are great ways to save money and commemorate your special day. All the local vendors and resources can have a large impact on your overall price.

Travel Stress
When choosing a destination, you need to consider how easy it will be for you and your guests to travel. Is there a direct flight from most major cities? Do major airlines fly there? Once you’re there, how will everyone get around? A travel advisor can help sort all of this out, but it is important to keep it in mind when selecting a destination.

Number of Attendees
Considering the number of people you want to have at your wedding is essential for multiple reasons. Not only do you need to consider the costs you’ll be paying for them to attend, but the costs they will have to pay to travel there. Additionally, you want to make sure that your venue can accommodate all of your loved ones.

The Honeymoon
One of the perks of having a destination wedding is being able to go on your honeymoon immediately. If your ideal wedding and honeymoon both involve a tropical island, then it is probably worth planning a destination wedding. This can also allow you more time to spend with your guest before the wedding. However, some guests may choose to extend their stay, so you might consider moving to a different resort for your honeymoon.


As you can see from this list, you can create and maintain a budget when planning your destination wedding. Please contact us to learn more.