Secrets to saving Money on your Destination Wedding

from Cynthia via Destination Wedding Details

 

You can have a very lavish but affordable destination celebration for a fraction of what you would have spent on a boring traditional local marriage. Keep reading to discover how!

 

 

 

 

What are the secrets to inexpensive destination weddings?

 

Location, Location, Location

When I was getting married I searched high and low for locations that were known for cheap destination weddings.  And that meant not just cheap destination wedding packages, but also inexpensive travel.  After researching in nearly every location in the Caribbean, North, Central and South America, I found the most cheap destination wedding locations are Florida,  Mexico, Jamaica and Hawaii.

The industry is so big and competition so stiff in these locations that many large resorts have designed relatively cheap destination weddings and packages fit for all budgets.  Another bonus?  The close proximity to the continental U.S. also makes travel more affordable.

Trimmed down guest list

One awesome benefit of destination weddings, is that you get to weed out all the unnecessary people.  You don’’t have to invite all your co-workers, third-cousins-twice-removed, or your parent’’s church acquaintances.  And even if you invite them, chances are they won’’t go.

So instead of paying $75-100 per person for 250 of your closest strangers, you enjoy a few days in paradise with your true closest friends and family …plus you save yourself a ton of money.

Minimal Décor

Planning cheap destination weddings is easy when the setting is so spectacular and stunning that you don’’t even need decorations! When you get married in your hometown, a big chunk of your budget would go towards flowers and other decor to transform a familiar space into something magical.  But in paradise you won’’t need expensive flowers or decor to cover up your venue.  Just enjoy the natural beauty of the ocean, mountains, or the exotic blooms of an outdoor garden …and you’’ll save a ton of dough.

 

 

Timing, Timing, Timing

Want to know another secret to planning cheap destination weddings?  Set your date as close to the off-peak season as possible. Do research on your locale to find out what their peak season is – and avoid it at all cost.  In the case of the Caribbean and Mexico, their off-peak dates will coincide with their Hurricane or rainy season, which is obviously not the most desirable time to tie the knot.  However, if you plan your big day right before or right after – say a week or two – you can save big bucks.

Holidays, festivals, conventions or spring break are other factors that determine peak season, so avoid those dates as well.  Your goal should be to travel when there isn’’t much going on because emptier planes and resorts equals cheap prices for you.  Read more about dates to avoid for your wedding abroad.

 

 

Free Destination Weddings

You might be thinking, ““Wait, cheap destination weddings are all good and dandy but…free? Say no further!””

But not so fast. Before you get too excited, it’’s important to understand what these are all about.

Some resorts like Sandals, Beaches, Dreams and many others offer basic complimentary or very cheap all inclusive destination weddings, if you book a minimum number of nights or guarantee a certain number of guests will book.  This is a great option for couples who want small, simple, cheap destination weddings.

The resort will handle everything and all you have to do is make sure your guests show up.

This can be a very tempting option.  After all, who doesn’’t like freebies?!

But it’’s not always what it’’s cracked up to be.  And that’s because they sometimes come with certain conditions that can end up costing you more if you‘’re not careful.  So make sure you read the fine print and ask lots of questions.

Here is a list of things you should keep in mind:

• Do they require you to purchase a minimum number of nights? Depending on the resort’’s nightly rates, this could end up being more costly than just booking at a more inexpensive resort and paying for a cheap destination wedding package separately.

• Can all your guests afford the accommodations?  Some resorts will only offer free weddings if you guarantee that a certain number of guests will book.  And if most of your guests back out or stay in a different resort you may not get to wed for free.  Not only that, but you might have to pay a hefty ‘guest pass’ fee for anyone who stays at a different hotel.

• Most complimentary weddings only include less than 35 guests.  If you have more you’’ll have to pay extra for each person so the package is no longer free.

• Pricey Extras.  If you want more than the basics, you have to pay for them and use the resort’’s vendors, usually at an excessive cost.

• Often the package will only include dinner reservations at a restaurant or other public area within the resort.  If you want a private function, you’’ll have to pay extra. And there’s a good chance there will be other weddings on the same day as yours (a biggie for some brides who want to shine and get special attention).

Keep your options open – these packages are great for if you’’re having an intimate, fuss-free ceremony.  But it can end up costing you a lot more money in the long run if not planned right.

There are some great resorts, that although they don’t have free packages, they do offer very cheap destination wedding packages. When you consider the room rate and extra add-ons you might even end up saving more money than you would with a “free wedding”.

Consider your overall budget (flight, accommodations, meals, etc) and don’’t let the excitement of the word free blind you because it might not be the best value.

There are many couples who have planned magical yet cheap destination weddings and you can do it too by following these tips. Good luck!

 

Use Your Group As Leverage

There’s a reason major resorts and airlines are all competing for your business.  Just one ‘away wedding’ will bring them a big group of 15-75 people.  It’is big money for them with minimal effort.  And you have to leverage the heck out of that.  Ask for group discounts and get as many perks as you can for bringing them all that business.

When I got married in Cancun, I got a 10% group discount from the airline, a 30% resort group discount for all my guests, a free welcome reception, a free upgrade to the honeymoon suite with an ocean view, three free nights, and countless other freebies.

Don’t be afraid to ask because it can save you a lot of money – the worse they can say is “no” but chances are they’ll give you some sort of incentive.

 

Beach Wedding Attire

Women

Light fabrics that do not cling to the body are best.  Materials like linen, chiffon, organza, and even cotton blends or lace are light but can still look luxurious. There is nothing worse than sweat marks on the back and front of a gown.

Men

Guys, you should consider wearing linen pants and a linen button down shirt.  If you want to wear a suit, wear something lightweight like cotton or a linen suit that is loose fitting and comfortable while still remaining semi-formal.

 

 

Beach Wedding Attire : Ideal Colors

Women

Black attire looks completely chic, but it conducts heat so if you are attending a ceremony in a tropical environment; you may find yourself completely cooked!

• Why not embrace the sights and sounds of the surf and turf around you?  Mimic these delicious, tropical tones with your attire.

• Colors like aquamarine blue, turquoise, sand, terra cotta, fuchsia, lime green, tangerine, and even sunflower are all unique but appropriate tones.  You may also wish to wear a pattern or print in these bright hues.  Polka dots, stripes, and bold floral prints are all great options.

• If the ceremony or reception is taking place during the evening bring a light weight, sheer shawl to wrap around yourself in case some cool air moves in from the coast.

 

Men

• A bright colored linen shirt or jacket paired with white or beige pants will look great and keep you looking and feeling cool.

• A tan or cream colored linen suit is also appropriate attire for this semi-formal affair.

 

 

Beach Wedding Attire Tips – Do’s & Dont’s

• Please guys, no shorts – ever! It’’s not appropriate unless it explicitly says so on the invitation.

• Ladies & Gents –- it should go without say but I’ll say it anyway just in case it slips your mind…if you’’re wearing open toe shoes, please get a pedi.

• Gals – make sure that you don’’t wear a dress that is too short & loose or you might end up inadvertently flashing everyone with just the slightest wind gust.

• Wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off.  Flip flops or sandals are a great option as long as they’’re on the nicer/dressier side.

• Maxi dresses are perfect for a casual celebration. A maxi dress is loose fitting, especially around the bottom of the dress and can easily sweep across the sand and be brushed clean on land for a sea side reception.

• Men, Consider a light colored button down shirt with short or three quarter length sleeves.

 

                                              from Cynthia via Destination Wedding Details

 

• Send invites early: Send save-the-dates 8-12 months out to give guests ample time to save and plan. If you don’t have that long, three to four months is okay. Invitations go out 6-8 weeks in advance.

• Include guests that can’t attend: It’s easy to make everyone feel included! If you have close friends and family that can’t attend, consider a reception once you return home. There are hi-tech options for the actual ceremony too, like video cams so guests can watch the wedding live. Or, go the social route and create a #hashtag for your wedding so family and friends can follow along.

• Be kind to the kiddos: Ask about camps, water parks, day and night activities for all ages and if babysitting is offered on the property. Plan fun activities for the kids during your rehearsal dinner, like scavenger hunts or leave out a basket of board games, to win extra brownie points.

• Make time for your spouse: It’s important to remember why you’re at this amazing resort celebrating—because you’re starting a life as a couple! Take a sunrise walk on the beach, get a spa treatment, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed. Trust us, your guests will understand.

• Thank your parents generously: They’ve been there for you through thick and thin, so don’t gift them with anything cheesy or impersonal. Take your time to find something timeless that suits their personality and taste. And of course, don’t forget the handwritten note. 

• Don’t combat the opposition: And better yet, don’t think about it as combat. You’re trying to plan the best wedding possible for you and your guests, so why waste your energy on the naysayers? As long as you are thoughtful and communicate well with your guests, there’s no reason you should have to explain or justify your choices. 

• Don’t mix guests and non-guests at pre-wedding parties: If they didn’t make the cut for the actual wedding, they shouldn’t be invited to pre-wedding events with guests who did. It’s just a recipe for awkward conversations and introductions, even if you have the best of intentions. 

• Find out if your resort is handicap accessible: If it’s important for your grandparents to make the wedding, then they shouldn’t also risk life and limb at your resort. Make sure they have a comfortable seat at all times and that your resort has accessible walkways and attendants to lend a hand. 

• Budget: Know what yours is and be reasonable about what you can accomplish with that number. It’s that plain and simple!

• Add an opt-out clause: It’s nice to let your guests know that their presence is a gift, not a requirement. We like the idea of an opt-out clause on the Save-The-Dates. Keep it upbeat and maybe mention a home reception or party if you’re having one so they can still celebrate with you.

• Be sensible with gifts: Try a honeymoon fund instead of asking your guests to lug bulky, expensive gifts. Or, opt out of gifts altogether if it feels right and try a charity fund instead.

• Create enthusiasm for your wedding: Your guests might not yet have been to a destination wedding before yours. Get them amped up with a wedding website that includes excursions, details about your resorts and any group activities you have planned. A little weather forecast never hurts either.

• Get everyone together on night one: Some of your guests might not have met each other before. Let everyone mingle and break the ice with a laidback party or event pre-ceremony. There might be some surprise friendships in the works!

• Give the gift of an all-inclusive: Your guests will love you if they don’t have to tote around their wallet the entire time. It also tends to be a much more affordable (and fun!) option for everyone.

                                                    Destination Wedding Etiquette