How to cut down destination wedding costs in 6 easy steps

So, you dream to get married in a paradisiac destination, but are afraid it will drain your bank accounts? Well, dream no more! There are many ways you can get a fabulous destination wedding on a tight budget.

Here are some simple tips on how to cut down destination wedding costs without compromising on quality, your guests’ experience, or on the party. Let’s start!

  1. Do your research
  2. Avoid peak season
  3. Reduce your group size
  4. Invite the grown-ups
  5. Choose the right destination
  6. Take the DIY approach

1. Do your research

When it comes to destination weddings, there are a lot of things to consider, so it’s important to do your research before you start booking anything. This means setting a clear budget, considering a few of your favorite destinations, and making a draft of the guest list.

Once you have a good idea of what you want and how large your group will be, you can start making some decisions about where to cut corners.

Working hand in hand with a professional will save you time, and tears! Here are 5 reasons to use a travel agent to plan your destination wedding.

Just married couple kissing in front of their wedding group and the ocean front gazebo
Doing your homework and working with a professional will ensure the success of your event!

2. Avoid peak season

One great way to reduce destination wedding costs is to consider getting married during an off-peak time. This could mean getting married during the week or during the lower season.

Not only will this be easier on your budget, but it will also likely mean that your guests will have an easier time getting time off work. The downside? The weather may not be ideal, but what’s paradise without a tropical rain, right?!

Infinity pool of a beach resort with palm trees is one way to how to cut down destination wedding costs
The beautiful infinity pool at TRS Riviera Maya won’t feel that crowded during the low season

3. Reduce your group size

We get it, it’s your moment and you want to celebrate it in big style! But larger groups usually mean more expenses. Cutting down on your guest list is one of the best ways to reduce destination wedding costs.

If you’re only inviting your closest family and friends, you’ll save money on everything from flower arrangements, to extra chairs, to party favors, dance floor units, and more. Those concepts surely add up! Plus, you’ll likely have a more intimate and meaningful wedding day.

Wedding reception set in a palapa roof salon with string lights and dance floor with led lights
An intimate wedding is also a great wedding!

4. Invite the grown-ups

The wedding packages include a certain amount of people, if you go over the limit you will need to pay an extra fee for each guest.

By selecting an adults-only resort, you’ll be significantly reducing your guest list and even when kids pay a lower rate, you could be saving those extra fees to use the budget towards a different concept. The question here is, are you fine with having a wedding without a flower girl? or a ring bearer boy?

Groom with groomsmen dressed in blue doing funny poses for the photographer
Adults can be like kids sometimes! Pic by 50mm studio

5. Choose the right destination

If you’re set on getting married in a specific location, you can still reduce destination wedding costs by choosing a similar spot without sacrificing your vision or the quality of the accommodations.

You may have your heart set on chic Tulum, but Riviera Maya may also offer a bohemian ambiance with lower rates and lesser transportation expenses. Maybe Cabo sunsets and cliff landscapes are exactly what you are looking for, but Puerto Vallarta has a comparable vibe and there may be many more options to adjust to your budget.

After choosing the right destination, you must select the right resort. Don’t know how? This post can help you!

Los cabos cliffs and ocean seen from a boat
Cabo may be easily reachable from the west coast, but much more expensive from the east coast

6. Take the DIY approach

It’s Pinterest time! Pin your favorite ideas and those details that match your wedding vision, and consider taking on some of the DIY projects. This could mean anything from making your wedding centerpieces to party favors, or decor for your ceremony.

Not only will this save you money, but it will also add a personal touch to your big day. In order to avoid paying for extra luggage, ask your close family and bridal party to carry a few items in their bags and nobody will notice!

Rustic wedding table with simple decor
Bringing a few items can add to the personality of the event. Pic by PIXAN

So, how to cut down destination wedding costs?

Destination weddings can be a bit of a budget-buster, but with a little planning and creativity, you can cut down on costs without sacrificing your dream day. Do your research, consider an off-peak wedding, and get creative with your DIY projects to save money and still have the wedding of your dreams.

Need a few extra tips? Read money-saving tips from a real hola weddings bride. And if you are ready to start planning your big day, drop us a line! We can’t wait to start working with to on this very special moment in your life. 💖

Get in touch, we love to help!
1-888-472-7077
[email protected]

Comments are closed.

We are a team of dedicated, passionate travel experts that understand just how important your destination wedding is. Our job is to make your destination wedding planning EASY. Just get in touch!

Office Hours

Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00 Central Time

logo_w
Search

Don't miss out!

Be the first to receive exclusive deals, new wedding videos, and more. Stay Connected!

Welcome Back!

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up