guest post: money saving tips for destination weddings!

i don't do very many guest posts on the blog, but this one on affordable destination weddings caught my eye because some of our most popular posts are about our wedding, and travel tips to save money! so, i thought this could be a helpful and fun post to read. we had our wedding at home because we were about to move away to california together, but a lot of people are starting to do gorgeous destination weddings these days, and i love these tips that shantelle vey put together for us. 

xo

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Let’s Runaway Together

There is something incredibly romantic about a couple that decides to elope on a 

romantic destination wedding. However, more and more often the decision 

to be wed elsewhere is motivated by the financial incentives of having a 

wedding honeymoon combination experience. Skeptical about how getting 

married in a dream location could save you thousands? Keep reading! 

Image taken from My Inspired Wedding

Guest List

If you go through your guest list, you’ll probably find three different groups of people; individuals that you truly love and feel close to, people that you’re familiar with but 

feel obligated to invite and, thirdly, family members that your mom and dad insist on inviting. When you get married hundreds or thousands of miles from home, the latter two categories can be lopped off the list with a lot less emotional drama than if the 

wedding is located fairly close by. Additionally, the list will thin naturally as 

some people will be unable to afford to take time off work or travel.

Be Flexible and Shrewd

Before you hand out your save the dates, do your research on the best time to visit 

certain resorts. If you can travel in the slow season or compromise on what day 

you depart, you may also be eligible for discounted tickets. Although you may 

have envisioned a “summer” wedding or a romantic winter getaway, being 

flexible about when you go to certain destinations can dramatically cut 

back on the cost. Additionally, question your priorities when choosing a locale; 

if you insist on being married with the Eifel Tower as your backdrop, your options are somewhat limited; if you want a “pretty beach” with palm trees and clean waters, the blue waters of nearby Mexico may do the trick just as well as distant, expensive Fiji.

Shop around before settling on a specific resort, as many of them will throw in perks like free room upgrades or complimentary access professionals like resident officiators and caterers in order to win your business. Don’t expect all the incentives to be listed on the website; call a representative and ask specifically about what can be included 

(Sandals is a prime example of a resort who offers plenty of benefits).

Image taken from Bridal Guide

Let Your Location Shine 

With a destination wedding, very often you don’t truly know what you are getting until 

you get there, only giving you a few days to put it all together. Travel to the location 

prior to the big day to consult with a local planner (many resorts will provide one 

free of charge).  Because you’re traveling great distances for the specific backdrop, 

don’t detract from it with ornate decorations and, instead, utilize simple items to 

enhance the natural beauty. Minimizing floral arrangements and instead using elements like seashells, lanterns and candles will save you a boatload of money. If you’re 

having a beach or outdoor affair, keep the dress simple; dragging a full, puffed-out 

skirt through the sand will make you miserable, so find a gown that you can move 

about comfortably in and is appropriate for the surroundings; wedding dress vendors 

like David’s Bridal allow you to browse through selections by style and silhouette, 

and even have a section specifically for destination weddings.

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