9 Cost-saving tips for your destination wedding

Don’t sacrifice style to stay within your destination wedding’s budget. Today’s Bride invited Liana Rowan, a destination wedding specialist at Love at First Sites Weddings to give us cost-cutting tips that can save you money without sacrificing the experience.

1. 1. Book early. You may save money by booking flights and accommodation early. If your wedding is during a high-peak tourist season, it’s likely that the airfares will get more expensive closer to the date. Talk with a reliable travel agent about getting the best deals.

 

1. 1. Plan your wedding for the off- season. You can get a better price by traveling off season.  For instance, avoid March Break and Christmas. The travel rates will be significantly less for the weeks immediately before or after high-season dates.

 

1. 1. Look for group promotions. Enquire whether the resort offers group promotions. Many hotels or resorts offer free rooms for the bridal couple or free trips, depending on the number of guest bookings you have . Also, save money with discounted group rates on flights.

 

1. 1. Wedding packages aren’t always the best. Analyze the wedding package. You may be paying for additional add-ons that you won’t need. Sometimes it’s cheaper to start with a lower package and just add on the extras. Pricing the flight and the resort separately can end up being cheaper.

 

1. 1. Create a destination wedding registry. A wedding registry will save you money on extra add-ons that you would have to pay for yourself. Give your guests the option of buying these additions as gifts, such as a romantic dinner on the beach or a couple’s massage.

 

1. 1. Use natural surroundings for your décor. Accentuate the surroundings of your destination with local décor pieces and flowers. Your guests won’t be distracted by elaborate decorations and you can save for a luxurious couple’s massage.

 

1. 1. Shop at local vendors.  Avoid paying for additional luggage or shipping fees when you import wedding supplies from home. Use the destination’s local services and look for exotic pieces that will give your wedding charm. It’s easier and cheaper, to use local florists and photographers for the ceremony.

 

1. 1. Pick a simple dress. Most destination weddings aren’t elaborate, so brides can choose a white or ivory bridesmaid dress instead of a traditional wedding gown. I f you want a “Trash the Dress” photo session – but don’t want to ruin your dream dress – find a cheap dress that you can use only for those photos.

 

1. Choose a trustworthy wedding planner. You may be planning this wedding for more than a year and you may be planning it from another continent. Choose a wedding planner who knows the destination intimately and will organize your wedding as you envision it.