Can a Destination Wedding Actually Save You Money?
Did you know that traveling to an exciting destination with a small group of your closest loved ones for a wedding can actually save you money compared to a traditional wedding at home?
Getting married to the person you love is a big deal, and the costs associated with making your celebration special can add up in a hurry!
From feeding your guests to hiring entertainment, finding a venue to buying a dress, there can be an overwhelming amount of things to pay for. If budget constraints are a concern, maybe it’s time you consider a destination wedding?
4 Ways Destination Weddings Can Cost Less
1. All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Packages
The first major money-saver comes in the form of all-inclusive destination wedding packages. Many resorts and wedding planning companies offer package deals that combine many of the biggest costs, including travel, food, drinks, lodging, ceremony and reception venues, décor, and beyond!
While every package is a bit different (and can likely be customized to fit your needs), most will include the essentials for your special day, and account for your guests’ accommodations too!
For just one illustrative example based on data from The Knot and the 2019 Destination Weddings Trend Report, American weddings cost an average of around $30,000 – but an inclusive package at a destination wedding resort in Mexico averages around $8,000, and that includes travel! The experts at Sunset Travel Agency in Chicago can help you arrange travel for your entire group, using our insider deals for destination wedding travel.
2. Lower Vendor Prices
Depending on the location you choose, the expense of goods and services related to destination wedding could be somewhat less costly than they would be in the States. If you’re going with an inclusive resort package, most of your needs will be taken care of, but there are still extras to consider, including the basics like photography and cakes, plus extras like spa days, activities outside of the resort, and local fare you may want to explore.
In many Latin American, Caribbean, African, and South Asian destinations, favorable exchange rates mean that your US dollars go much further than they do at home. These savings on meals, transportation, wedding vendors, and professional services all add up to make your wedding much more affordable.
3. Include Your Honeymoon!
This one’s quite simple: if you’ve already traveled to a destination to get married, you’re practically on your honeymoon already! Many resort packages encourage newlywed guests to continue their stay after the ceremony, but even if you’d like to go somewhere else for your honeymoon, there will likely be plenty of incredible options nearby!
If the honeymoon is part of your package, then the costs may already be included. If you go elsewhere, the travel will likely cost less, you’ll already have any necessary paperwork taken care of, your bags will already be packed, and most of the hassle of traveling abroad will be behind you!
4. A Smaller Guest List
With a destination wedding, you’re probably going to have far fewer guests than you would at home. This means fewer mouths to feed, fewer drinks to pay for, smaller venue requirements, and so on – all of which drives down overall costs.
With an intimate group joining you at an exotic destination, they’re getting a vacation out of it too – and will likely pay for their own transportation and lodging (or be willing to reimburse you for money spent on an inclusive package).
Sunset Travel Makes Amazing Destination Weddings Happen!
Destination weddings can come in all shapes and sizes, and when you travel with a smaller group and utilize inclusive packages, you can save thousands of dollars – and have a truly unforgettable experience!
At Sunset Travel & Cruise, we specialize in complete destination wedding packages, customized for your dream location, guest list, and budget. Contact us today for a free consultation!