If your dreams of a perfect wedding involve exchanging vows in a tropical rain forest, or during a beachfront ceremony, then a destination wedding is the perfect solution! Below are 4 tips for planning a destination wedding that will help you budget, and plan for your destination wedding.
1: Don’t be afraid to draw a line
Knowing how much you’re willing to spend ahead of time is an excellent way to keep you on budget. That means setting a firm dollar amount and drawing a line that you don’t cross. Determining the costs you’re willing to cover means deciding if you’re going to support your close family’s travel costs. Suppose you decide to do this; you have to figure out where you can save on other parts of the wedding.
2: The smaller, the better
It’s simple for couples to get carried away when they start writing a guest list. However, the key to staying on budget when planning a destination wedding is keeping guest lists short. Think about the people with whom you want to share the most important day of your life, and build your guest list from there. It’s a gamble to include everyone you know on your guest list, so choose your guests wisely. For example, if everyone you invite shows up, that can quickly inflate your budget.
3: Research when and where your destination should occur
Prices fluctuate throughout the season, so timing is everything when trying to stay on budget. Choose low-key destinations that are outside of their peak season. Look at the weather conditions during these seasons to determine which destination is ideal. For example, not everyone wants to travel to the Caribbean during hurricane season!
4: Look for cash-back and rewards opportunities
Overlooking the way you pay for your destination wedding could leave money on the table. Consider opening a rewards credit card that allows you to earn points for each of your purchases. If you’re concerned about credit card debt, look at a reward checking account where you can earn cash-back each time you use it to pay for your wedding’s expenses. It’s also easier to plan a budget for your destination wedding if you start in advance by saving up as much as possible for your big day.
As a destination wedding planning and travel specialist, I have helped couples just like you, plan their destination wedding. The above list is just a few of the many tips for planning a destination wedding that I have shared with my couples. If you are thinking about planning a destination wedding, I invite you to schedule a free consultation so we can chat about your ideas, and I can answer the questions that you have.