10 tips for Saving Money on Your Destination Wedding
Although a destination wedding may seem like a more reaonably priced option than holding an elaborate reception at home, these tips can trim you budget even more - without compromising on the specialness of your big day. And a little careful trimming of the wedding budget can leave you with a lot more cash in your pocket to spend while you are away.
These are our top 10 tips for saving a packet on your destination wedding - in no particualr order:
1. Travel Off Season
Not only will your flight costs be much less, but you are likely to get better deals in hotels at your destination.
2. Don't get married on Saturday
In almost every country in the world, it's the first day that books out and the most expensive day to marry. Pick a weekday and there are reductions to be had and the venue for both wedding and reception will be less busy.
3. Cut the Cake
Yes, really! Tiers of wedding cakes can cost a fortune - and you don't want to be transporting the leftovers home after a week in the sun. Buy a nice cake in a cake shop or even a supermarket - if you are good at that sort of thing decorate it yourself, it doesn't have to be elaborate, white frosting and fresh fruit is very pretty and effective.
Or consider replacing the cake altogether with pretty individual cupcakes, they will cost a LOT less and your guests will love them!
4. Keep the dress simple
"Simple and elegant" - see how nicely those words go together? Avoid bridal shops altogether and look for a simple shift dress from an ordinary store. It's amazing what you will find. Not only will you save on the purchase price, but it'll be easier and cheaper to travel with and you may even get to wear it again. Or buy in a charity store.
5. Trim your lists!
Do you really need to ask everyone you know, all your relatives and even your Dad's work colleagues to your destination wedding, in the half hope that most will say no? Remember - they might say yes!! Only ask those you really, really want to be there to share your day. You can always have a party later for those who didn't travel.
6. Forget the Photographer
Maybe you have a friend who takes good pictures, or you could give out cheap disposable cameras to the guests, then collect them later - it's hit and miss, but there are bound to be some good shots in there. With digital photography it's even cheaper - a few friends taking hundreds of shots are sure to hit gold often enough for you to make up an excellent album.
7. Make Your Own Stationary
There are wonderful and relatively inexpensive kits available for this if you are not artistically inclined. Pick a theme or colour and stick with it throughout for a coordinated look. Think laterally - print a really good photo from you wedding multiple times and use as a postcard, writing on the back, for thank you cards.
8. Tell everyone you're getting married...
.Or on honeymoon. It can get you upgrades on flights, better rooms in hotels, bottles of wine or champagne in restaurants, free entry to clubs.
9. .... except the florist!
The same flowers will cost a fraction of the price if they are not dubbed "Wedding Flowers". Keep your flwoers simple - there is no need to have loads to make an impact. Single lilies laid on a table look as good as elaborate displays, a simple bouquet with lots of inexpensive greenery will keep the attention on the bride.
10. Don't Shop in Wedding Stores!
It's not just the flowers - as soon as something is for a wedding, it becomes more expensive. You can often get the same or almost the same things for a fraction of the price elsewhere. For example fabric shops will have ribbon, beads, feathers and other decorative items ideal for trimming a dress or decorating tables.