Imagine this: you’re away from home on a tropical beach on a remote island or a stunning villa in another city and exchanging vows with the love of your life. Wouldn’t that be a dream come true?
Some popular venues for destination weddings in the U.S. include Cavallo Point, the Lodge at the Golden Gate in Sausalito, California, Silverado Resort in Napa, California, and Café Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois.
As per experts, a destination wedding costs $35,000, on average. That’s a whopping sum. But did you know that you can plan a destination wedding without spending so much money?
Keeping your guest list small is one way to save money on a destination wedding. But there are several other strategies that will help you stay within your budget while creating a magical and memorable celebration. We’ll discuss those in this guide.
#1 Pick an Off-Peak Season and Location
Having a wedding in the off-season can lead to significant cost savings. The prices of popular tourist destinations skyrocket in peak season. But you can snag better deals on the same destinations as well as accommodations and vendor services if you book them off-season.
Off-peak seasons, however, vary depending on the destination. The hurricane season, for instance, is the off-peak season in tropical locations. There are fewer tourists than there are for the rest of the year. That means you can save a good sum by planning your wedding in the rainy season in tropical locations.
If you want to save more on location, consider choosing a less conventional venue for your wedding. You’ll find them at more competitive rates than well-known tourist hotspots. That way, you can enjoy your destination wedding without paying a premium price.
Some stunning yet affordable wedding destinations worth checking out are Punta Mita in Mexico, Bottino in New York, and Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago.
#2 Arrange Group Transportation for Your Guests
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in another state or city, arranging transportation for your guests is important. You would want your guests to arrive safely and on time without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads or public transportation.
Instead of hiring private cars to transport guests to and from the wedding venue, arrange group transportation for your guests. This will be cost-effective.
Group transportation options can range from shuttle buses to private vans. Sprinter vans, however, would be excellent for transporting guests to and from the wedding location. These vans are perfect for large groups because they can comfortably fit up to 14 people.
Renting a sprinter van, Eminent Limo notes, will cost anywhere between $100 and $400. You can expect to pay even less if you book sprinter vans in the off-season. That is because the charges are generally low during that time.
Finding a sprinter van rental within the U.S. won’t be troublesome. There are 1,954 businesses in the country that offer RV and camper van rentals.
If you’re planning a wedding at Bottino in New York, a quick search for “affordable sprinter rental in New York” will bring forth options that will suit your budget. However, if you intend to exchange vows in Garfield Park Conservatory, searching for the “best sprinter rental in Chicago” will help you find the leading businesses in the city.
Be sure to take a look at customer reviews before you seal the deal with any company.
#3 Opt for Minimal Decor
When it comes to your wedding decor, you can go as bold and flashy or chic and sophisticated as you want. However, our advice would be to opt for minimal decor instead of extravagant decorations and lavish floral arrangements. It’s a savvy strategy to save money on a destination wedding.
You can create a stunning ambiance while keeping costs down by opting for simple and elegant decor. Some key elements, such as stylish table settings or a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony, make a big impact. Consider focusing on them. Natural elements like local flowers or foliage add a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank. You can use them in plenty.
You can further maximize the value of your decor items by repurposing them throughout the day. Some ceremony decorations like drapes, fairy lights, and playful signages can be moved to the reception area for a seamless transition.
Or, you can put your creative skills to use and incorporate DIY decor into your wedding. Besides saving money, DIY items will add a personal touch to your special day. Turn the crafting session into a fun pre-wedding activity by enlisting help from friends and family members.
To sum things up, planning a destination wedding on a budget might seem beyond the bounds of possibility, but it isn’t.
Careful planning and strategic decisions can help you plan a destination wedding without breaking the bank. These are some ways you can save money on your destination wedding while still creating a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.
Following these tips will help you celebrate your love in a stunning destination without the financial stress. Rest assured that you will be able to focus on what matters the most, i.e., the joy of uniting with your partner.
