Destination weddings have always been en vogue, and it’s no secret that more and more couples are considering getting away from it all where their big day is concerned. Whether they have an intimate micro wedding or book a big bash across the pond, folks are seizing the opportunity to get married in a different locale.

Although you may think that budgeting for a destination wedding is similar to having an event in your hometown (and it is, don’t worry), there are a few extra expenses you need to factor in — both for you and your guests. So, before planning your “I do’s” in your dream city, here are six major destination wedding expenses to consider.

Costs That Impact Your Destination Wedding

Before covering extras, you may be able to save a bit by considering other factors about your big day. For example, research the area, and avoid the peak season when costs and the number of travelers skyrocket. Instead, choose one of the shoulder seasons — before or after peak — where you should have fabulous weather while avoiding overcrowding and inflated prices.

Another factor is the destination itself. For example, getting married in an Italian villa (which sounds lovely, BTW!) in Tuscany will be more cost-effective than one on the Amalfi Coast. Also, research all-inclusive locations versus hiring a planner to organize various vendors. Sometimes venues that include everything are budget-friendly, but sometimes they aren’t if you don’t need some of the items in their packages.

Factor in These Additional Destination Wedding Expenses

Travel

Not only do you need to think about traveling to and from your destination wedding, but it’s also essential to count the cost of travel within the area. There are costs associated with getting to and from the airport, but you also may have to provide transportation for your guests within your destination of choice. If you have off-site activities or choose to have your ceremony in one location and your reception in another, you should foot the bill to get guests from here to there.

Accommodations

Of course, you and your partner will whisk away on your honeymoon after your wedding, but you’ll most likely want to arrive a few days before your event to settle in. This helps you keep tabs on the wedding itself and allows you to acclimate to a potential time difference, depending on where you wed. Guests that may live in your hometown usually wouldn’t have to factor in hotel stays, but they will also have to plan for accommodations. Booking an entire villa or block of rooms is essential to make it easier for your guests. 

Venue

No matter where you get married, there will be a cost associated with securing a venue. Even if you decide to elope or have a small micro-wedding, you may have to pay for a permit to wed in a park or courthouse. However, venues tend to cost more where destination weddings are involved beyond elopements. 

Although this may sound negative, destination wedding venues often have on-site planners, caterers, and florists that can make planning from afar a breeze. So, what you may pay for in splurging a bit, you will receive back in the form of peace of mind when planning from afar. In addition, these venues also often include rentals of items, such as linens, tables, and seating, that contribute to the overall costs while eliminating one more thing from your to-do list.

Vendors

Mainly because you will be planning long-distance, you need a reliable team of folks to make your big day happen. Whether you choose to go with an all-inclusive venue or branch out on your own (hint: start by hiring a local wedding planner), you will need to employ specific wedding pros. Beyond a planner, you may require a DJ or band for your reception and a photographer to document your big day. Other traditional wedding expenses, such as attire, an officiant, and invitations, will also apply with destination weddings.

Florals and Decor

While many couples love to DIY, it’s admittedly hard to do from far away, which is why you’ll be relying on vendors in your destination. Some locations have indigenous flowers that you can’t find anywhere else, and many couples choose to splurge on upscale florals to incorporate a local flair into their big day. Of course, you don’t have to go overboard, but you can integrate unique decor items and floral installations that are traditional for the area.

Catering

Just like with florals, there are local flavors to include in your wedding reception, whether that’s in the form of freshly caught seafood or locally produced rum. Although these costs may be reasonable, your guests may want to overindulge on flavors they don’t usually get at home. Therefore don’t skimp on quantity if you’re going to do something unique with your catering, cake, or bar service.

No matter where you decide to get married, coming up with a feasible budget should be one of the first steps you take after getting engaged. Knowing what to factor in will leave you without any surprises while being able to enjoy your day surrounded by family and friends — wherever you go.

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.