Planning a destination wedding can often be easier on the wallet than a traditional home wedding, but let’s be real—weddings are pricey no matter where you are. With so many parts to budget for, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry! As a former destination bride myself, I totally get the frustration of figuring out where to splurge and where to save your money. We all want our weddings to be unforgettable, right? I mean, who doesn’t want their special day to be the talk of the town for weeks (okay, okay, maybe even years)?

Speaking from personal experience, here are some tried-and-true tips for having an epic destination wedding without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into when to save and when to splurge to make your big day both amazing and affordable. 

Where to Save Money on Your Destination Wedding

Save: Book Early and Choose An Off-Peak Day

Doesn’t the saying go, “the early bird catches the worm?” Well, there’s a lot of truth to that when it comes to planning a wedding. Locking in prices early is a must if you’re hunting for the best deals. 

Besides booking in advance, it’s also smart to choose an off-peak day. Who says your wedding has to be on a Saturday, Sunday, or even Friday? It’s a destination wedding, so do what you want–after all, isn’t that the whole point? Consider tying the knot on a Tuesday or Wednesday for even better deals. And why not opt for a brunch wedding instead of the traditional sunset ceremony? Remember, in paradise, every day feels like the weekend!

Save: Go All-Inclusive

I get it—you want your wedding to stand out and avoid the cookie-cutter approach. Luckily, more and more all-inclusive resorts like Grand Velas and Hotel Xcaret are catching on and offering customizable packages instead of standard ones. This way, you can have a unique wedding experience by adding what you love and skipping what you don’t. Another great option (especially for smaller weddings) is Hermitage Bay in Antigua, which also lets you tailor your wedding to your taste. 

Plus, you can even add special events to your package to personalize your wedding even further. From private beach dinners, to customized excursions and off-site get-togethers, these unique touches can really elevate the wedding experience for everyone.

Save: Party and Wedding Favors

In this day and age, being mindful of what you buy is more important than ever. Skip the elaborate stationary that will just end up in the trash. Some people love to go all out, but for me, it’s a save. As my hubby calls them, “trinkets” often get discarded, and how many souvenirs do we actually keep? Instead, plan a fun excursion or spa experience for your wedding party. They’ll appreciate the memorable experience much more than a keepsake they’ll likely throw away. 

Don’t get caught up buying lots of little things; they quickly add up to more than what an experience would cost and come with extra time (and hassle). Save on those party favors—sometimes less is more. 

Save: Invitations

Let’s talk invites—definitely a place to cut back. How often do we receive something in the mail, jot it down, and then toss it? Your guests will likely do the same! Sure, Grandma might keep it, maybe even frame it, but most folks will bin it. So, why not save the money? 

Many couples are embracing e-vites these days, which not only saves a few trees but also a lot of cash. Utilize your wedding website to house all the essential details and then shoot it out to everyone. It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and just makes sense in this digital age. With that said, if you do off for invites, we must shout-out PaperTales Custom, one of our favorite destination wedding stationary teams that we love working with.

Save: Ceremony Décor

It’s so easy to overspend on décor, but remember: it’s something that lasts for less than 30 minutes and often goes unnoticed by guests. 

Nix the Extras: Do you really need that special linen shipped from Italy, or those sheer coverings over the ceremony space? Many speciality items and décor are just not necessary. Remember, you’re already in a beautiful destination, so let the natural beauty shine and opt for simplicity. 

Keep it Simple, Not Plain: Simple doesn’t mean boring. Dress up your ceremony space with local items that compliment the natural surroundings. It’s all about enhancing the beauty that’s already there.

Seriously, Go Local!: I can’t stress this enough—throw in the local flavor! Infuse the destination’s culture and history into every part of your wedding: from the menu, to the cocktails, and even the tropical flowers. Not only does this make your wedding unique, but it also showcases your personality and makes your wedding memorable! 

Where to Splurge on Your Destination Wedding

Okay, so we’ve covered some ways to save, but here’s the deal: being mindful of your budget doesn’t mean being cheap. There are a few things that are absolutely worth splurging on for your destination wedding. Here’s my opinion on where it’s totally okay to go all out: 

Splurge: Airfare

When it comes to airfare, it can really go either way. Some couples snag cheap tickets and feel great about it, while others won’t skimp on this luxury and opt for upgraded seats. 

Pro-Tip: Let the airlines know you’re off to get hitched—they often upgrade engaged couples! If you’re planning to save here, book early and start racking up frequent flier miles. 

Bonus: If there’s an airport VIP program, like in Antigua and Jamaica, don’t hesitate to pay for it! The Mobay Pass, for instance, was a game-changer for us—it whisked us through airport lines, customs, and security straight to the lounge for rum punch in under 15 minutes. Worth every penny! More and more Caribbean destinations are offering this service. TTC in Turks and Caicos is also a great option to get you through the airport in a breeze. 

Splurge: Reception Venue

It goes without saying that your reception venue is the heart of the party —it’s where you will spend most of your time, and it doubles as your accommodation, activity hub, and honeymoon. Choose wisely.

You want a resort with top ratings and excellent reviews. With that said, room upgrades should be included—don’t spend extra money on this perk. Instead, use it as a benefit of booking with your resort, and try to score the upgrade for free! 

Splurge: Photography and Videography

Your photos are one area where cutting corners is a big-no-no. Don’t skimp on this! Trust me, it’s worth every penny. I actually brought my photographer from home, and I highly recommend you do the same. This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised…

Remember, these photos and videos will serve as the best memory of your life. You want top-notch quality that captures every precious moment, and trust me, you get what you pay for. 

Pro-Tip: Flying in your own photographer is usually doable, as long as they stay at the resort for a minimum of 3 nights like regular guests. This way, you can avoid paying an extra vendor fee and ensure that you have the best talent capturing your unforgettable moments.

Splurge: Excursions and Entertainment

Let’s be real—having fun and exploring a beautiful destination is 50% of the fun (besides getting married, of course!). Truly take the time and money to experience your destination. Sometimes you can bargain on your excursions, but we recommend you splurge. Spend the money and do something you’ve never done before! It’s truly priceless. 

Pro-Tip: Plan a special group excursion for your guests to enjoy—it’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories together. Plus, they’ll love spending quality time with you and your bae while going out there and exploring your destination ⛰️.

Splurge: Food and Drinks

When it comes to food and drinks, we believe it can truly make or break the experience. Upgrading the menu is always a win because, let’s face it, happy stomachs equal happy guests. Trust me, no one wants to endure hours of celebration with a rumbling tummy at your wedding! 

Splurging in top-quality food is one way to make sure your guests leave with happy faces and full bellies. Plus, we always suggest going local with your cuisine. Matching the flavors of your destination to your wedding really adds that extra layer of cultural experience for everyone. 

And of course, let’s not forget about the drinks—splurging a bit on some fancy wine and cocktails can kick the party up a notch. Treat yourselves and your guests to a feast they won’t forget 🍸. 

Let the Wedding Celebrations Begin!

So there you have it—the best ways to save and splurge on your wedding. From my experience with many couples, I’ve learned that it’s all about your perspective and what matters most to you. Some couples might choose to splurge on different things, and that’s perfectly fine. Your destination wedding should reflect what you and your partner truly want 💅.

But, if you’re looking to save in some areas, and splurge in others, keep these three handy tips in mind: 

1. Go Local

2. Prioritize What’s Important to You

3. Ask Yourself “Do I Really Need This?” Before Spending

Happy planning, and here’s to an epic wedding day! 

Editor Notes: This post was originally published in 2018, and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance. 

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.