Let’s be real – weddings, in general, are not cheap. But, being thrifty doesn’t have to feel gross. In fact, making the right budget cuts can actually enhance the whole experience, for both you and your guests, and provide a super unique and unforgettable event. ‘Stuff’ is cool in the moment but is easily lost and forgotten. An experience? Well, that will be talked about for years to come! Here are the recommendations we share with our brides when they are on a tight budget.

5 Ways to Save Money While Planning Your Destination Wedding

Nix Florals

Looking to trim your budget? Then consider cutting down on all the flowers – you already have a beautiful backdrop and water that looks amazing, right? So why not forgo those huge, full, and expensive bouquets and keep the setting around you natural? Remember, less is more, and going eco-chic with nice greenery often costs a lot less than those over-the-top arrangements. Hey, I love flowers just as much as the next girl, but this is the first place I would start when working on lowering cost. Ferns and Rosemary are totally in right now, and your wallet will also thank you. 

Use a Travel Advisor

I know, I know you, you’ll probably hesitate to take this advice, but I am telling you – a travel advisor is the way to go! This might seem like its going against the grain but if you plan on bringing friends and family, a travel advisor is a lifesaver. Your travel confidant will handle every detail from booking reservations, coordinating airline bookings, and helping you scout destinations and resorts. They really take the stress out of an already stressful event, and let’s face it stress is the last thing you have time for right now. You need to keep your glow girl! Another perk? Group discounts!!! They will save you money in the process and a hell of a lot of time. You will look at the final payment and ask how you got your money back and a room upgrade, all at once!

Buy An Affordable Dress

This will not be your favorite tip for saving money and I know you are reading this thinking, “Courtnie are you crazy? You might as well be telling me to go to a consignment shop (by the way, not a bad idea).” With that said, I grabbed one from David’s bridal for around $100 bucks for a ‘trash the dress’ session. It was on final sale online and unseen for $500. It WAS, drop the mic, BOMB. Now I am not saying you are going to get that lucky, and I do not advise you to do what I did, (I was last 🍑 minute), however, this is all to say that you don’t have to spend your new home down payment on a dress! Avoid heavy fabrics like silk as those tend to be costlier. And remember, it’s not the designer's name on the tag that matters but the price, so choose a dress that is YOU.

Take Advantage Of Wedding Packages

Back to your travel advisor and/or resort, this is where you cash in your perks. Many Caribbean and Mexican all-inclusive resorts provide wedding packages, and many of those include FREE packages as long as the couple of honor stays for seven nights in a certain category room (or at least books five rooms at three nights or more). I always tell brides to take the free package and pay for all the one-offs and add-ons. Because, sometimes when you choose the higher packages, you don’t end up using all of the items included, like photography (I brought my own photographer with me). Let the resort take care of all the extras so you can save both cash and stress. 

Reconsider Party Favors

Speaking from experience, people will throw shit away lol! Now, I did do my welcome bags but then opted to take my bridal party out on an excursion, like jet skiing, and some brides I work with have opted for a catamaran trip. I know that’s not saving money, but let me finish! 😂 Customized little favors, a.k.a. trinkets, as my husband would call it, are the fastest way to burn through your pockets. Think about your destination – what experience can you offer guests instead? Maybe a bonfire on the beach, a beautiful fireworks display, a cigar roller, a mixologist providing a special signature drink – what special touches can you add to the weekend aside from finding little crafts off Etsy and Pinterest (no shade!)? Do you have a charity that you would like to donate to? Do it in honor of your guests, like planting a tree, saving a turtle, and so forth – you get the point. Think local and personal, and it will not only be thoughtful but also save you cash and fit right in with your wedding theme. 

These are just a few suggestions on ways you can lower costs while still staying true to your style, wants, and needs. Still not sure where you can make these cuts? Try making a list of all your wedding expenses, and start there. It’s not always about eliminating things, but rather tweaking them in a way that makes sense and might actually fit your vision better! Need to get started with a destination wedding budget? We got you.

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.