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Do some research to find out how much on average different countries spend on weddings to get an idea of where you can afford to have your own.
You already have too much on your wedding to-do list, so make things easier by booking a package deal that takes care of lodging and food for your guests.
All-inclusive hotels usually also offer the venue itself for weddings, and they organize the decor, flowers, music, photography, and more, eliminating all the separate price tags.
You can save a lot of money by doing research on the local cuisine and getting catering that focuses on non-imported foods. This includes breweries and wineries too!
Smaller budgets mean smaller celebrations, and by narrowing down your invite list, you don't have to work with so many different people's schedules, and it'll be cheaper!
Weddings and receptions in halls require extra money for flowers and decorations, but swap that out for a beautiful natural scene, and you’ll save hundreds!
Most people factor in the added cost of a honeymoon into a wedding, but if you’re already in a gorgeous location, why go anywhere else? You eliminate the costs of a whole other trip, plus resorts often have special honeymoon packages if you get married there.
While your guests will have to take vacation days, everyone will save money on the airfare, plus it will significantly reduce the price of the wedding. Some resorts offer discounts to those having their celebration on a weekday.
An unexpected expense of a destination wedding is meeting with vendors across time zones, as some ask that you fly out. It's natural that you'd want to see the venue before going to get married, but use video-calling and virtual tours as much as you can.
Is it going to be night or day, super intimate or over 30 people, religious or not? These will play into the destination you choose.
A destination wedding doesn’t have to be on a tropical beach far away! You can go somewhere within your country, and even in the same city. There’s the countryside, coastlines, and quirky spots like museums, too.
Think about how accessible transportation is from airport to hotel, hotel to venue, and whether you'd need a bus or a boat or a plane. Consider whether anyone in your party has special needs as well.
If there's only one thing you remember from this gallery, it should be to plan ahead, as everything is cheaper when you book well in advance. Give yourself time to compare prices and search for discounts.
When you're far from home, all that money you worked so hard to save up may quickly drain out of your account if the exchange rate of your destination is not in your favor. Pay attention to the cost of living as well!
Your guests also need time to plan for their travel, and everyone may need to get visas, passports, medical checkups, and to save up.
It's highly recommended that you find out the local laws for a marriage ceremony, as it may change your destination of choice. If you want a religious ceremony, for example, find out whether the country allows religious ceremonies outside of a house of worship.
Find out what the marriage license requirements are in your destination, and be open to the idea that you may have to get legally married in your country, and have a ceremony at your destination.
If you can’t afford your ideal location in Tuscany, choose a more affordable place that’s richer in sentiment.
Don’t set your date until you’re sure there’s hotel availability for everyone.
Instead of struggling for hours on the phone trying to overcome a language barrier while also negotiating prices, hire someone on the ground who can take care of it.
This is the cheaper alternative to the ideal option of booking a separate trip to check out your location. You can smooth out any details, do trial runs of hair and makeup, taste the local catering, and ensure everything is as you wanted it.
Big tents can be extremely expensive, what with the price of material, transport, decoration, lighting, and flooring. Instead, look for venues that have a covered area in case of bad weather.
Shipping overseas can be risky and expensive, and you should try not to leave purchases for when you arrive, so pack as much as possible into your luggage.
If you’re going to be in a hot, humid location, you’re probably going to want to skip the heavy, layered, embellished gown—and dressing for your destination could save you money!
Many seasoned wedding planners advise you carry your dress on board the plane, and just make sure someone at the other end can press and steam it. A folded dress will always be a better option than a lost one!
Traveling and booking rooms in peak season (typically June-August in Europe and Asia, and December-February south of the equator) will cost you nearly twice as much. Aim for shoulder season, the period between peak and off-peak seasons.
Scour the internet for local musicians or get some recommendations from the venue, and you'll save yourself the expense of flying in a band and paying for their accommodation.
No one would recommend planning a destination wedding without the help of a professional. The gorgeous, remote spots often have limited resources. Plus, the beauty of destination weddings is working with regional artisans and supporting the local economy.
See also: Celebrities who have officiated weddings
Since it can be hard to find, and choose between, local vendors in a place you’re unfamiliar with, venues often have the insight you need.
While a destination wedding can seem like something reserved for those with cash to blow, it can actually be a more feasible option for couples who don't have that much to spare. The exotic location doubles as both a venue for a ceremony and a honey moon, plus it'll be slightly smaller scale and you can take advantage of deals and exchange rates. That’s not to say it doesn’t come with its grand expenses, but there are various tips and tricks that will swipe thousands off your big-day bill.
Click through this gallery to find out how to plan a dreamy destination wedding that won't break the bank.
How to plan a dreamy destination wedding on a budget
It's not as hard as you think
LIFESTYLE Destination wedding
While a destination wedding can seem like something reserved for those with cash to blow, it can actually be a more feasible option for couples who don't have that much to spare. The exotic location doubles as both a venue for a ceremony and a honey moon, plus it'll be slightly smaller scale and you can take advantage of deals and exchange rates. That’s not to say it doesn’t come with its grand expenses, but there are various tips and tricks that will swipe thousands off your big-day bill.
Click through this gallery to find out how to plan a dreamy destination wedding that won't break the bank.