A common misconception among couples is that a destination wedding costs more than a traditional wedding in the United States. In fact, the opposite can be true! As a destination wedding planner, we at The Travel Mechanic, help our couples plan affordable weddings in beautiful locations. While you could plan a lavish wedding in Lake Como, there are so many more affordable options. A wedding on the beach at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico can fit into almost any budget. If you’re looking to save money on your destination wedding, check out our tips below to get the most out of your money. 

Choose an Affordable Destination

When choosing a destination for your wedding, we highly recommend looking into the overall cost of the country or island. It’s important to know how far your dollar will get you. For example, a trip to Mexico or Jamaica would be much more affordable than the same trip to Turks and Caicos or Barbados. The same will be true of your destination wedding!

It’s also important to consider flights to these destinations. A flight to Cancun is going to be much more affordable than a flight to St. Lucia. There are hundreds of flights going to Cancun every single week from US airports, while there are only around 56 flights per week to St. Lucia. Opt for a destination with a major airport to save you and your guests money!

Use Airline Credit Cards

A great way to save money on any trip is by using an airline credit card. As soon as you and your partner decide to have a destination wedding, you should open an airline credit card with great rewards and start putting all your regular purchases on there. Some credit cards even offer sign-on bonuses! While this won’t save you money on the wedding itself, you may be able to fly there and back for free, putting hundreds of dollars back in your pocket. 

Book For The Off-Season

Once you’ve decided on your wedding destination, it’s time to choose a date. We recommend booking in the off-season for the best rates and to avoid crowds. One of the great things about tropical destinations is that they’re warm year-round, so you don’t need to worry about it being too chilly. Our favorite months for destination weddings are March and November, so you still get perfect beach weather! 

We recommend booking as early as possible to get the best rate for your destination wedding. Booking just over a year out will give you plenty of time to plan and communicate with guests. Plus, booking early will give you the highest chance of getting your top choice in venues at the resort. 

Downsize Your Guest List

As with traditional weddings, one of the easiest ways you can save money on your destination wedding is by cutting down the guest list. Each guest has a per-head cost for food and drinks and requires additional items like tables, chairs, and decor. Most resorts will have a standard wedding package that includes a certain amount of people, and while you can always add more guests a la carte, we recommend staying within the initial number if you’re on a tight budget. 

Simplify The Decor 

One of the great things about destination weddings is how beautiful the venues are, so you can really simplify your decor. When choosing your resort and specific wedding spaces, aim for areas with beautiful views. When the ocean is just steps away, no one is focusing on your flowers! Opt for minimal florals and simple furniture to really let nature and the resort shine. 

Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

Of course, we couldn’t talk about saving money on your destination wedding without talking about hiring a destination wedding planner. Having an experienced planner by your side not only makes planning a breeze but also saves you tons of money. A destination wedding planner will help make sure you get the best rate on your room block, cash back for guest rooms booked, and additional freebies like an entire complimentary welcome party! 

Destination Weddings with The Travel Mechanic 

Whether finances are tight or you simply want to put more money towards your honeymoon, there are so many reasons to save money on your destination wedding. At The Travel Mechanic, we use our relationships with the resorts and our years of experience to get you the best deals possible. And as a bonus, we make planning a breeze and act as a touch point for your guests. If you’re planning a destination wedding and looking for some personalized assistance, schedule a call with us! We’d love to be a part of your big day.