Destination Wedding Budgets: Barefoot Bride Megan T.’s Tips & Tricks to Save Money

Planning a destination wedding can be a dream come true, but it also comes with a significant price tag. With the right strategies, however, you can keep your budget in check without sacrificing style or quality. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you save money while planning your beautiful destination wedding.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Before diving into the details, establish a clear and realistic budget. Consider all potential expenses, including travel, accommodations, venue, catering, decor, and entertainment. Do some research and join some facebook groups to get a realistic idea of the cost of weddings at your resort of choice. This will help you outline a budget.

Having a comprehensive budget in place will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending.

Find a pre-created budget template like this one here from The Knot, to help you stay organized! 

2. Choose an Off-Peak Season

Selecting a wedding date during the off-peak season can lead to substantial savings. Many destination locations offer lower rates for venues and accommodations during less popular times of the year. Generally, airfare will also be cheaper during off-peak season (savings! savings! everywhere!) 

Research the best times to visit your chosen destination and plan your wedding accordingly.

3. Opt for a Less Expensive Destination

While exotic locations are appealing, choosing a destination with a lower cost of living (think Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic) can significantly reduce your overall expenses. Research destinations that offer beautiful settings at a more affordable price. Sometimes, less-known locales can provide equally stunning backdrops without the hefty price tag.

Also, less expensive locations will benefit your guests as the room rates and airfare should also be less expensive. 

Travel Agents can be super helpful when it comes to choosing a resort within your budget. Find an agent that specializes in Destination Weddings and explain your needs, wants and budget. They can take some of the stressful research off of you and provide recommendations! I chose this option when I was choosing between resorts and Barefoot Bridals were there to save me! They knew everything about the resorts I was interested in and helped me make a decision based on my budget and what I expect from a resort. 

4. Negotiate with Vendors

Don’t hesitate to negotiate with vendors to secure the best possible rates. Many vendors are willing to offer discounts, especially if you’re booking multiple services or if they have flexibility in their schedule. By not asking, you could be losing money! The worst they will say is no, so ask every person who is requesting money from you (room rates, decor, entertainment, extra activities, travel agency, etc). 

Ask about package deals, off-season rates, or any special promotions they might have.

5. Consider All-Inclusive Packages

All-inclusive wedding packages can be a cost-effective option as they often bundle venue rental, catering, decor, and other essential services into one price. This not only simplifies planning but can also offer significant savings compared to booking each service separately.

Take a look at what is included in your all-inclusive wedding event package and see if you are content with what is included. If looking at swapping some stuff out (decor, entertainment, etc) see if you are able to receive a credit for that item or service. For example, gold tiffany chairs were included in my package but I decided to upgrade to wooden chairs. I then was credited the cost of what the gold tiffany chairs would be and put that towards the wooden chairs! 

6. Limit Your Guest List

Reducing the size of your guest list can have a significant impact on your budget. Fewer guests mean lower costs for catering, accommodations, and transportation. Focus on inviting close family and friends to create an intimate and meaningful celebration.

While this may be harder to do, it is something to consider if you are serious about keeping your destination wedding as budget-friendly as possible.

7. DIY Where Possible

Consider taking on some DIY projects to save money. Creating your own invitations, wedding favors, or decor can be both fun and cost-effective. Just ensure that any DIY projects align with your overall wedding theme and that you have enough time to complete them before the big day.

Also, since your wedding will be a destination wedding, consider how you will transport your decoration to the location and if it is worth DIY-ing. Some resorts will allow you to ship items ahead of time, which can be helpful. 

For my wedding, I was able to DIY our welcome bags, signature drink signs, escort cards, menus and flags to attach to the golf carts all guests will be driving around. I will also be bringing along my own napkins, table runners, a collapsible card box, and table numbers. 

Pro Tip: Look on facebook marketplace for gently used wedding decor that you can pack or ship. I had purchased table numbers from facebook marketplace for $20 (20 wooden signs were included)

8. Book Accommodations Early

Securing accommodations early can lead to better rates and availability. Look for group discounts or negotiate special rates for your guests. Booking in advance ensures that you have a wider range of options and can potentially save on expenses. 

Having your guests book accommodations early, provide them the possibility of getting a payment plan through a travel agent, if you are working with one. I chose to work with Barefoot Bridals and they provided an interest free payment plan for all guests. The earlier they booked, the longer their payment plan. 

I also recommend looking at flights sooner rather than later. I was so wrapped up in wedding planning that I was not paying attention to flights early on. Instead I booked our flights 2 months before our wedding and paid the average price for them. Based on a google flight chart, flights were cheapest within the first couple months they became available! 

9. Limit Extravagant Add-Ons

While it’s VERY tempting to add luxurious touches, it’s important to prioritize what truly matters. Focus on the essential elements of your wedding and avoid unnecessary add-ons that can inflate your budget. Remember, it’s the love and celebration that make the day special, not the extravagant extras. You chose your wedding resort because it was already beautiful without all the extras and sometimes less is more! 

10. Track and Review Your Expenses

Last but not least, regularly track your wedding expenses and review your budget to stay on top of your spending. Use budgeting tools or spreadsheets to monitor costs and make adjustments as needed. Staying organized helps prevent overspending and ensures you remain within your budget.

I chose to use google spreadsheets to track every dollar I put towards my wedding. This includes from all the little things to all the big things! While it may be time consuming to stay on top of this, it will be worth it in the end. 

After I had chosen everything I wanted/needed, I took another look at my budget to reconsider what I still felt was a need vs. a want. You will find as you go through months of planning that things you felt you needed in the beginning, may not feel as important as the $$$$$$ start rolling in. 

I was able to cut almost $2,500 in “extras” 2 months prior to my wedding!!!

Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. By setting a realistic budget, taking advantage of off-peak times, negotiating with vendors, and utilizing local resources, you can create a stunning and memorable wedding experience without overspending. Don’t be afraid to ask other brides within the facebook group for your resort for advice on pricing. They may have even better tips & tricks since every resort is different. 

With careful planning and these money-saving tips, your destination wedding can be a dream come true, both in terms of location and budget.