JOSEPHINE OGUNDEJI looks at how you can plan a destination wedding without spending a king’s ransom
Destination weddings, with their enticing blend of romance, adventure, and the allure of discovery, cast an irresistible spell upon couples with a thirst for wanderlust.
Yet, amid the enchantment of far-flung locales, a familiar concern often arises, the daunting challenge of managing destination wedding expenses.
According to a report on Brides, creating a budget would be one of the very first steps to planning your affordable destination wedding.
It stated, “Budget planning for destination weddings often begins more than a year in advance, and for many, this part of the process can overshadow the joys of planning. But it’s a necessity if you want to save money. When creating a budget, you should research the local area to see what’s realistic for that region.
“It is important to set an early budget because like with most events, there can be hidden costs. You will need to factor in things like the trips you’ll take to visit the destination before your wedding day.”
To find affordable venues for your wedding, the Brides report advised consultation with a destination wedding planner early on, prioritising natural beauty to minimise decoration costs, and inquiring about included amenities to potentially save on rental expenses.
It read further, “To save money on travel and accommodations for your destination wedding, consider combining your wedding and honeymoon to take advantage of cost-saving packages offered by resorts and utilise rewards from airline credit cards for discounts on flights and other perks.
“To cut costs on food and drink for events, consider utilising local vendors for their expertise and potential cost savings, inquire about resort-approved vendors while being mindful of potential surcharges, carefully assess venue options for included services and catering offerings, and control alcohol expenses by implementing a specified cocktail list while adding personal touches like signature drinks.”
Here are other salient points recommended by the report:
Hire a Destination Wedding Planner: While it may initially seem like an added expense, hiring a destination wedding planner can save you money in the long run. Their expertise in navigating contracts and vendor connections can help secure better deals. On-site planners can also handle details you can’t manage from afar, ensuring a smoother planning process.
Have a Weekday Wedding: Opting for a less traditional time slot, such as a weekday or off-peak season, can reduce rates. Weekday weddings also allow guests to enjoy the destination over the weekend, and off-peak seasons offer less crowded venues and potentially lower travel costs.
Get Officially Married Before You Reach Your Destination: Save on legal fees, transportation, and paperwork by getting legally married in your home country before the destination wedding. This avoids the need to navigate foreign legalities and can simplify the process.
Downsize Your Guest List: Hosting a smaller, more intimate wedding can significantly reduce costs. Limiting the guest list allows couples to save money and enjoy a more meaningful celebration with close friends and family.
Skip the Wedding Favours: Instead of traditional wedding favours, consider alternatives like welcome gifts with local snacks or a donation to a local charity. These options can be less expensive and more thoughtful, saving money while still showing appreciation to guests.
Source an All-in-One Entertainment Vendor: Opting for a single entertainment vendor that provides services like music, lighting, and sound can be more cost-effective and reduce stress. Consolidating these services into one vendor often results in better pricing compared to hiring individual vendors for each aspect of entertainment.
A financial expert, Olufemi Ososan, said according to the definition provided by Wikipedia, a wedding is a ceremony where two individuals are united in marriage, typically involving the couple and their parents as crucial participants.
He added, “So a wedding is a ceremony i.e., a party and should be done in moderation. A budget-friendly wedding is one where the amount spent on the wedding is easily gotten by either the couple or their family. Simply put, the amount in savings/investment is way higher than the amount budgeted for the wedding to put numbers to it might be me saying a 10 per cent to 20 per cent of one’s savings.”
A destination wedding, according to Ososan, on the other hand, is a ceremony hosted away from the couple’s hometown, often requiring travel for both the wedding party and guests. To plan a budget-friendly destination wedding, the following steps can be taken:
Choose a destination that aligns with the budget: Whether it be a beach, resort, or any other location within financial means. A very expense should be captured within the budget ensuring that every expense is accounted for.
No need for Aso ebi ladies or Agbada men: It is a destination wedding. Calling a dress code or colour code for the train is also part of the fun of organizing a destination wedding
Consider alternatives to live bands or MCs: Make use of a music player or dedicated DJ, to save on entertainment costs. A friend can be the moderator for the day.
Offer virtual streaming options: Avoid covering travel expenses for guests who cannot afford to attend, and instead offer virtual streaming options.
Avoid borrowing: Avoid borrowing money for the wedding expenses and ensure that costs are within five times the budgeted amount. Also, do not rely on gifts received on the wedding day to cover expenses, as this can lead to financial strain.
Ososan advised, “Be prepared to apologize to those who may feel left out, but prioritize staying true to your budget and preferences.
“Ultimately, the key to a successful and memorable wedding is authenticity and staying true to oneself. Focus on what matters most to you as a couple and avoid feeling pressured to overspend in an attempt to impress others. Remember, it is your wedding, and you have the freedom to celebrate it in a way that reflects your values and priorities.”
According to WedInspire, the expenses associated with decorating a venue for your wedding can quickly add up. Instead of overspending, consider getting creative and making your wedding favours.
“Additionally, printing your menus and order of service pamphlets can save you money. Many wedding venues abroad offer extra amenities such as wineries, beekeeping, and herb gardens. Take advantage of these local resources to enhance your guests’ experience and incorporate them into your food and beverage offerings.
“As a final thought, destinations like Central America and parts of Asia have a much lower cost of living. This means that you can host a five-star wedding at a fraction of the cost anywhere else. Thailand, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey are all proving highly popular destinations for marrying abroad without paying a premium for the privilege.”
Imagine saying “I do” on a pristine white sandy beach, with the sun warming your face and gentle waves crashing in the background. Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples look to escape the traditional wedding stress and embrace the beauty of a beach wedding in a tropical paradise.
When seeking an ideal venue, the Caribbean and Mexico present numerous breathtaking options for hosting your wedding day. Moreover, many of these locales provide budget-friendly wedding packages and enlist the services of affordable travel specialists to manage all travel arrangements.
Affordable wedding locations
Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic offers a diverse landscape with miles of stunning coastline, lush mountain ranges, and vibrant city life.
Riviera Maya, Mexico: The stunning coastline of the Riviera Maya stretches over 100 miles along the Yucatan Peninsula, and its home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and ancient ruins.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico boasts a diverse landscape that includes pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and charming colonial cities.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Sitting between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta offers a stunning setting for your destination wedding.
Aruba: Aruba is a blissful island located in the Caribbean Sea, just a short distance from the coast of Venezuela.
Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia is home to breathtaking natural scenery, including lush tropical forests, pristine beaches, and majestic mountains.
