The Ultimate Guide to a Destination Wedding: 5 Ways to Stay on Budget with the Help of a Sandals Wedding Specialist and Preferred Travel Agency

Planning a destination wedding is a dream for many couples. With careful planning and smart choices, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Here are five ways to stay on budget for your destination wedding:

1. Opt for an All-Inclusive Package

Many resorts and venues offer all-inclusive wedding packages that can provide considerable cost savings. These packages typically include the venue, catering, decor, and sometimes even photography and entertainment. By bundling these services together, you can often secure a better deal than booking each service separately. As travel advisors, we recommend Sandals Resorts for the very best options. The services and locations that these resorts provide simplifies the planning process, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

2. Choose an Off-Peak Season

Selecting an off-peak season for your destination wedding can lead to significant savings. Many popular destinations have high and low seasons, with prices for venues, accommodations, and flights fluctuating accordingly. Research your desired location's off-peak times, which often include late spring, early fall, and certain weekdays. Not only will this save you money, but it may also mean fewer tourists and more availability.

3. Limit the Guest List

A smaller guest list can drastically reduce your overall expenses. Destination weddings are often more intimate affairs, so it's an excellent opportunity to limit the number of attendees to close family and friends. Consider having a larger celebration or reception when you return home if you want to include more people in the festivities.

4. Don’t use the DIY approach

Whatever you do, GET A TRAVEL ADVISOR. Yes, I guess I did yell that at you, but Seriously. A travel advisor’s services should be free. A travel agent’s commission is paid by the resort. But here’s the GREAT news…You will pay the exact same price for an all-inclusive resort by using a travel agent if you do all the booking yourself. The travel advisor fees are already in the pricing for the stay. If you come across a travel agent who charges you a “convenience” fee, consider getting another. They are just padding their pockets with your hard earned money. Travel Advisors also help with group contracts and searching for all promotions and discounts available.

You might have guessed that this probably should have been at the top of my list.

5. Test-Drive Your Wedding

There’s no better way to choose the perfect Caribbean Island for your destination wedding than to experience it for yourself. You get to explore and unwind all while dreaming up your big day. So most all resorts have some type of “test-drive,” but from what we have experienced, Sandals Resorts has the best options. With rates starting at just $275 per couple per night (minimum 3 night stay and price dependent on which resort you decide to use) You get the opportunity to meet with a wedding planner, explore the venues, catering, décor, cake and much more. But “I’m

trying to save money” right? If you and your guest are booking 5 nights or more, the cost of your test drive will be credited to your wedding up to $1,350.

Additional Tips

• Set a Realistic Budget and let your travel advisor know what it is: Establish a clear and realistic budget from the beginning and stick to it. Keep track of all expenses and adjust as necessary. You’d be amazed how many options are available to help you save money when booking a destination wedding.

• Prioritize: Identify what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. This might mean spending more on photography and less on flowers.

• Be Flexible: Be open to different options and alternatives. Flexibility can lead to unexpected savings and unique experiences.

By following these tips, you can have a beautiful and memorable destination wedding without overspending. Happy planning!