Travel Guides Couples Wedding And Honeymoon
Lexi Kassler
Getting married is a huge life-changing event, and the wedding festivities can be so much fun. What isn’t as fun is when you start getting down to planning, and all of the costs of saying your “I-do’s” start to add up. The amount spent on flowers, the wedding venue, catering, and invitations can be high, with the average cost of a wedding, according to Nerdwallet, hovering around $28,000. This might come as a bit of a sticker shock, especially for those who are usually more budget-conscious.
Is your venue deposit making you want to run to the courthouse to get hitched? Are you considering a last-minute trip to Las Vegas just to get it done? Well, don’t make any rash decisions just yet. You might be on the right track by getting on a plane to save money for a big wedding. Surprisingly, you can cut a lot of your wedding expenses simply by hosting your event at an idyllic location that would make any soon-to-be-married couple swoon with excitement.
Why destinations weddings could be better for your budget
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The first thing you need to consider when looking at the benefits of a destination wedding is that most of the savings will come from a reduced guest list. Travel Bash writes that fewer guests are a major factor for why destination weddings bring down your total costs. Less people at your wedding might not seem like a plus, but this allows you to focus on the people who matter most in your life. And why not treat your closest family and friends to an all-inclusive resort experience? The Wedding Planner Institute explains that all-inclusive wedding packages at resorts and hotels are a huge time and money saver and will usually include everything from the venue to decorations and even permits and insurance.
One of the best parts of having a destination wedding is that you can easily combine it with your honeymoon as a package deal. There is no need to have the wedding in one place, get on a plane, and fly somewhere else. You can get started right away on the sightseeing and post-wedding libations. Looking to book a first-class experience for you and your soon-to-be spouse? Nerd Wallet lists some travel-friendly credit cards you can use for wedding expenses and rack up some points. Now that’s a great way to start off married life!
Best locations for destination weddings
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If you’re looking for a destination that’s not so far from mainland U.S.A. but is far more affordable, the Caribbean is the place for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Not only will you and your guests get to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters and quaint island life, but you can also expect to save a buck or two. Brides.com recommends budgeting around $500-600 for each guest. It also writes that couples should ask about complimentary honeymoon packages to save even more.
Italy doesn’t usually make the list of affordable wedding destinations which is not too surprising. Italian Weddings Circle writes that you can expect to pay between $26,500 to $37,000 for a wedding in Italy. However, while this is not below average for wedding costs, if you want to have your honeymoon in Italy, this is a no-brainer and a cost-saver. That’s not to say you couldn’t do an Italian wedding on a budget. Your total costs will of course depend on your guest list, the location, and the time of year you decide to host the event.
Don’t want to go so far from home for your wedding or have elderly family members you want to invite but can’t travel far? Yeah Weddings writes that Florida is one of the more affordable U.S. locations for destination weddings. Key West in particular is an affordable option with beautiful venues where you can tie the knot.
