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I kid you not, this summer I attended no fewer than 4 ‘destination weddings’! In fact all I need is one destination funeral and I’ve won the 2025 edition of Hugh Grant 90’s Bingo.
As such, I got a good bit of insight into how destination weddings work and how bloody stressful and EXPENSIVE they can be for guests, but especially (oh especially) for the betrothed couple.
But here’s the good(ish) news – having a destination wedding doesn’t have to mean draining your savings or maxing out all 9 of your credit cards. With some smart planning and a few insider tips, you can pull off the wedding of your dreams without the nightmare price tag. Of course, it is going to cost (weddings like divorces don’t come cheap) but you might be surprised how achievable it can be.
Over the next 1000 words I’ll tell you exactly how to make it happen — from picking the perfect destination to sending wedding invitations online without spending a fortune on postage.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Start Planning Early
If there’s one golden rule to keeping your wedding budget in check, it’s this: start planning as early as possible (in fact, I’d advise you to start planning right now, today – even if you haven’t actually met your partner yet…).
Flights and hotels for you — and of course for your guests — will be way, way cheaper if you book months to a year in advance. Particularly popular destinations can book out their wedding venues and vendors several years ahead, so getting in early also guarantees better choices as well as lower prices.
A few wee hacks to consider:
- Set flight alerts with tools like Skyscanner, Wingie or Google Flights.
- Lock in group rates on accommodations — many resorts and boutique hotels will give you serious discounts if you reserve a block of rooms.
- Use points or miles if you have them — shaving even a few hundred dollars off your flights can free up budget for other wedding essentials.
Planning ahead means less stress and more savings — things you and your guests will thank yourself for later.
Choose a Budget-Friendly Location
Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to price. Bora Bora might be stunning, but unless you’re sitting on a trust fund, there are way more affordable options that are every bit as dreamy.
Some budget-friendly but beautiful destinations to consider:
- Portugal – Gorgeous coastlines, amazing food, and surprisingly affordable wedding venues.
- Bali, Indonesia – Iconic beach weddings for a fraction of the cost of the Caribbean. Flights from Europe can cost though… Check out our Bali Guide for more info.
- Mexico – Think vibrant colors, incredible food, and plenty of resorts with wedding packages. Especially accessible for North Americans.
- Croatia – A stunning mix of beaches, historic towns, and vineyards — all without the Western European price tag.
If you’re flexible, also look at the shoulder seasons — these are the spring/autumnal periods just before or after peak travel months. You’ll pay less for flights, hotels, and even venues while avoiding the crowds. You will also beat the heat – seriously, ever worn a tuxedo in 35C?
Keep the Guest List Intimate
Here’s a hard truth: the fastest way to blow your wedding budget is to invite everyone you’ve ever met.
Destination weddings are all about intimacy — having your closest people around you, not the entire extended family plus your dad’s drug dealer’s golf buddies.
By keeping the guest list smaller, you:
- Spend less on accommodation (If you are paying for it..), meals, and excursions.
- Have a more relaxed, personal vibe.
- Make it easier to organize group activities without the chaos of managing 100+ people.
Remember, this is your day. Keeping it intimate keeps both the costs and the stress levels in check.
Go Digital with Your Invites
Traditional paper invitations are pretty, sure — but they’re also bad for the environment, pricey, slow, and just a bit of a hassle when you’re dealing with international guests.
Save yourself the headache and go digital with wedding invitations online. It’s faster, eco-friendly, and way more budget-friendly.
Why this is a game-changer:
- Guests get the invite instantly, no matter where they live.
- They can RSVP in a click, making planning way easier.
- You can include travel details, accommodation links, and even a countdown to the big day — all in one place.
Going digital isn’t just cheaper; it’s a lot smarter. And trust us, your guests will thank you for making the process seamless.
Simplify the Celebration
One of the biggest perks of a destination wedding is that your setting does most of the heavy lifting for you. Whether you’re on a white-sand beach or in a charming Tuscan village, you don’t need to go overboard with décor or extras.
Here’s where you can simplify — and save big:
- Skip the over-the-top extras. You don’t need fireworks or a live band to make the day magical.
- Combine your wedding and honeymoon. Stay a few extra days after the ceremony and you’ll save big compared to booking two separate trips.
- Use local vendors. Hiring local florists, caterers, and even photographers often costs far less than bringing in people from home.
Keeping it simple does not mean skimping on quality — it just means focusing your budget where it really matters.
Leverage Group Deals and Loyalty Points
If you are travelling with a group then use it to your full advantage.
Many hotels offer discounted rates for wedding parties if you book a certain number of rooms. Some airlines sometimes offer group travel perks, too — everything from lower fares to waived baggage fees.
Don’t forget to take advantage of:
- Credit card points or airline miles to cut flight costs.
- Travel rewards programs — even a few free nights can make a huge difference in your bottom line.
- Package deals through local wedding planners who can bundle venue, catering, and décor for less than you’d pay booking everything separately.
These little savings will add up fast — and might even leave room in your budget for a post-wedding adventure!
Final Tips to Keep Costs Down
Destination weddings are more popular than ever. By now, you’ve hopefully got some of the big-picture savings sorted. But here are a few smaller hacks that can help you to stretch that budget even further:
- Travel in the off-season. Everything from flights down to flowers will cost less.
- DIY whatever you can. From signage to playlists, adding personal touches can save hundreds.
- Be flexible with dates. Venues and vendors often offer discounts for weekday weddings or the less popular months.
- Streamline your wardrobe. Skip buying multiple outfits and keep it simple — you’ll save on both clothes and baggage fees.
- Get help from locals. They know the best (and cheapest) vendors, and can often negotiate better deals.
The key is to focus on what really matters to you and let go of the stuff that doesn’t.
Wishing you a happy happy ever after.
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