Destination weddings are getting increasingly popular since the grass always looks greener on the other side right?

We totally get you and we are here to help make that dream come true!

The biggest obstacle you’ll face is definitely financial issues because there’s seemingly so much extra costs in a destination wedding.

Fret not, here are some things you can cut cost in, not because you’re being a cheapskate but because you can rightfully do so!

Things You Shouldn’t Pay For

Air Tickets For Your Guests

It is a common dilemma when deciding whether or not to pay for your guests’ air tickets. On one hand, you really want to show your appreciation to them for taking time off and flying over for your big day. On the other hand, paying for everyone’s air ticket is going to burn a huge hole in your pocket!

Start thanking the heavens because it is not a must for couples to cover the air tickets of their guests. Unless there’s someone whom you really want at your wedding and they don’t have the financial capability to do so. Just keep it hush hush~

Accommodation

Another huge bulk of your wedding budget that you don’t have to pay for. Guests are expected to pay for their own accommodation. A nice gesture will be to offer a group booking so the hotel may be willing to lower their prices! It is also much more convenient to house all your guests in the same place.

Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Accessories

You may feel obligated to pay for your bridal party’s outfits but there’s really no need to do so. If you still feel bad about it, one way to go about it is to simply come up with a colour theme that you want them to follow and let them settle the rest. That way, they can simply re-wear an outfit they already own and none of you need to pay an extra penny! It’s definitely a win-win!

Unless of course, if you insist on having a uniform dress for all your bridesmaids, then it’s only right that you pay at least half the amount. You can always be open about financial matters with them though, they may be more than willing to shoulder some expenses!

Photographers

I don’t mean that you don’t have to pay for your photographers! Of course you do but here’s a tip on saving money when it comes to hiring your wedding vendors. For many different reasons, couples may consider flying a photographer from back home to the destination to capture their big day.

That’s a lot of extra cost as you are fully responsible for their flights, accommodation and meals. However, there are sites like OneThreeOneFour that has a team of professional photographers based in many different destinations. This way, you won’t have to fork out any extra besides paying for the photoshoot package!

Non-Wedding Activities

Besides activities from your own wedding, you should not have to pay for any of your guests’ extra expenses. Your guests are fully responsible for all their external activities, food and shopping, just as they would when they are on a vacation.

Remember to make all these ground rules known from the get-go so that it doesn’t cause any misunderstandings and you won’t land yourself in a huge debt after your wedding!

Things You Should Pay For

The Wedding

Just as how a wedding is done back home, the cost of your wedding reception and ceremony should be fully shouldered by you. Unfortunately, we can’t help you save money on the venue, flowers and food etc.

Guests’ Transportation

Some of your guests may be staying away from the wedding venue so it is basic etiquette to pay for their transport. A convenient and efficient way is to hire a shuttle to fetch everyone from one designated hotel to your wedding venue, this will also be an incentive for all your guests to stay at the same place.

Bridal Party’s Accommodation

Your bridal party is an exception when it comes to the “guests pay for their own accommodation” rule. You will most likely be having your hen night/ bachelor’s party the night before and preparing for your big day together in the morning.

It will be nice to book a suite or a few rooms to house all these precious people that you have specially handpicked to be in your wedding crew.

That’s all! I hope you are heaving a sigh of relief right now since a destination wedding may not cost as much as you thought it does. All in all, don’t feel obligated to cover everyone’s expenses because you honestly don’t have to.

Need A Destination Wedding Photographer?

Have you decided to have a destination wedding and need a local photographer to keep your wedding budget low?

OneThreeOneFour is a professional destination wedding photography company and our team of photographers are exceptional.

Head over to our website to find out more about our affordable destination photoshoot packages now!