How to Save Money on Your Destination Wedding

You want your loved ones to celebrate with you on your wedding day, but you don’t want to burden them with a hefty price. Never fear! There are plenty of ways to save money on a destination wedding so you, your fiancé, and everyone on your guest list can enjoy your time and not worry about the bill.

It shouldn’t cost you to dream – or to find the right Expert. That’s why our Group Travel consultations are always complimentary.

Wherever you are in your planning stage, start by sharing your wedding vision, budget, and other preferences, and we’ll show you how to make it happen. We always have a few tricks up our sleeves. You might be surprised by what you can afford!

Under normal circumstances, booking as early as possible gets you the best rates and best options. But now that so many couples are (re)planning their nuptials after COVID-19 postponed their first plans, dates are booking up fast! Saving your spot two years in advance isn’t too early – it’s right on time.

You don’t always have to sacrifice star ratings to get a good price tag. We partner with countless all-inclusive resorts, hotels, and boutique accommodations all over the world, and we can help you create an awesome experience out of any budget. Our favourite destination wedding resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean for thrifty couples include:

• Riu Resorts
• Excellence Resorts
• Finest Resorts
• Majestic Resorts
• Melia Resorts
• TRS Resorts
• Dreams Resorts
• Be Live
• Ocean
• Grand Resorts
• Breathless Resorts

Of course, you want to ensure that your wedding venue suits your vision and travel needs. We’d love to help you find just the right place to host your Big Day!

If you have kids on your guest list, this approach probably won’t apply to you. But for adults-only destination weddings, it pays to book outside of the most popular times for family vacations (like March break, December break, and summers).

Depending on your destination, weather and seasonality will play a factor, too. Ask your Group Expert how to find the perfect balance between avoiding the crowds and the rain.

Generally speaking, the shorter your flight, the cheaper it’ll be. So Western Canada residents will have better deals in West Coast USA and Mexico. Central and Eastern Canada residents will have better deals on East Coast USA, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Additionally, some destinations are just more affordable than others no matter where you’re flying from. Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Quintana Roo are cheaper than Puerto Vallarta, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia, for example.

Our Group Experts can help you compare destination and flight prices so you can get the experience you’re looking for at a price that fits your budget.

Wedding planners in Canada typically charge a 10-15% service rate or a one-time fee that can range from $3,000 to upwards of $10,000! Whereas many resorts offer destination wedding packages that include a dedicated on-site wedding coordinator starting at $0, depending on your guest count.

Complimentary wedding packages are usually reserved for more intimate weddings. The trick is to hit the sweet spot between having enough guests for a special group rate but not too many that it’ll increase the cost of your wedding package.

Generally speaking, a group must have 10 or more passengers for flights and 10 or more rooms for hotels to qualify for special rates. That being said, this varies by destination, so don’t hesitate to ask us if your group qualifies for a discounted rate somewhere.

Our Group Experts can work with you to get the best value out of your customized itinerary, including special perks. Some of the most popular extras include exclusive group amenities, private transfers, complimentary green fees, complimentary wedding packages, complimentary seat assignment, and complimentary room upgrades.

With the right connections, you can save cash and still be treated like a VIP.

Having a legal ceremony limits your wedding date to the availability of a local officiant, who usually offers their services for a modest fee. Asking one of your guests to officiate a symbolic wedding ceremony is not only a beautiful gesture, it lets you skip the officiant fee and enjoy a wider choice of dates for your venue (which can sometimes translate to scoring a better rate).

Keep in mind, though, that many resort wedding packages include the cost of a legal officiant. Ask your Group Expert to help you weigh your options and choose the best experience.

If you don’t mind getting a little creative with your itinerary, you can wriggle your way into some pretty good savings for your guests.

Start by meeting the minimum number of stays for your resort wedding package, then head to a cheaper resort or hotel for the rest of your getaway. This is a fun way to have a private honeymoon while your family and friends relax somewhere else.