How to Set your Destination Wedding Budget

Destination weddings are becoming so very popular, I thought that I would share a few budgeting tips to think about while planning a destination wedding.

In any wedding workbook, you’ll find a budget page where you plan for all the standard wedding expenses (like your photographer, wedding flowers, music, your wedding dress and the caterer). But what if you’re having a destination wedding? Below are some costs that are specific to destination weddings that aren’t usually mentioned in standard wedding budgets:

• Wedding site visit: You’ll want to visit your destination at least once to check out venues and meet with potential vendors.
• Wedding travel: Includes airfare, accommodations, car rental, and meals and entertainment.
• Shipping: Leave a little room in the budget for sending beach theme wedding programs, linens, place cards, or other items to your destination.
• Flying in vendors or your wedding officiant: If you hire someone who doesn’t live at your destination, you’ll be expected to pay their airfare, accommodations, local travel expenses, and per diem.
• Group activities: You’ll probably be hosting other events over the weekend, such as a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and a day after the wedding brunch.
• Subsidizing expenses: You might choose to help out with the bridal parties travel expenses or offer to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, accessories such as shoes or jewelry, and tuxedo rental.

To get the most out of your destination wedding budget, here are a few tips:

• Choose a venue that speaks for itself.
• Keep the guest list small. By having a small, destination style wedding, you can splurge a bit more on the details such as wedding welcome letters
• Use lighting smartly. Rent or buy large lanterns that house huge candles. Three or four tucked into a corner will do wonders for ambiance. Some destinations only require candles to be magnificent!
• Serve a signature cocktail. Offer a simple, but sophisticated menu and don’t be afraid to choose the chicken! Spice it up with some great flavorings that are unique to the area.