Nearly every couple has a budget, but there’s no reason this monetary limit should put a damper on your day. Keep your wedding grand in all the right places, but cut back tastefully where you can for an unforgettable day that won’t leave you in debt.
The Guest List
If you’re looking for a simple way to minimize nearly all of your wedding expenses, the guest list is a great place to start. With a smaller guest list you’ll need less of everything, from invitations to food. You can downgrade to a smaller wedding package by opting for an intimate family-only event instead of a large destination wedding with friends flying in from around the world.
Attire
Getting the perfect look is a careful combination of saving and spending. You can save on your dress by buying off the rack and even opting for a designer look-alike. While you want a dress that will stand up to the dining and dancing at your reception, do keep mind that it doesn’t have to last beyond this one night.
You should, however, go big on the alterations. It’s worth the money to get this job right, because the perfect fit can make any dress look like a million dollars. Don’t be afraid to overspend a bit on shoes as well. There’s nothing worse than hiding a painful cringe as you try not to limp down the aisle.
Photographer
Wedding photos are a special keepsake that most couples want to invest in. Each of our destinations are gifted with outstanding professional photographers. If this is high on your list of priorities, make sure you compare portfolios, and go over what your destination wedding package includes when it comes to photo and video. You can always opt to splurge a little and add extra items to your package to ensure your photo-needs are taken care of.
If you prefer casual candid shots to sleek professional photos, you also have the option of trimming your budget by letting your guests do most of the photography. Decide how you’d like to collect your guests’ photos and make sure everyone receives the same instructions so you can keep your photos in one place, whether you use an app, have guests upload their shots to a designated site, or hand out disposable cameras that you collect at the end of the night.
Keep in mind that one couple’s essentials are another’s extras. Prioritize your personal wedding wants first to make sure you’re not giving up something meaningful for a tradition that doesn’t resonate with you. In the end, it’s all about creating the perfect day for the individual couple.