In case you are like me and haven't been spending the last 20+ years dreaming of your perfect wedding, once he pops the question you haven't a clue as to what you want to do. But one thing may be for sure, you don't want to empty your savings account for one big party. If that's the case read on for some of my tid bits and tips for planning an affordable destination wedding without sweating the small stuff. ♥
First things First, Relax Relate Release! Congratulations on your engagement ♥ Be sure to take some time to take it all in, reveal in the moment and enjoy one another.
One of the most important conversations you should have with your new fiance' is to decide on a wedding budget. Take into consideration all the financial responsibilities you currently have, what you are planning for in the near future and come up with a REALISTIC figure for your big day. If you are the kind of gal that is prematurely planning for your wedding, start saving for it so that you can have all your dreams desire without breaking the bank.
1. Start a wedding binder. You can grab and repurpose an old one like I did or buy one at your nearest stationary supply store. Make tabs to include things like: Attire/Beauty, Food, Location/Ceremony, Flowers/Decor, Photography, Wedding rings, Music, Vendor payment/receipts, Wedding colors, Invitations, Save the Dates, Travel cost and Registry/Gifts etc
2. Cut out inspirational pictures and put them in your binder for reference.
3. Decide on your wedding style or theme. Be sure to ask your fiance' his opinion ♥
4. Pick the date.
Helpful hints:
What is your favorite time of the year? Significant date? Anniversary of engagement? How long you wish to be engaged also is a huge factor.
*Make sure you also factor in your monthly cycle, wouldn't want you to be PMS'n or not be able to partake in honeymoon festivities* ♥
5. Pick the location of the destination wedding.
If you want a less expensive option but still wish to have a tropical or vacation like environment then places like Miami Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bahamas & Dominican Repulic are great travel destinations.
6. Once you pick the location and date phone up your decided resort and start the negotiation process. It would be super helpful to have a travel agent also working with you and your guests. Be sure to ask what the wedding would cost with everything that you want to include so you know the bottom line figure.
Hidden fees can include: decoration set up, flowers disbursement, sunset wedding time
7. Put your deposit down after you have compared at least 3 resorts on pricing.
8. Now that you're secured, design your Save the Dates. Choose an inexpensive option like post cards or magnets. A great website is www.vistaprint.com or www.zazzle.com.
Be sure to give your guest plenty of advance notice so that they can save money if need be.
9. Travel arrangements on flights should be made a priority as prices tend to increase as the day draws nearer.
10. Set up a wedding website for FREE on sites like www.theknot.com and share the website via your Save the Dates or an email to every guest. You can use the site to share your engagement story,information on the wedding and updates on any changes.
11. Make a payment plan in ample time of all deadlines for your wedding costs and stick to it. Be sure to keep all receipts in your binder for tracking references.
12. Say YES to the DRESS. Visit a couple of consignment shops and discounted bridal salons for an inexpensive dress. You can even buy a used one on sites like www.recycledbride.com.
If it is near prom season you may even like one of their fancier gowns as your destination dress. Ask the salons if they have any 'as is' dresses or final sale dresses as they are always on discount.
13. Make your own bridal veil or bird cage. Watch youtube videos for tips on how to do so.
14. Your something old can be a pair of shoes you already own especially if your dress is floor length. Borrow jewelry or shop at a wholesaler for discounted pieces.
15. The groom can buy something like a linen shirt & pants that can be worn again for additional savings.
16. Opt out of having a huge wedding party by just having a Maid of Honor or no wedding party at all. Who says you have to be traditional right?
17. Make a playlist of music and play it on an Ipod with docking station. This will save you from paying a DJ.
18. Choose the a la carte wedding photography package instead of the grand package or ask a friend to shoot your wedding for a nominal fee.
19. Make DIY wedding invitations at home and add creative touches from the craft store for less. Make DIY wedding favors or choose for less expensive options like candles, photo frames or travel themed trinkets.
20. If you are doing a wedding registry, register for things you actually need; if not simply as for cash love offerings to help the new couple start their life together. Cash is always good! Remember you may not get many gifts as the guests are traveling far to celebrate your nuptials so their presence is gift enough.
21. If you don't have money for diamonds galore, choose a simple wedding band and upgrade as a wedding anniversary celebration. Also you'd be surprised at how much you may like other gems such as emerald, sapphire or ruby as your stone of choice.
22. Most destination wedding packages offer a FREE one so choose that option and save. At the end of the day who really needs all the additives, isn't the tropical beach or lush garden enough of an ambiance? Opt out of expensive flowers and ask if you can bring your own if you so wish.
Do you have any tips to share with us for destination brides?
