As the costs of weddings have risen and the economy begins to recover, eager couples have found ways to tie the knot without breaking the bank. According to the Wedding Report’s annual cost statistics, wedding costs hit a 10-year low in 2009 while wedding ceremonies stayed steady. Even a global recession couldn’t stop love from spreading.
One way that couples managed low-cost nuptials was to plan destination weddings. Sometimes the place where they got engaged or where they met set the tone. Other times it was a beautiful, picturesque getaway with a few close friends. But the outdoor settings, smaller guest lists and streamlined services make destination weddings great for many couples.
When planning a destination wedding, there are a few services that differ from normal wedding planning. For example, Europe should be avoided as a money-saving destination. As the Euro outperforms the Dollar, your money will not go as far. Hotels usually offer wedding discounts. And vendors you hire often have different specialties. So it is important to tailor your wedding service to the destination, finding the right help for your big day.
The first thing you need is a wedding planner. Wedding planners can help you deal with the added headaches of planning a service in a remote location. You can often feel out of control and it helps to have someone who knows the lay of the land. Smart Money recommends getting a wedding planner in your home area and having them help you connect with a planner in your destination area. Usually, this consulting is built into your overall cost.
Second, you want to take care when hiring photographers. Wedding photographers have different styles. Some simply shoot events and set up group shots. Some specialize in action shots or close-ups. But when planning a destination wedding, it is important to find shutterbugs that can capture the location and the events of the day. The Wedding Photojournalist Association has listings for photographers specializing in the photojournalist style, immersing themselves with the wedding party to capture the deepest moments and get a real sense of place. Award-winning photographers offer online portfolios and several photo album display options so you can remember your destination wedding forever.
Lastly, when choosing the ambiance you want to create, look no further than your destination. By using local food, music and décor, you can let the natural beauty of your destination come through. And by going local, you can often save money. Hotels may include these amenities in their wedding packages so make sure to check when you are searching for a wedding location.
Following these tips can save you money but, more importantly, can prevent stress and allow you to focus on the commitment you are about to make and the ceremony and celebration you will remember forever.