So often when working with clients planning a destination wedding I hear – “Wow! Are you kidding? We had no idea!” When they find out how easy and affordable a destination wedding can be, they get super excited. Not only do they get to throw the wedding of their dreams in a gorgeous locale – they save money, time, and headache potential while doing it. Here are the three things that shock every couple planning a destination wedding:
#1 The Cost
Destination weddings can be shockingly affordable. Much less than an engagement party alone can cost in the USA & Canada– as much as 75% LESS! Throwing a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort allows you to save a ton of money while still having an unforgettable event. Many resorts now offer “extras” based on overall size of your group. (One I frequently work with offers up to $15,000! You can spend those extra dollars on décor, a reception and cocktail parties, room upgrades & more.) There seems to be an ongoing joke about how weddings cost a down payment on a house so…
Destination weddings can also be really affordable for your guests. Booking with a travel agent (like Pepe!) that can offer payment plans can make a huge difference. Guests can pay a small amount each month towards their trip which really helps with budgeting.
#2 The Number of Guests who RSVP “Yes.”
Every hear of FOMO? (FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out) One of my last-minute guests said it to me! She thought she wouldn’t be able to come because of previous work obligations but she was able to book a trip last minute. She was talking about how happy she was that she was able to come and said “I was legit FOMOing so hard”. Who wants to miss out on all the fun? Nobody. A lot of couples think that because they’re traveling for their wedding, most guests will send back a “No” on their RSVP. It might surprise you, but usually a fair amount of guests end up saying yes! Over the years my average destination weddings are 35-45 guests. With the aforementioned payment plans, destination weddings are an affordable option for many guests. Also, if your friend or family member is getting married at a gorgeous location and you can make it – why wouldn’t you want to spend a few days partying and celebrating in the sunshine? Destination weddings can also serve as an unofficial family reunion, so many guests will make the effort to be there if they can work it into their schedule and budget.
About RSVPs
I would never want to mislead you into thinking 100% of people will say yes but here is what I will say: Some people you would have never expected to say yes, will. The family who never has extra money? They might decide it’s the perfect excuse for “mom and dad” to get away for their well-deserved vacation. The guests who have never left the US or Canada (or mentioned any desire to)? They might not have even known something as perfect as an all-inclusive resort exists. That being said, some people that you would have never expected to RSVP no, will. Even if you ask them before you decide on a destination wedding because you absolutely should ask anyone on your “must have” list before you commit. People have so many reasons why they might RSVP no, and to be honest, it usually isn’t about the money. Giving your guests lots of notice, making sure it is easy for them to book (and get more information) and choosing an all inclusive resort (trust me, guests love knowing they will pay one price for everything) are my absolute “must have’s” for making it easy for your guests.
#3 How Easy the Planning Process Is
Speaking of making it easy for guests to RSVP, what about making it easier for the wedding couple? Many resorts that host destination weddings strive to make it as easy as possible for engaged couples to plan their big day. If you think that language/culture barriers might make it difficult to plan your wedding in another country – think again! And if you work with a destination wedding planner (like me), your stress level will be reduced even more. I work hard to provide my couples with a fun, headache-free wedding planning experience. Sometimes, when I talk about how easy it is, wedding couples assume that means it isn’t personalized. After all, many resorts host what I call “factory weddings”- line up the couples and have weddings one per hour!! How can they possibly personalize your wedding?
Weddings are big business in the resort hotels. I am constantly amazed by the numbers. Almost any day of the week and in all seasons resorts host weddings. Some resorts are better at customization than others, but that is why you use a travel agent to help find the right resort for you! A really good wedding planner/agent will also know of the extras that are available to help maximize your “spending plan”.
Let’s Get In Touch
If you’ve been thinking of planning a destination wedding but have been hesitating – don’t! Planning an amazing wedding overseas can be affordable, fun, and virtually stress-free! I absolutely love helping couples with this so please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Just ask Pepe! Office: 678 920-5294 email: pepe@travel-with-pepe.com
Not quite ready to chat yet? I have a ton of inspiration on my Pinterest Boards for you to learn more about planning your destination wedding and a few of my favorite of the many locales you can go to. My Pinterest boards: https://www.pinterest.com/breakingbreadpdc/
Travel with Pepe, a BH Travel Associate 