The most popular destination wedding locations, revealed- and how couples can save BIG

With destination weddings now racking up an impressive 73,000 monthly searches globally, it’s no wonder the industry’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has soared by nearly a third (32%) in the past year alone.

t’s reported that one in five British couples are choosing to celebrate their love overseas, seeking intimate and unforgettable celebrations bathed in guaranteed sunshine, with a lower-than-average price tag.

To help couples manage their budgets while planning their dream wedding abroad, the experts at GIGAcalculator have compiled a guide for controlling costs and getting the most out of your destination wedding in some of the most sought-after locations.

Europe’s trending destination wedding locations

Six tips for keeping destination wedding spending minimal

1. Opt for less traditional venues

Depending on the size of your party, choosing an Airbnb or holiday rental as your wedding venue is a smart, budget-friendly option that could save you around 30-50% compared to traditional venues.

Additionally, the flexibility in location and booking options lets you find a space that perfectly fits your budget without compromising on style or intimacy. However, it’s essential to research before booking, to ensure there are no restrictions that could affect your plans such as limits on the number of guests, noise ordinances, and rules against vendors.

2. Keep destinations close to each other

One of the beauties of a destination wedding is being able to spend more time surrounded by your loved ones in a stunning location. However, if your wedding celebrations span multiple days and locations, you should consider the distances between locations.

Although particular locations may offer a good price and have tempting services, if they are not closely located to accommodations, you and your guests could spend a lot of time and money on travel – especially in countries where the price and availability of taxis aren’t reliable. To avoid racking up travel costs, exploring local transport options, and mapping out realistic options is a must.

3. Say “I do” during the week

It’s been found that the average destination wedding spans 3-4 days. With this in mind, consider having your wedding ceremony on a weekday, to cut down further costs, as most places will offer a discounted price if you’re happy to elope outside of the most in-demand days.

Midweek weddings are already a growing trend in the UK, and with couples receiving discounted prices of around a fifth, why not do the same at your destination wedding and save even more? Furthermore, you can be assured there will be better availability of venues, vendors and any other staff, by booking on a less ‘premium’ day.

4. Make the most of local talent

By choosing a wedding organiser who either lives in or has extensive experience with weddings in your chosen destination, you can greatly reduce stress, knowing they’re familiar with the area and trusted local vendors. It’s also a good idea to visit the location and venues well in advance to experience the services firsthand, ensuring there are no surprises on your big day.

While you may bring some professionals from home, such as a photographer, it’s generally more cost-effective to source most of your vendors locally to keep additional costs from spiraling.

5. Consider a package deal

For those wanting a less hands-on planning experience, the booming popularity of destination weddings has sparked a rise in companies offering package deals for couples planning their big day abroad. These provide a clear, upfront cost for everything from the initial planning stages to the finishing touches, making it easier for couples to stay within budget.

With packages tailored to different budgets and locations, these all-inclusive deals are becoming a go-to choice for couples seeking a stress-free, memorable destination wedding. For example, prices can be as low as £6,000 for a beautiful ceremony and reception in Greece – almost four times cheaper than the price of an average UK wedding, which typically costs around £20,700.

6. Keep an eye out for extra offers

The rise in destination weddings has led to an increase in special offers and discounts on accommodations and services. Many hotels now provide deals on extras like discounted spa treatments to help you prep for the big day, and even complimentary wedding packages if you’re staying beyond a set amount of nights.

By taking the time to compare options, and doing some light number crunching, you can easily find the perfect place that offers the best value and perks that cater best to your ideals.

Feature Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash