Getting Married Abroad in 2025? 5 Tips To Make It Affordable
If you are getting married next year, you know that it’s time to start budgeting now. If you are having a destination wedding abroad, you probably have already started planning out the cost and expenses. To tie the knot in 2025 will be pricey no matter what, but especially if you are going overseas for your ceremony.
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GIGAcalculator recently conducted a study that found destination weddings now get 73,000 monthly searches globally, with one in five Americans deciding to get married abroad. The average base price starts around $17,000 and goes up, depending on what’s added on to the big day.
Looking for ways to make it affordable? Here are five tips for getting married abroad in 2025 and not blowing your honeymoon fund to do it.
Also, find out how much wedding costs have changed over the past four years.
Go for a Less Traditional Venue
It depends on how big of a party you want to have, as well as how many guests you plan on inviting. But GIGAcalculator wrote that opting for an Airbnb or holiday rental as your wedding venue is a smart, budget-friendly option. It could save happy couples between 30%-50% in comparison to traditional venues, according to Brides.
Find Out: 10 Wedding Expenses That Frugal Couples Avoid
Say Your ‘I Do’s’ on a Weekday
In order to get your wedding party to your destination, have the festivities and then plan for a return trip home, the typical destination wedding lasts between three and four days total. Adding a weekend wedding to the mix can only rack up additional expenses.
“Choosing an off-peak season or weekday for your destination wedding can save you serious cash,” said Jessica Bishop, founder and CEO at The Budget Savvy Bride. “Venues, flights and accommodations are often significantly cheaper outside of busy tourist seasons. Plus, having fewer crowds around makes the experience even more intimate and special.”
Many venues and events spaces provide a discounted price for couples who tie the knot on any day besides Saturday or Sunday, a money-saving wedding trend that is growing.
Hire Local Vendors
Paying for a photographer from home to capture your big day might be a reasonable expense. For everyone else working your wedding — from the caterer to the DJ — go with local vendors. They know the venues, they have the best connections, and they will be less expensive than flying someone out to your destination wedding, then housing and feeding them.
Get a Package Deal
For weddings abroad, it’s best to find a package with a hotel, venue and food all priced together. Luckily, many popular destinations offer such deals to couples looking to have a wedding far away from home. 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.
GIGAcalculator found that prices can be as low as $7,800 for a beautiful ceremony and reception in Greece, which is nearly four times cheaper than the price of an average US wedding, which typically costs around $33,000, according to Zola.
Keep Your Radar on for Extra Discounts
Just because you pick a day and a place, put down a deposit and send out the save the dates, do not stop hunting for extra discounts for your destination wedding. And when it comes down to saving a few extra bucks, Jason Wright, the owner of Paradise Weddings, suggested DIY decorations.
“You can save on décor costs by bringing small decorations, like table toppers and signs, or having some delivered,” he said. “If you have flowers at the ceremony, reuse them for the reception.”
Numerous hotels offer great prices on extras, like discounted spa treatments to help you get ready to walk down the aisle. There are even complimentary wedding packages if you’re staying beyond a set amount of nights, which could be the start to a wonderful honeymoon with your betrothed.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Getting Married Abroad in 2025? 5 Tips To Make It Affordable
