5 Ways to Help Guests Avoid Breaking the Bank at Your Destination Wedding
As you plan your destination wedding, you're no doubt trying to keep the costs of your big day from getting outside the budget. What can you do to help your guests avoid breaking the bank as they celebrate with you at your fabulous wedding venue?
Here are five ways you can help keep everyone's budget happy.
Negotiate Rooms. If you are spending money on a wedding venue at a resort or hotel, you can likely use that leverage to negotiate a better rate on rooms for your guests. This may translate to a straight-up discount or it could come in the form of perks like transportation to and from the airport, a welcome dinner, or some other group activity. Get a head count before you begin talking with the hotel, so you can take advantage of options like reserving a block of rooms.
Plan Events. Help your guests have a good time and save money by arranging some activities for them before or after the ceremony. Depending on your wedding budget, you could make prepaid arrangements for a welcome dinner, a group sightseeing trip, or even a simple outdoor barbecue.
Be Flexible. While you want to have your big day in the location that makes you and your partner happiest, it's a good idea to be a little flexible if your guests are on a budget. Keep in mind your guests' pocketbooks when choosing how far away your wedding will be located, whether it's in or out of the country, and what type of venue you choose to stay at. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you can't have a great wedding. You can still have a fantastic beach wedding in a beautiful wedding venue in Florida, California, or the Carolinas rather than an expensive trip to the Caribbean!
Offer to Help. If there are any VIPs you really, really want at your nuptials, consider offering to help them travel to the wedding venue. If Grandma or Grandpa is on a fixed income, add a line in the wedding budget to help with the cost of airfare, rooms, or meals. Be discreet about any arrangements with individuals, though, so the general guest list doesn't come asking for money.
Don't Ask for More. Recognizing the expense of traveling, be conservative about what you expect guests to pay for in regards to the actual wedding and reception. You may want to specify casual attire instead of formal dress, request no gifts, or choose inexpensive dresses for the bridesmaids.
By thinking about your guests' wallets and comfort, you can help ensure that everyone has a great time at your wedding. To get started, talk to venues like the Castle McCulloch for more information.