{"id":4252,"date":"2023-06-15T19:42:29","date_gmt":"2023-06-15T19:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/?p=4252"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:44:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T16:44:36","slug":"save-money-destination-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/blog\/destination-wedding-costs\/save-money-destination-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"A Real Bride&#8217;s Tips: How to Save Money on Your Destination Wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When planning a destination wedding one of the first concerns is cost. How much will a <strong><em><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/mexico-destination-wedding-cost\/\">destination wedding cost<\/a>?<\/em><\/strong> How can we make a destination wedding more affordable? Any tips or tricks as to how to save money? We asked one of our Hola Weddings Brides for her experience and here it is!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you may want to splurge a bit on key elements like a wedding planner, a videographer, or your hair and makeup to look marvelous, there are a few items you can limit to reduce your expenses on your wedding day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the questions that will be answered in this blog post interview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#pro-tips-on-how-to-save-money-on-your-destination-wedding-from-a-real-bride\">Pro tips on how to save money on your destination wedding from a real bride<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-what-was-your-wedding-inspiration-or-theme\">1. What was your wedding inspiration or theme?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-how-did-you-save-money-on-your-destination-wedding-while-still-making-your-vision-a-reality\">2. How did you save money on your destination wedding while still making your vision a reality?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-what-is-the-one-thing-you-advise-brides-to-splurge-on\">3. What is the one thing you advise brides to splurge on?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#4-what-is-the-one-thing-you-would-avoid-spending-on\">4. What is the one thing you would avoid spending on?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>All images are courtesy of their amazing photographer, Vincent, from <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pixanphotography.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixan Photography<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocean-view-wedding-ceremony-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"wedding couple during the ocean view ceremony\" class=\"wp-image-4256\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocean-view-wedding-ceremony-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocean-view-wedding-ceremony-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocean-view-wedding-ceremony-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocean-view-wedding-ceremony-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocean-view-wedding-ceremony-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocean-view-wedding-ceremony.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Congrats to the newlyweds!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pro-tips-on-how-to-save-money-on-your-destination-wedding-from-a-real-bride\">Pro tips on how to save money on your destination wedding from a real bride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>M &amp; B &#8211; Riviera Maya Wedding<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-was-your-wedding-inspiration-or-theme\">1. What was your wedding inspiration or theme?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Our wedding theme is sage green and a little bit of boho.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-how-did-you-save-money-on-your-destination-wedding-while-still-making-your-vision-a-reality\">2. How did you save money on your destination wedding while still making your vision a reality?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As a couple, we really prioritized what was important for us to splurge on. We knew from the start that having a wedding can get really expensive and what we think are small expenses, can really add up. So, for the small details of our wedding, we DIY\u2019ed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wedding-at-the-hilton-playa-del-carmen-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"wedding couple holding hands at the hilton in playa del carmen\" class=\"wp-image-4259\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wedding-at-the-hilton-playa-del-carmen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wedding-at-the-hilton-playa-del-carmen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wedding-at-the-hilton-playa-del-carmen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wedding-at-the-hilton-playa-del-carmen-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wedding-at-the-hilton-playa-del-carmen-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wedding-at-the-hilton-playa-del-carmen.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a Graphic Designer (the bride) also helped us out a lot! \ud83d\ude42 I designed our own wedding invitations and also did all the production work. I learned how to do calligraphy and macram\u00e9 from YouTube and made our name cards for the reception.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"diy wedding decor at a beach destination wedding\" class=\"wp-image-4255\" style=\"width:512px;height:768px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips-750x1125.jpg 750w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips-1140x1710.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-save-money-destination-wedding-tips.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beautiful, creative and DIY!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We also saved a lot of money by buying our own flowers for the reception, bridesmaids, flower crowns for the flower girls, and boutonnieres for my brothers. I do have to be honest and say it was a little stressful, but it was all worth it in the end especially since we saved so much money. It was also very rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Not sure how much to tip, or which wedding vendors should receive a gratuity?<\/strong> <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/blog\/destination-wedding-costs\/destination-wedding-tipping-etiquette\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read the Top Destination Wedding Tipping Etiquette Guide.&nbsp;<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-what-is-the-one-thing-you-advise-brides-to-splurge-on\">3. What is the one thing you advise brides to splurge on?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing we advise brides to splurge on is definitely a good photographer\/videographer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sunset-wedding-playa-del-carmen-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"newlywed sunset photoshoot\" class=\"wp-image-4258\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sunset-wedding-playa-del-carmen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sunset-wedding-playa-del-carmen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sunset-wedding-playa-del-carmen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sunset-wedding-playa-del-carmen-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sunset-wedding-playa-del-carmen-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/sunset-wedding-playa-del-carmen.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The resort where we had our wedding had its own photographer, but we didn\u2019t really like their style. If we wanted to use an outside vendor, we had to pay a $500 fee. We didn\u2019t like the feeling of settling for a service that we weren\u2019t happy with just because we didn\u2019t want to pay the fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, I asked our travel agent, <a href=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/our_team\/lisa-wright\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Lisa<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, from Hola Weddings if she knew any photographers. She recommended Vincent to us from Pixan Photography.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/riviera-maya-wedding-party-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4263\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/riviera-maya-wedding-party-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/riviera-maya-wedding-party-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/riviera-maya-wedding-party-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/riviera-maya-wedding-party-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/riviera-maya-wedding-party-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/riviera-maya-wedding-party.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As soon as we saw his work, we knew we had to hire him. Vincent and his team did such a great job. They were all very professional, patient, hardworking, and easy to work with. We\u2019re glad we didn\u2019t settle because we knew we would have regretted it so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-what-is-the-one-thing-you-would-avoid-spending-on\">4. What is the one thing you would avoid spending on?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing we would avoid spending money on is definitely flowers. (The bride\u2019s bouquet and boutonni\u00e8re are included in the wedding package we had).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocen-view-wedding-gazebo-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"wedding party with flowers and ocean view gazebo\" class=\"wp-image-4257\" style=\"width:768px;height:512px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocen-view-wedding-gazebo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocen-view-wedding-gazebo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocen-view-wedding-gazebo-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocen-view-wedding-gazebo-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocen-view-wedding-gazebo-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/ocen-view-wedding-gazebo.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We know it is one of the key things for every wedding, but when our wedding coordinator showed us the price list, we just couldn\u2019t justify it. For the bridesmaids\u2019 bouquets alone, they cost $100 each. The decorative pieces cost a whole lot more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, we decided to buy our own flowers and arrange them ourselves. We know this is a little tricky if you are having a destination wedding but prior to our trip, we did some research and found that there was a Walmart near the resort we stayed at. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We found a good selection of flowers and vases. It turned out really nice and our guests were very impressed. They couldn&#8217;t believe we didn&#8217;t hire a florist!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our wedding coordinator was also impressed that we actually pulled it off and she couldn\u2019t believe it was all from Walmart.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"DIY centerpieces for a destination wedding: how to save money on your destination wedding, buy your own vases and flowers\" class=\"wp-image-4264\" style=\"width:512px;height:768px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet-750x1124.jpg 750w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet-1140x1709.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/DIY-wedding-bouquet.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After the wedding, all of the flowers were brought back to our room. We were sad to just throw it all away but we instead offered them to our room\u2019s housekeeper. She was really surprised and shared it with the other housekeepers on our floor. You should have seen their smiling faces! We were glad the flowers have found a second home. No flowers were wasted so it was a win-win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope this real bride&#8217;s tips on how to save money on your destination wedding were useful! If you have any other pointers, about cutting costs or service fees let us know!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thinking of celebrating your marriage abroad&nbsp;but concerned about the cost? We can advise you based on your budget, your vision, and your group. Also, here&#8217;s our <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/blog\/destination-wedding-tips-and-ideas\/complete-guide-to-destination-weddings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">complete guide for destination weddings<\/a><\/em><\/strong> you MUST read before planning your big day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"get-in-touch-today-and-lets-get-started\">Get in touch today and let\u2019s get started!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"a-href-tel-1-888-472-7077-1-888-472-7077-a-nbsp\"><a href=\"tel:1-888-472-7077\">1-888-472-7077<\/a>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"a-href-mailto-hola-holaweddings-com-target-blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-hola-holaweddings-com-a\"><a href=\"mailto:hola@holaweddings.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hola@holaweddings.com<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When planning a destination wedding one of the first concerns is cost. How much will a destination wedding cost? How can we make a destination wedding more affordable? Any tips or tricks as to how to save money? We asked one of our Hola Weddings Brides for her experience and here it is! Although you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":32298,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[393,395],"tags":[412,400,401,414,415],"class_list":["post-4252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination-wedding-costs","category-destination-wedding-tips-and-ideas","tag-destination-wedding-budget","tag-destination-wedding-cost","tag-destination-wedding-planning","tag-destination-wedding-tips","tag-how-to-plan-a-destination-wedding"],"acf":{"headline_one":"","location_image_&_video":null,"destination_ceremony_types":[],"download_button_text":"","pdf_file":null,"heading_for_wedding_location":"","venue_slider_image":null,"heading_for_location_ameinities":"","location_amenities":null,"heading_for_location_facts":"","destination_wedding_requirements":null,"destinations_section_description":"","destinations_hotels_section_description":"","destinations_packages_section_description":"","video_url":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4252"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32522,"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4252\/revisions\/32522"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/32298"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/holaweddings.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}