• Booking direct with the wedding planner who actually organizes your wedding can save you time and money. They can usually get you the best deal on all aspects of the wedding, and, best of all, you pay no commission to a tour operator or other third party.
• There is no “etiquette” for weddings abroad; if you don't want to pay for your close family to join you then don't (as long as you are prepared for them not to come to the wedding!).
• Use a video streaming service to stream your wedding live so your friends and family can watch even if they aren't with you.
• Pare down your ceremony—a wedding on a public beach with a BBQ reception will cost less than a 5 star chateau with a sit down meal.
• Book a vacation to your preferred location and then contact a wedding planner separately to arrange the ceremony. That way the ceremony will be the only added expense.
• Choose a destination where you don't have to stay for a week or two before the ceremony; some countries allow you to get married the day after you arrive.
Cutting Costs in Destination Weddings
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