If your guests are agreeable, the surest way to save money is booking your wedding at an all-inclusive, like Sandals LaSource Grenada, opening in November
1. Look beyond the “bridal” offerings. Any time you plug the word “wedding” into your search, you’ll end up with a list of vendors and services that market themselves to the bridal market. That’s not a bad thing in itself, but it may mean you overlook equally qualified offerings that haven’t yet tapped into the market, and that may offer lower rates as a result. For example, instead of searching for “wedding limousines,” try “town cars.”
2. Go for a bulk discount. You can shop around in a destination in order to hold the rehearsal dinner at one site, the wedding lunch in another, and the reception in yet a third space. But if you host all events in one location–easiest if you’re booking a resort or hotel with multiple patios, dining rooms, or gathering spots–you not only eliminate transportation costs, but your business looks more attractive to the property. Let the bargaining begin.
3. Have the wedding in November. You don’t want to bump up against Thanksgiving, but the first few weeks of November are traditionally one of the slowest travel times of the year for vacation destinations, and yet weather at many popular spots—Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico—is superb. Meaning you may be able to negotiate some great rates, both for guest rooms and wedding facilities.
4. Find the freebies. If your resort offers guests complimentary yoga by the pool each morning, build that into your itinerary. From wine tastings in the lounge to stargazing sessions on the lawn, there are bound to be a couple of group activities that you might as well take advantage of. No use setting up your own bagel bar when there’s a free one in the breakfast room.
5. Look at all-inclusives. If your guests are willing to pay the price, holding the wedding at an all-inclusive resort means you won’t have to lay out any extra cash. Everyone staying there has their meals, drinks, and activities taken care of (you’ll have to pay a day rate for off-property guests), and many resorts will happily organize a wedding reception for a very reasonable extra cost. Just be aware that your guests are effectively paying for the wedding themselves. You had better welcome them with an awesome goodie bag.
