Destination Wedding Experts Share Insider Tips and Tricks
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, there's more to consider than just picking a picturesque venue or daydreaming about tropical beaches.
Emily Coyne, founder of Emily Coyne Events, knows all too well the complexities that can turn a dream destination wedding into a logistical nightmare if not approached with careful planning and expert insight.
We sat down with Emily to uncover the best strategies and financial tips for couples who are diving into the world of destination weddings. From guest count considerations to budgeting for exchange rates, she shares invaluable advice to ease your planning process and help you get the most out of your big day.
Prioritize Guest Count Over Details
While many couples rush to lock in the perfect venue, caterer, or décor, Emily recommends stepping back to focus on something more foundational: your guest list. “Couples think they should start planning a destination wedding by prioritizing the elements—food, music, décor, etc. However, doing this first is such a mistake,” she explains. “The single most important thing couples can do after determining their budget is deciding whether the guest count or the wedding vision is more important to them.”
Emily advises that deciding early on whether you prefer an intimate celebration or a larger gathering will significantly impact the overall budget. “The difference of 20 guests one way or the other means several hundred to several thousand dollars and can be the difference between having that band or having a DJ,” she says. Many couples are now opting for smaller guest lists, which allow them to create the wedding of their dreams without compromising on quality. “We are seeing a trend of couples placing the overall experience and vision for a destination wedding ahead of inviting a large guest count,” Emily adds, noting that those who have scaled down to 30 or 60 guests are thrilled with the result.
Budget for Currency Fluctuations
Destination weddings come with a unique set of financial considerations, particularly regarding currency fluctuations and exchange rates. “Education is key,” Emily emphasizes. “Just as you would educate yourself before investing in the stock market, you want to educate yourself before investing in a destination wedding.” Without proper research, couples may find themselves blindsided by how much more—or less—certain elements cost abroad.
“A mistake we often see is couples who have committed a huge percentage of their budget to a venue without having done the research to understand other wedding costs,” Emily warns. She suggests that couples educate themselves on the local currency and market trends well before they commit to a destination. “It's an investment. We educate our clients that you will get out of it what you put in, and then work with them to find the right balance between what they are comfortable investing and what they will be thrilled with achieving.” By planning ahead and keeping an eye on exchange rates, couples can avoid unpleasant surprises that could otherwise dampen their dream celebration.
Keep Track of Every Dollar
One of the most common challenges in destination wedding planning is controlling expenses. Emily’s advice is clear: break down your budget before spending a single penny. “Before spending anything, do a breakdown—or better yet, have a professional event planner do one—of how the full budget will be allocated,” she suggests.
This approach helps couples maintain a big-picture view of their wedding spending and prevents overspending in one area while neglecting another. “If you're doing this yourself, ensure you get real quotes and ask for pictures of the items you'll need down the road—flowers, invitations, lighting, shuttles, [and so forth],” Emily advises. Gathering real data from vendors will give you a much clearer idea of how far your budget can stretch. By tracking everything from the get-go, you’ll know exactly where your money is going, giving you greater control and peace of mind as the wedding date approaches.
Save Smartly for Your Destination Wedding
Saving up for a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, but Emily offers a perspective that takes some of the pressure off. “The best weddings, destination or not, are those that are deeply meaningful to the couple and fulfill their priorities for the day,” she says. Rather than focusing solely on the numbers, Emily encourages couples to stay true to what’s important to them. “Couples must design what makes sense for their lives,” she stresses. “An increased budget simply means that more money can be spent on enhancing the guest experience or further bringing the couple's vision to life. It doesn't necessarily create a more meaningful wedding.”
This mindset shift can make saving for the big day much less stressful. Couples can start by setting a reasonable goal based on what’s most important to them and then create a wedding fund to save towards that. With smart financial planning and a focus on what really matters, couples can achieve a wedding that is not only beautiful but also meaningful and true to their unique love story.
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Planning a destination wedding requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of your priorities. Emily Coyne’s expert advice serves as a roadmap for engaged couples to not only create the wedding of their dreams but also to ensure it’s done wisely.
From managing guest lists to handling exchange rates, and from budgeting every dollar to saving with intention, the path to a successful destination wedding is paved with thoughtful decisions and professional guidance. As Emily wisely points out, it’s all about finding the right balance between your vision and your budget.
With her tips in mind, couples can confidently step into the world of destination weddings, ready to plan their perfect day without unnecessary stress.
