Can destination weddings be cheaper than getting married in your home country?
Photo by Franklyn K.
Planning a wedding is an exciting time for couples, but it can also be stressful and expensive. One question that many couples ask themselves is whether a destination wedding is cheaper than getting married in their home country. The answer, in many cases, is a resounding "yes"! In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at why and how destination weddings can be cheaper than traditional weddings, with a focus on two of our most popular European destinations: France and Italy. Before we delve in, we do need to add a caveat: in this post, we’re talking about the type of high-end weddings we work on, for which, even in France and Italy, investment typically runs in six figures. Still, there are potential serious savings to be made by couples who opt for a destination celebration instead of a wedding nearer to home, making it a sound investment at the start of your married life. Let’s take a look at what that looks like.
Why Choose a Destination Wedding?
There are many reasons why couples choose to have a destination wedding. Some love the idea of getting married in a beautiful location that's special to them, while others want a more intimate and unique experience. Destination weddings can also be a great way to combine your wedding and honeymoon into one trip. For our couples, the fact that they can potentially make savings when compared to a similar style celebration at home is a welcome added bonus.
The Cost of Traditional Weddings
Traditional weddings in the USA can be expensive. According to a survey by The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in 2021 was $22,500, with high-end celebrations easily running into seven figures.
The high cost of weddings in the USA is due to a number of factors, including the cost of the venue, catering, decorations, and entertainment. The wedding market in the USA is a completely different landscape from the one we work in here in Europe. There is a vast range of suppliers competing to bring the biggest and best events to life, which in turn requires larger investments from couples to achieve their dream day.
The Cost of Destination Weddings
So how can a destination wedding be cheaper than a traditional wedding? It all comes down to the exchange rate, the cost of living in the country where the wedding takes place, and the wedding industry in that country.
For example, let's say a couple wants to get married in France. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in France is about 11% lower than the cost of living in the USA. This means that items like food, drink, and accommodations may be cheaper in France than in the USA.
Additionally, the exchange rate can work in your favor. As of March 2023, one US dollar is equivalent to about 0.87 euros. This means that when you exchange dollars for euros, you'll get more bang for your buck.
As an example, let's say a couple wants to get married in the Loire Valley in France. According to our colleagues at The Knot, the average cost of a wedding venue in the USA can be up to double that of a similar venue in France.
Similarly, a wedding in Italy can also be significantly cheaper than a traditional wedding in the USA. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Italy is about 14% lower than the cost of living in the USA. This difference is particularly visible when it comes to the cost of wedding catering in Italy, which is significantly more affordable than the USA (and even when compared to France), even at the high end of the market.
Final Thoughts
While a destination wedding can be a great way to make savings without compromising on having a grandiose wedding, it's important to keep in mind that there are other costs to consider, such as airfare, transportation, and accommodations for you and your guests. However, with careful planning and budgeting, a destination wedding can be a wise investment and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
In addition to cost savings, a destination wedding can also be a great way to personalize your wedding and make it truly unique. Choosing a destination that's meaningful to you and your partner can add a special touch to your big day and make it a truly memorable experience for you and your guests.
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, it's important to work with a trusted wedding planner who has experience planning weddings in your desired location. They can help you navigate the legal requirements and cultural differences, as well as provide valuable insight into the best venues, vendors, and accommodations in the area.