Growing up, I always envisioned having a fairytale wedding with all the stops. I wanted the elegant white wedding dress with a trail, the pretty twinkling lights, the top-tier cake, etc. With age, I realize how expensive weddings are, and I have been on a mission to find ways in which the costs can be drastically reduced or even negated altogether.
Beach weddings are generally more cost-effect and sensible while remaining elegant. Beach weddings are much easier to plan and execute, so there is less stress, no over-the-top costs, and people tend to let loose and have more fun than at a traditional wedding.
If you have ever planned one or are in the process of planning one, you know how expensive it can be. Many ordinary working people start saving years in advance for the perfect dream wedding that they want. But is there a way that that doesn’t have to be the case? In this article, we will be taking a closer look at why beach weddings are cheaper.
You Don’t Spend As much Money On Décor
A destination wedding is a great way to save money. Although some people live right by the beach, which would make your beach wedding a backyard wedding, most people travel to a different location to have their wedding.
There is a lot to take into consideration when it comes to your wedding décor. Often, the décor is for more than one venue, where the wedding ceremony itself is taking place and where the reception party starts.
Things like:
- Tables and chairs
- Centerpieces
- Menus
- Table numbers and tags
- Wedding program
- Ceremonial arch/backdrop
- Lighting and ornaments/hanging designs
- Table clothes and chair coverings
- Cutlery, plates, glassware
- Dance floor
- Aisle and alter décor
- Florals, etc.
All of those can put a sizable dent in your savings. However, you never have to worry about the backdrop with a beach wedding because there is already a gorgeous sandy beach, sparkling blue water, lush rainforests or tropical trees, and beautiful sunsets. You don’t have to worry about booking a venue because it is going to be outside.
The location itself becomes the backdrop. You may need some décor like chairs and chair coverings for people to sit on and an archway or a podium for the ceremony, but you don’t need that many things. Unlike traditional weddings, all you really need to host a beach wedding is a permit.
The cost of the permit varies depending on the location, the timing during the year, and affluence of the area, but they can cost from as little as $20 to $500, so you get to decide how much you are willing to spend on one. It’s not free, but it is much more affordable than having to book and pay for a wedding venue.
Some of the other costs to take into account would be:
- A marriage license, which would cost from $10 to $200 depending on the location.
- Chair rental for 50 guests would be around $500, including the delivery.
- You can make your own arch or rent one, which would be from $50 to $300 depending on the material used.
- Florals can cost $700 if they are fresh.
This means that your beach wedding could cost you less than $5000, including the cost of your wedding attire, some décor, and your wedding officiate.
There Are Usually Fewer People To Accommodate
When you have a wedding at the beach, you usually fly to a different exotic place like the Caribbean. Therefore, not everyone that is invited to the wedding will be able to fly down to the chosen destination because some may not be able to afford the flight. Therefore, you have fewer people to feed and entertain, and this decreases various costs.
There Are Package Deals
It is likely that you will get package deal offers when you have a beach wedding. Some locations offer wedding ceremonies combined with discounted lodging and catering for groups. These package deals make it easier to plan your wedding as they tend to take care of the small details that may be overlooked otherwise.
Beach Weddings Have A Laidback Feeling
Traditional weddings tend to be more formal ceremonies where you are expected to wear formal clothes like suits and fancy dresses. In comparison, beach weddings have more of a laidback feel to them, so the attire, food, and reception will lean more toward the casual side of things, saving you the costs involved with a formal and overpriced option.
The Destination Can Serve As A Honeymoon Location
One of the really great things about having a wedding at a beach is that that location can easily turn into your honeymoon destination. You’ll save on the extra travel and can grab some longer-term hotel or a vacation package discount. You could even find an Air BnB’s near the water, where you or your guests can stay at an affordable price.
The Reception Can Be At the Beach Too
Instead of paying for a different reception venue and spending money on a car to travel there, you can simply move your guests to a reception venue right on the beach by the water. The setting will add to the fun, casual atmosphere.
Here Are Some Of The Affordable Beach Wedding Locations
- Nevada (Zephyr Cove)
- California (Half Moon Bay)
- Hawaii (Kailua-Kona)
- New Hampshire (Rindge)
- California (Avila Beach)
- North Carolina (Charlotte)
- California (Stinson Beach)
- Illinois (Zion)
- California (Pismo Beach)
- Massachusetts (Nahant)
Conclusion
Beach weddings are now a trend these days, and for a good reason. They don’t require a lot when it comes to decorations because of the backdrop, making the setting more than enough to have a beautiful and intimate wedding. It is an exciting feeling to choose a beautiful beach destination.
You can never go wrong with a beach wedding. The vibe and mood will be a great start to your wedding and life together. Now that you know all about how affordable beach weddings are, planning one should be an easy, enjoyable experience.
