Overseas wedding may be easier on the trip pocket
WHEN Danielle Mathie and partner Fraser were scouting wedding locations in 2016, they were shocked to discover it would be cheaper to stage their dream wedding overseas.
“We spent months looking at Whitsundays, Hamilton Island and Fraser Island,” Ms Mathie said. “Those places cost quite a bit.”
A travel writer, Ms Mathie had been to Hawaii the previous year and knew many resorts had special packages. “One offered everything, from reception, ceremony, all the way to the cake,” she said.
The couple combined their wedding and honeymoon to save money and were happy with the outcome.
There is a growing trend towards tying the knot abroad, with new research revealing 85 per cent of Aussies believe local weddings are too pricey.
The survey of 1000 adults, commissioned by transfer firm WorldFirst, revealed 58 per cent believed it cheaper to wed overseas, anticipating savings on catering and staff (41 per cent) and venue hire (26 per cent).
WorldFirst head of foreign exchange Patrick Liddy said currency movements could make a significant difference.
“In 2018, a $25,000 destination wedding could cost up to $2500 more based on currency fluctuations and additional fees,” he said.
“Couples need to consider exchange rates when paying overseas suppliers or venue costs.”
WorldFirst data revealed popular wedding destinations Bali, South Africa and Mexico were up to 10 per cent cheaper for Aussies after positive currency trends this year.
But Wedding Planners Association of Australia founder Paula Barham says the idea an overseas wedding could be cheaper than a local one reflects the expensive appetites of modern couples.
“This generation will not opt for a cheap backyard wedding,” Ms Barham said.
“They want all glam and elegant. Social media has had a huge impact on our couples.”
Ms Barham said a backyard wedding was just one of a few affordable options.
“A cocktail party can cost $35 a head to hire a hall and (providing) your own drinks can be quite affordable,” she said.
“Getting married in a restaurant is also another popular one.”