The Hidden Costs of a Destination Wedding (and How to Plan for Them Without Stress)
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure. You might be exchanging vows in Provence among vineyards, celebrating on the Amalfi Coast, or dancing under Spanish olive trees. But as magical as it sounds, couples are often surprised by hidden costs that can turn a dream into a financial headache if not anticipated.
At Soleanne, we believe luxury weddings should feel effortless, not overwhelming. Here are the most common hidden expenses you should know about and how to plan for them with confidence.
1. Vendor Travel and Accommodation
Unlike local weddings, many of your key vendors such as photographers, videographers, planners, stylists or musicians may need to travel to your destination. Their flights, hotels and meals are usually not included in their base fees.
💡 Tip: Ask for a clear breakdown of travel expenses in each vendor’s contract. Bundling travel with their service fee often works out cheaper.
2. Import Fees and Customs for Décor or Dresses
Shipping a couture gown, bespoke invitations or fragile décor across borders can be more expensive than expected. Customs duties and international shipping costs quickly add up.
💡 Tip: Whenever possible, source florals, stationery and design elements locally. It not only reduces costs but also adds authentic character to your celebration.
3. Legal Paperwork and Translations
Every country has its own marriage laws. From notarized translations of birth certificates to administrative filing fees, these extras can become significant if you’re not prepared.
💡 Tip: Decide early whether you’ll handle the legal ceremony at home and host a symbolic ceremony abroad. This often simplifies logistics dramatically.
4. Transportation for Guests
Luxury villas and châteaux are often tucked away in idyllic but remote locations. Shuttle services, private transfers or even boat rides might be necessary to get guests to and from the venue.
💡 Tip: Include guest transport in your master budget from the start. Your guests will thank you for a seamless experience.
5. Service Charges and Taxes
Many European venues add a 10 to 20% service charge on top of food and beverage costs, plus VAT. Couples sometimes overlook this, only to discover their catering budget ballooning at the final invoice.
💡 Tip: Always request a “net + VAT” and “gross including VAT” quote to avoid unpleasant surprises.
6. Extended Celebrations
Destination weddings often stretch across two or three days, with welcome dinners, pool parties and farewell brunches. Each additional event comes with its own rental, catering and entertainment expenses.
💡 Tip: Prioritize experiences that reflect your personalities. A relaxed wine tasting can create more lasting memories than a second formal dinner.
7. Currency Exchange and Payment Fees
When paying international vendors, exchange rates and bank transfer fees can add hundreds, sometimes thousands, to your budget.
💡 Tip: Consider opening a multi-currency account or using trusted platforms like Wise to reduce transfer costs.
Final Thoughts: Turn Hidden Costs into Planned Investments
The beauty of a destination wedding lies in its immersive, unforgettable experience. Hidden costs don’t need to be stress points if you anticipate them from the start. With careful planning and a transparent budget strategy, your wedding abroad can feel as effortless as it looks.
At SOLEANNE, we guide our couples through every detail, from legal paperwork to champagne towers, making sure nothing (and no invoice) catches them by surprise.
✨ Planning your own destination wedding? Book a consultation with us today and let’s bring your vision to life with soul, story and serenity.