If you’re dreaming of tying the knot in a tropical paradise, a destination wedding can make your special day even more memorable—but it can also add up. With airfare, accommodations and travel expenses on top of food and drink, event decor and other wedding-related costs, the price tag can quickly become overwhelming.

Destination Wedding Cost: What to Expect  venue is one way to keep costs down, as these packages wrap up all of the major wedding details for you. But the overall cost can still vary depending on your preferred location, peak season dates, and other factors.

Consider all the travel costs that your guests will face, and make sure you’re comfortable with their budgets before sending out invites. Remember that not all of your friends and family can jet off to the Maldives for a week, so be selective when building your guest list.

Understanding the Cost Differences: Beach Weddings vs. City Destinations”

If you have reward points from a hotel or airline, use them to shave off your travel costs and help your guests do the same. It’s also not uncommon for brides and grooms to pool their credit card and airline points to cover the wedding-related costs of everyone in attendance.

If you can, choose a date outside of peak season. Every destination has its high and low seasons, and booking during these times can make things more expensive. Alternatively, consider hosting your nuptials during a weekday instead of a Saturday or holiday weekend. This can save you money on everything from venue rentals to flight and hotel rates for your guests.