How to Save Thousands on Your Destination Wedding Money Transfers

Your golden ticket

Planning a destination wedding? It’s a dream come true—but handling international payments and keeping costs in check can get tricky fast. Luckily, with smart money transfers and the right tools (hello, Wise money transfer!), you can save big on your wedding budget without sacrificing your vision.

desitnation wedding money transfers
Chateau d’Argent, Dominique Bader

A destination wedding is the ultimate way to celebrate love, creating beautiful memories in a stunning location. But let’s face it—coordinating payments with international vendors can quickly become a budget headache. The fees and rates associated with traditional banks often mean you’re spending more than you need to, and those “small fees” can really add up. 

That’s where Wise can help. With low fees, real exchange rates, and a transparent platform for international payments, Wise can help couples save on destination wedding money transfers without cutting corners on their dream celebration.

Sign up for Wise and start saving on your destination wedding money transfers!

In this guide, we’ll go over common money transfer pitfalls, why exchange rates matter, and how Wise can boost your wedding budget abroad. Let’s get into it! 

How Can I Save Money on International Money Transfers for My Destination Wedding?

Wise smart money transfers
Chateau Rigaud, Jonny Scott

When sending money abroad for your wedding, using traditional banks can quickly add up. Banks often charge high fees (3-4%), apply poor exchange rates, and tack on extra charges. Even with a wedding planner organising everything, you’ll still need to pay for your wedding abroad by making multiple payments to different vendors—whether for deposits, final balances, or both. Those fees and poor rates can quickly eat into your budget.

But how can you ensure your wedding funds stretch as far as possible? The answer is smart money transfers for your destination wedding, and this is where Wise can make a difference.

Why Choose Wise for Your Destination Wedding? 

destination wedding money transfers
Chateau Rigaud, Zoe and Chris

Wise is a game-changer for international payments. Here’s why:

  • Lower Fees: Wise’s fees start at just 0.33% – huge savings compared to banks that charge up to 4%.
  • Transparent Rates: No markups here – Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
  • Super Easy to Use: Make payments, track transfers, and access 24/7 support all on one platform. Wise also supports over 70 currencies worldwide (here you can check the full list of supported currencies and prices).

With over 12.8 million active customers worldwide, Wise has become a trusted solution for international transfers, moving over £30 billion cross-border each quarter. Plus, compared to banks, they’ve saved customers £1.8 billion over the past year—pretty impressive!

By choosing Wise for your destination wedding money transfers, you can take advantage of these savings and make your wedding budget go further.

A Real-Life Example of Destination Wedding Money Transfers with Wise 

Take Bella’s story. She and her partner are planning a $50,000 wedding in France to cover the venue, catering, photographer, and more. Here’s how her projected costs compare with Wise versus a traditional bank:

VendorAmount (USD)Total cost with a traditional bank (3% exchange rate) Total cost with Wise (0.33% exchange rate)Savings with Wise
Venue$15,000$15,450$15,049.50$400.50
Caterer$10,000$10,300$10,033$267
Photographer$7,500$7,725$7,524.75$200.25
Florist$5,000$5,150$5,016.50$133.50
Other vendors$12,500$12,875$12,541.25$333.75
Total$50,000$51,500$50,165$1,335
Saving money on destination wedding money transfers

By switching to Wise for her destination wedding money transfers, Bella saves $1,335, enough to go towards extras like flowers, a top photographer, or even a longer honeymoon. Imagine how much more you could save on your wedding with Wise money transfer!

smart money transfers
La Bastide du Roy,

But the savings don’t stop there. If you’re transferring large sums, Wise makes it even easier to save with discounted fees for amounts over 20,000 GBP (or equivalent). Whether you’re making a single big transfer or multiple payments in one month, you’ll automatically get lower fees on the amount above that threshold. It’s perfect for managing larger wedding budgets while keeping more money in your pocket.

Want to see how Wise stacks up against your bank? Check out their fee comparison tool here.

Curious about the savings on big transfers? Learn more about Wise’s big payments discounts here. You’ll see just how much you can save when you make the smart switch!

What are Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Transferring Money For a Destination Wedding?

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save money on wedding abroad
Chateau de Bournel, Flora and Grace

Many couples assume their bank is the safest choice for international transfers. But as we’ve seen, banks charge high fees (up to 4%) and offer poor exchange rates, which can add up quickly.

So here are some top tips to avoid overspending when transferring money for your wedding abroad: 

  • Choose the Right Service: Opt for a service like Wise, which offers low, transparent fees and uses the real exchange rate, so you get the most value for your money.
  • Be Aware of Hidden Fees: Some money transfer services charge extra fees that aren’t always obvious at first. With Wise, you’ll see exactly what you’re paying for upfront, with no unexpected charges.
  • Plan for Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Use Wise to lock in a rate for future transfers, protecting your budget from unexpected changes.

By avoiding these pitfalls and using Wise, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible value for your destination wedding money transfers.

How Do Exchange Rates Affect My Wedding Budget and How Can I Save?

destination wedding smart money transfers
Domaine de Canaille,

When planning a destination wedding, exchange rates significantly impact how far your budget will stretch. Rates dictate how much foreign currency you’ll get for your local currency, directly affecting the cost of services. For instance, if you’re paying vendors in euros, a shift in the GBP/EUR rate could mean unexpectedly higher costs for the same services.

To make sure your wedding budget goes as far as possible, it’s essential to monitor and plan around exchange rate fluctuations. Here are a few strategies to help:

  • Time Your Transfers: Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Send your destination wedding money transfers when rates are favourable. 
  • Track Exchange Rates: Keep an eye on the exchange rates between your local currency and your wedding destination’s currency. Check out Wise’s currency exchange rate below! 
  • Lock-in Rates: With Wise, you can lock in exchange rates for future transfers, helping protect your wedding budget from unexpected rate changes. This way, you know exactly what you’ll be paying, no matter how the market moves.

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By paying attention to exchange rates and using the right tools, you can make smarter financial decisions and keep your wedding budget intact.

Start Saving on Your Destination Wedding Money Transfers with Wise

destination wedding money transfers
Domaine de Canaille,

Planning a destination wedding is a big investment; every penny saved can go a long way. Using Wise for your destination wedding money transfers helps you avoid unnecessary fees, so you can channel those savings into the things that matter most—whether it’s securing that picture-perfect venue, upgrading your wedding dress, or treating yourselves to a longer, more luxurious honeymoon.

Ready to start saving? Sign up with Wise today and experience stress-free, affordable international payments for your destination wedding.

In the end, it’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about taking charge of your wedding finances with confidence. With Wise, you can save smart, spend wisely, and focus on what truly matters: creating the most magical day of your life, filled with unforgettable memories.

How to Save Thousands on Your Destination Wedding Money Transfers by Bella Dean