Category: Iceland Budget Weddings

When should you start planning your wedding in Iceland?

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A question we often get asked is, “When should I start planning my wedding in Iceland?”  The answer varies depending on the scope of the event but today we would like to share with you a quick a dirty rundown of ideal times to start planning.

But know, we have planned Iceland weddings, elopements, and honeymoons in less time but you may not have your first pick on dates, locations, and hotels.

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  • Eloping in Iceland: At least 2-3 months before your desired Iceland Wedding Date.
  • Less than 10 Person Wedding in Iceland = 6 months before your desired wedding date.
  • 20-30 Person Wedding in Iceland = 6-9 months before your ideal date.
  • 30-60 Person Iceland Wedding = 9-12 months before your wedding date.
  • 60+ Person Iceland Wedding = 12-15 months before your wedding date.

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So why should plan your Iceland wedding sooner rather than later?

  1. If you’re set on a specific meaningful date it’s important to plan ASAP.  Hotels for room blocks often book out 1+ years for large groups.
  2. Time to Save!  Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world so planning sooner gives you a chance to save your dollars (and also time for your guests joining you to save!)!
  3. First choice of ceremony and reception locations (whether indoor or outdoor wedding venues in Iceland).  Many locations in Iceland are now requiring permits / special permissions / entry fee’s if bringing in groups.
  4. Better rates on transport (both car and bus) for your group.
  5. Allows you ample time to plan our your details for your Iceland wedding day (Things like: ceremony seating, wedding rentals, bouquet, reception decor, and celebrant, etc)
  6. Gives you plenty of time for the Iceland marriage license process.
  7. Makes Iceland wedding planning more enjoyable for you both!

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Iceland Wedding Advice: Best Cheap Eats in Reykjavik

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Staying on a budget during your Iceland wedding trip is important.  We know, understand and respect this simple fact.  So today we would like to share with you budget places to eat during your Iceland wedding week in Reykjavik.  Enjoy.

1.) The Burger Joint

2.) Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (famous hot dog stand)

2.) Reykjavik Chips 

3.) The Sea Baron (Seagreifinn) – Best Lobster Soup

4.) Viking Kebab

5.) Noodle Station

6.) Hlollabatar

7.) Joi Fel Bakery

8.) Lobster Hut (food truck open typically from April-September)

9.) Bike Cave

10.) Ikea Restaurant  (yes the furniture store)

11.) Sandholt Bakery

12.) Subway  //  Saffran  // Taco Bell //  KFC

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Iceland Wedding: 10 Budget Saving Tips

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After deciding you want to get married in Iceland, the next step is to develop out your budget.  Having an Iceland budget wedding can be tough, because remember you are getting married on a remote island and one of the most expensive countries in the world.  But that being said, there are some strategic ways you can take heed on which we bring to your attention today below.

  1. Use a no fee international transaction credit card for all of your Iceland wedding purchases (Our favorites: Chase Sapphire or AMEX Delta).
  2. Pay your Iceland wedding vendors directly. Reason: Some wedding planners in Iceland add on 20-30% service fee (or kick back commission) to your vendor bookings.
  3. Get Married in Iceland in the off season months (late October through April). All of the hotels in Iceland are lower priced during that time period versus Spring/Summer high rack rates.
  4. Instead of sending out formal in mail save-the-dates or Iceland wedding invitations, send them via email instead and have your guests RSVP on your Iceland wedding website.
  5. Forgo the Iceland hair stylist and Iceland makeup artist and take lessons locally before (most major makeup lines will teach you for free as long as you buy the products) or enlist your favorite friend to do for you.
  6. Choose a silk flower bouquet to bring with you versus an expensive fresh flowers for your Iceland wedding bouquet.
  7. Find an Iceland wedding venue that offers an IPod plugin and house speakers to run a playlist off of versus hiring a Iceland DJ or band.
  8. DIY your own Iceland wedding reception centerpieces (Our favorite site: Save On Crafts).
  9. Choose to have a buffet meal versus a 3-5 course plated Iceland wedding reception meal or do a “chef’s choice” option.
  10. Mitigate your Iceland Wedding Reception costs by having table bar service (IE, do not have a formal open bar that guests get up and go to). Work with your reception location on having a designated staffer who will replenish the chosen wine (white and red) and Icelandic beers throughout the night.  If a guest asks specifically for something they can have it but by not forwardly offering cocktails and the 40 year old whisky you’ll find you may save hundreds of dollars.

 

We hope today several of these Iceland wedding planning tips will serve you well.

 

Kind Regards, Irene & Team (Mama Planner)

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2016 © Iceland Weddings & Honeymoons, All Rights Reserved.

Iceland Wedding Packages & Budget Advice

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In an ideal destination wedding world, what would your Iceland Wedding Package look like?

Budgets and expectations vary.  Here at, Iceland Weddings & Honeymoons, we help you manage both.  But I do urge you to remember that Iceland is for sure one of the most expensive European countries you could consider having your destination wedding in.  The majority of everything is imported (IE, like liqueur, flowers, and the cost of living is more expensive than NYC) and it is a remote island, remember that tidbit folks!  …a challenging trade off to be wed in such a dynamic inspiring rugged landscape!

There are several things you need to consider as you formulate your Iceland wedding budget such as the following items:

  1. Time of Year (High Season = June-August / Low Season = September-May)
  2. Number of Guests (4, 10, 25, 50, 100 or just you two eloping?)
  3. Region of Iceland that intrigues you… City, North, South, East, West, Fjords!
  4. Type of Wedding Ceremony (Civil, Religious, Nature-Based, Norse/Viking, Humanist, or Non-Denominational).
  5. Photographer Budget.
  6. Location for Ceremony: Private versus Public AND Inside versus Outside
  7. Do you want an Iceland Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist?
  8. Would you like an Iceland Wedding Bouquet and Boutonniere?
  9. Lunch and/or dinner for your guests?  Formal?  Picnic Style?  Brunch?  BBQ?
  10. Extras for your ceremony – IE. If having guests consider having chairs or not… or a sound system if getting married at a waterfall.
  11. Champagne Toast?
  12. Private Room for your group (if guests)?
  13. Iceland Wedding Favors or welcome bags (if having guests).

There are ways to make an Iceland wedding budget more affordable by possibly skipping some of the above “extras” and we are happy to do brainstorming with you to seek out possible options.

Are you having an Iceland wedding of 10-25 guests? Maybe you only need…

Simplistically Savvy Iceland Wedding Package:

  • Basic Iceland Wedding Planning (Marriage License, Location options, and Iceland Wedding Hotel selection).
  • Photographer.
  • Celebrant to Marry You in Iceland.
  • Iceland Wedding Bouquet.
  • Casual Iceland Wedding Reception Dinner (2-3 Courses – No muss no fuss)!

Or are you considering a romantic elopement for just the two of you?  Maybe something like this meets your needs…

Iceland Elopement Package:

  • Basic Iceland Wedding Planning.
  • Photographer.
  • Celebrant to Marry You in Iceland.
  • Dinner or Picnic for 2.

All you need is love, right? …a stunning Iceland wedding location helps too!  We can help you plan an Iceland wedding budget and incredible locations to inspire you, feel free to contact us for more information!

Kind Regards, Iceland Weddings & Honeymoon Team

2016 © Iceland Weddings & Honeymoons, All Rights Reserved.