Is a Destination Wedding the Best Fit for Me and My Guests?

The big day is approaching, and you and your couple still aren’t sure as to where the event will take place? You have probably heard some stories about destination weddings. If you did, you most likely heard different impressions. Some thought it was amazing, while others might think it wasn’t their cup of tea. 

So, how to decide?

Of course, no one can tell you what is best for you and your mate. However, here are a couple of questions to give you a fresh perspective and help you make the decision.

How much money are you willing to spend?

If you think that marrying on an island far, far away should cost a fortune, think again. Actually, destination weddings are cheaper and easier to organize. Usually, hotels in romantic destinations have a wedding planner, whose services are sometimes even included in the accommodation price. The planner and his or her team will make sure that everything runs smoothly on your big day. 

The downside here, however, is that you won’t be able to control every detail of your wedding. In that sense, you can say that destination weddings are more of a spontaneous couples’ thing.

Are you ready for some informality?

Destination weddings usually take place on beaches close to lighthouses or other exotic sites. In such places, temperatures and humidity tend to be higher and people tend to unwind. Therefore, you can’t really expect your guests to wear tuxedoes and evening gowns. 

Rather, they will feel like they are on vacation. Therefore, they will probably want to wear something lite, like colorful shirts or even swimming suits, and walk barefoot.

If that sounds fine, you can definitely start thinking about a destination wedding. And some funny wedding hashtag ideas as well – as pictures will most probably be awesome! Think of something like #IDoWithAView or #LettingTheWavesCrashOurWedding.

Are you ready to miss some guests?

Although you might cover the food and drinks, or even accommodation, most couples can’t afford to pay travel expenses for all of the guests. Therefore, you can expect that some invites won’t show up. 

But, shhh – this can also be a good thing. Each family has its stories, and some couples prefer destination weddings precisely because some annoying family members can’t make it there. Besides, the fewer the invites, the cheaper it gets.

Are you ready to spend more time with your guests?

Regardless of how beautiful your exotic destination can be, it is still a foreign territory. Therefore, you can expect that you and your guests will be like a little community there. In other words, a destination wedding is not a honeymoon. You two probably won’t have much alone time. Most couples organize short tours in the area or an engaging event such as group snorkeling.

On the other hand, however, that means you can really have a blast. Without having to worry about the organization and by having only the closest friends and family with you, you can actually focus on enjoying their company. Some of the biggest concerns in a destination wedding are when to stop drinking, how many bridesmaids to include in the ceremony, and when is the moment to take off your heels.

What are your expectations in terms of gifts?

If you’re asking your guests to pay for their ticket to the Bahamas to witness your wedding, then you can’t really expect them to afford an expensive gift. Therefore, one could say that destination weddings are for couples that value the experience of the moment above everything else. 

The give and take on destination weddings isn’t about material things. Rather, it is an exchange of good vibes and an opportunity to share the most important moments together.