What is a destination Wedding
What comes to your mind at the mention of a destination wedding? Is it the toes-in-the sand, ocean breeze on your face? Is it a thousand miles away from home kind of wedding? Or do you just see yourself exchanging vows in the middle of the jungle with family and friends? Well, you are right. All the above represent destination weddings in different settings.
Today, the millennials have set a different definition of a destination wedding. As a matter of fact, tropical, beach weddings are not the option for many couples. By definition, a destination wedding is a wedding held at least 100miles away from your hometown. So, yes it does not have to be out of the country; anything out of your hood qualifies as a destination wedding.
What does it mean to have a destination wedding?
Does this surprise you? You might be wondering is it just the 100mile distance that sets apart a destination wedding from a hometown wedding? Well, that, plus a number of other factors. Let’s take a look at some aspects that you need to have in mind when planning a destination wedding; rather what it really means to have a destination wedding.
- Choosing the location – What options do you have when looking for a destination wedding venue?
With a destination wedding, the world is your playground. You have the rare opportunity to bring your dreams to life; exchange your vows at your perfect spot. It could be a place that has special meaning for you, or the gorgeous sceneries that you’d love for them to be your backdrop or even your toes sinking in sand with the cool ocean breeze blowing across your face or better still the soundtrack of animal roars in the background or maybe you just want to create memorable experiences for your loved ones. You also get to choose a venue that perfectly blends your wedding theme and general vibe. Whatever you imagine or dream of is available somewhere on the globe, just trace it.
- Planning & timelines – How far ahead should you plan a destination wedding?
A destination wedding means that you have to start the planning process early and send out the invitations in advance to give your guests an ample time to plan and save up for the travel and other related expenses. The save the dates, for instance, need to go out at least one year before the wedding date. As opposed to a hometown wedding which may take a shorter period to plan, destination weddings need more than one year to plan.
While you can manage to run around with a hometown wedding planning, a destination wedding planner will always come in handy for a destination wedding. They will effortlessly help you get the best rates as well as have good suggestions for venues and various vendors across different towns, not forgetting language barrier issues.
- The Cost – Are destination weddings cheaper?
Well, with a destination wedding, you expect fewer guests hence cutting cost on the reception set up. You also cut cost on decor since you already settled on a scenic destination hence artificial decor is minimal. You may want to consider some all inclusive destination wedding packages offered in your destination of choice, they help to significantly cut costs for the wedding as well as relatively fair boarding rates for your guests, your destination wedding planner should help with this. Remember, you are not obliged to cater for any expense for your guests, save for a welcome dinner or brunch and lunch during the reception. However, some loved ones on your guest list may not afford the travel expresses yet you really need to have them present; these you can pay for their expenses. When planning, you need to factor in all these costs.
- What percentage of guests attend a destination wedding?
Yes, this is a valid question. With the venue out of town, many of the guests who would have attended your hometown wedding will not make it. On average an estimate of 50% of your invited guests will make it to travel with you for your vows.
With a destination wedding, you risk having some close loved ones missing out on your vows due to the cost aspect. On the flip side, you get to invite only guests that you really want to be present, hence you cut out all the family drama that is in most cases unavoidable for hometown weddings.
Are destination weddings a good idea?
Depending on what you are looking to achieve, destination weddings are certainly a great idea. You have the opportunity to wed at your perfect spot, a little get away with close family and friends to celebrate your love. Not forgetting that you also get to save on your budget. If you love adventure and don’t mind cutting people out, then this is certainly a great opportunity to celebrate your love in style.
Do guests hate destination weddings?
The number one reason why guests may not be comfortable with destination weddings is the cost attached to it. Compared to hometown weddings, guests end up spending more on the destination wedding. Some may not be travel fans but will feel obliged to join you on your adventure. However, if they love you enough and can afford it, don’t worry they will certainly tag along irregardless.
Why destination weddings are selfish
Destination weddings are considered selfish to some extent. And, yes, to some extent I can actually agree with this. First, the guests don’t have much of an option; the couple will drag their loved ones to the end of the world just to satisfy their dreams about their wedding at the expense of their loved one. I mean, they love you, they will show up.
Secondly, the limited invites. This can also look selfish and actually is selfish since destination weddings are an option for those who want to cut down on the guest list. It is commonly known that if you do not want to host the entire clan at your wedding, then settle on a destination wedding. So, yes to some extent and depending on the motive behind it, destination weddings can actually be selfish.
Where is the cheapest destination wedding?
For you to host a destination wedding, you don’t really have to rob a bank. There are some several locations that are pocket friendly for you and your guests. Below, we have some suggestions for you.
- Martinique
- Dominica
- Jamaica
- Costa Rica
- Tulum
- Cozumel
- Curacao
- Puerto Vallarta
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Newport, RI
