October 14, 2019
Stressful is an understatement when it comes to wedding planning, but it can also be a time of celebration and fun. One of the most exciting aspects of planning a wedding is deciding how to merge the personalities of both the bride and groom into the big day.
A common way couples incorporate their personalities is through a destination wedding. This decision is often made because the couple is adventurous, likes a change of scenery, or yearns for a more intimate approach to their wedding. It is easy to start dreaming about a beautiful, vacation-style wedding and gloss over the negative roadblocks.
Three important things to consider when thinking about a destination wedding:
Your wedding guest list will shrink significantly once you start considering a destination wedding. Primarily, it is because people are either unable or unwilling to travel. Perhaps elderly guests, such as grandparents, may not be able to travel. The guest list can also erode due to limited capacity at some destination venues. And then there are just the guests you assumed would come, and you simply can't afford the travel.
The costs for a destination wedding add up; you are paying for an entire wedding plus the cost of lodging and travel. Money doesn’t just get tight for the Bride and Groom, but also the guests. You will also have limited vendor options, with fewer opportunities to shop around for cost savings. If you're planning a destination wedding, be sure to allow sufficient time to prepare. You may need to consider a more extended engagement to give people enough time to plan as well.
Yes, the wedding day is all about the couple, but don’t forget it is also about two families coming together. Some people want to be a part of your big day, but with a destination wedding, you are putting a price tag on that decision. There could be the potential pressure for guests to spend more than they can afford. You are essentially asking guests to take personal vacation time for your wedding, pay for travel, and, more than likely, also give you a gift. Make sure you are considerate of those you are inviting.
If you remember these three things while planning a destination wedding, you will be better prepared. Enjoy your perfect day without regrets, and happy travels!
Blog Post written by my daughter, Elizabeth Squirek. Check out her blog at https://somethingtoowineabout.wordpress.com/
