Congrats! You’ve got the ring, told your friends and family, and decided when you want to get married; now it’s time to decide where. Destination weddings have become increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. They’re gorgeous! However, destination weddings aren’t the right fit for everyone. Check out our list of pros and cons before making your decision!
Pro: Picture Perfect
Simply put, destination weddings are beautiful. Whether it’s at a sunny beach, snowy mountain top, or European castle, the backdrop for your special day will be absolutely stunning and unique. You can also almost guarantee that none of your friends or family have gotten married in the location you choose, making your wedding one of a kind!
Con: Legal Difficulties
Before getting married in a foreign country, you have to make sure to do some research on getting a marriage license and any other required documentation to have a legal marriage in that country. Each country has different laws, and you don’t want to find out your marriage wasn’t actually legal! This can be stressful for a couple who is already busy planning a wedding, but the burden can be removed by using a wedding planner based in that country or by booking an all inclusive wedding package from a resort. Which brings us to our next point…
Pro: The Total Package!
There are many resorts and venues that offer complete wedding packages, including the rooms, food, decorations, and planning, all for a great price! It is often cheaper to have an all inclusive destination wedding than it is to have a comparable wedding in your hometown, especially if you live in a bigger city. The wedding packages also take a huge burden off of your shoulders, allowing you to truly enjoy the planning and the wedding instead of running around like a chicken with your head cut off.
Con: There Will Be Fewer Guests
One major consideration for a destination wedding is the guest list. You have to assume that a large number of your friends and even some family won’t be able to attend your wedding. Whether it’s due to time, health, or financial restraints, many people just can’t make it to a destination wedding. It might mean that some of your most special guests will have to miss; sometimes elderly grandparents or other relatives have health issues that keep them from flying or traveling long distances. If you’ve always pictured a big, grand wedding with all of your friends and family in attendance, a destination wedding probably isn’t right for you.
Pro: There Will Be Fewer Guests
This is both a pro and a con! Although it’s sad when someone you really wanted at the wedding can’t attend, it’s great that you don’t feel obligated to invite your third cousin twice removed! It creates a wedding that is smaller and more intimate, really upping the romantic vibe. It also keeps the cost down considerably, which frees up money to spend on things like your honeymoon!
Con: Extra Expenses for Entertaining
While it is completely optional, it is a nice touch to book some excursions or tours for those attending. If you’re looking for a way to say “thank you” for your friends and family taking the time and spending the money to join you on your special day, consider giving them the gift of a once in a lifetime outing! Giving your guests a day on a sailboat or a tour of a castle makes you hands down the best host ever! However, this is another added expense and requires extra planning that can be a real headache. But if you can swing it, it’s a great way to thank your guests and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Pro: Extra Time
One of the saddest things about your wedding day is that it’s over way too quick! With a destination wedding, all the wedding festivities are stretched over a two or three day period. It allows you extra time with your guests and more time in your gorgeous wedding venue. If you’re going to spend all the time and money that wedding planning requires, you should at least have the time to take it all in!
Bonus Pro: The Honeymoon Starts Early!
A destination wedding is basically a vacation with a wedding included! The entire wedding weekend is like a mini-moon plus a party. It’s easy to continue honeymooning at the venue after your guests have gone home, or you can jet off to another honeymoon location!
