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The Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding

Like anything else in life, destination weddings have both pros and cons. Before a couple makes a decision to plan a long distance wedding, they should consider the following information, which will help them choose the option that is right for them.

Benefits of a Destination Wedding

The three main benefits of a destination wedding can be summarized with these words: simple, affordable and relaxed.

1. Simple

Destination weddings can be so much simpler to plan and execute than close to home weddings. This may seem counter intuitive since it can be very difficult to orchestrate an event long distance, but it actually is easier to plan a wedding at a distant destination. The reason it is simpler is that many destinations have pre-designed wedding packages that are created by professional wedding planners. The packages include all of the components a beautiful wedding requires, and the bride and groom need only make a few decisions and the rest is taken care of for them. If the couple wants to create their own wedding design, they can obtain the assistance of professional wedding planners who are located at the desired destination, and they can take care of all the little details that need attention.

2. Affordable

Destination weddings are typically less expensive than local weddings. The couple pays for their resort stay and the wedding package or their unique design, and the guests pay their own way to the location and their accommodations. Couples can have a large or small wedding and control their spending. They also may get discounts and deals from the resorts when they extend their stay, book a certain number of rooms and arrange their honeymoon at the same venue.

3. Relaxed

Wedding planning is stressful and often family and friends can create drama and confusion for the couple. Having a destination wedding eliminates a great deal of stress since the wedding is far away and only a limited number of people can attend. Also, enjoying the convenience of a wedding package that includes everything the couple needs allows them to enjoy the day and relax. They still have a few details to take care of, but overall, the people at the resort do all the heavy lifting when it comes to planning the wedding.

Cons of Destination Weddings

While destination weddings provide appealing advantages, including making the planning easier on the couple, as well as turning the wedding into a long vacation like event, there are a few cons worth considering. The three main negatives of destination weddings are: size, legal issues and the burden on the guests.

1. Size

Most destination weddings are small in size and the number of attendees can range from two to around 50 people. Logistically, it would be difficult to hold a large wedding a long distance from home. That means many friends and family members will not be invited. This could cause tension and hurt feelings for those who don’t receive an invitation. Although a small wedding is intimate and personal, it is also a wonderful experience to have all of the couple’s friends, family members and coworkers celebrate the happy day, but that would be very difficult or impossible with a destination wedding.

2. Legal Issues

There are requirements in every country that need to be met in order for a marriage to be legal. Researching the laws in the U. S. and in the destination country is necessary to ensure that the required documents are obtained and the paperwork is completed properly. Also, the couple needs to understand what personal documents they’ll need to take with them, such as their passport, birth certificate or other items. Many couples have skipped this step only to learn later that their marriage was not legal.

3. Burden Placed on the Guests

There is no doubt that inviting people to attend a wedding at a distant location places a financial burden on them. No matter how much they want to share in the most important day of the couple’s lives, they will have to pay for travel, accommodations and a wedding gift. In addition, they will need to take time out of work, make arrangements for pet care, obtain travel documents when necessary and myriad other obligations that go along with traveling to a distant location. For these reasons, it’s a good idea for the couple to think carefully about whom they will invite and whether or not it will be problematic for them to attend. Many people will go regardless of whether or not it will cause them a hardship, so the couple should consider this when they are planning their destination wedding.

Destination weddings can be fun and exciting for the happy couple, as well as the guests who will be attending. Wedding packages and experienced planners can help the couple create an incredible wedding a long distance from home. However, there are some sacrifices the couple will have to make if they choose a destination wedding, which include the size of the wedding and omitting more than a few family members and friends from the guest list. Regardless, a destination wedding can provide the romance, excitement, fun and memories that the happy couple and the guests in attendance will cherish for a lifetime.