Is a Destination Wedding Right For You?
- Jodi Schlichting
- Jun 17, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
If you're thinking about having a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, but you're not sure if it's the right choice for you, here are some things to consider that will help you make your decision!
Less control over some of the details.
Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still be involved in all of the important decisions for your wedding. But, you won’t be able to meet with all of your vendors face-to-face during the planning process like you would for a local wedding. The good news, though, is that most resorts I work with have a dedicated on-site wedding planner who will be available to help you with coordinating all of the details for your big day.
Smaller guest list.
This can be a pro or a con. Having a destination wedding can be a great way to trim your guest list of any relatives or acquaintances you don’t necessarily want to invite. But, on the flip side, some close family and friends may not be able to attend if it involves traveling. Of course you can always choose to have a larger celebration with everyone after you return home, but the ceremony itself will likely be a more intimate celebration.
More affordable.
This might surprise you at first, but destination weddings are often less expensive than traditional weddings. A smaller guest list means lower costs. And, with a beautiful natural setting as your backdrop, you won’t need to spend money on an expensive venue or elaborate décor. Some of my preferred resort partners even offer FREE wedding packages! To learn more about factors that influence the cost of a destination wedding, you can read my blog post called How Much Does a Destination Wedding Actually Cost?
Relaxed dress code.
This goes for both you as the wedding couple and your guests. With travel involved and likely hotter temperatures, you and your guests’ attire will likely be a lot less formal than a traditional wedding. You can still set a semi-formal dress code, if that's what you prefer, but I don't see a lot of black-tie affairs in tropical destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean.
More time with your loved ones.
Ask any couple that’s had a traditional wedding, and usually their top regret/complaint is that the day went by too fast. It was a big blur and they didn’t get a chance to really savor it and enjoy any quality time with their guests. Having a destination wedding typically means you’ll have several days to spend celebrating with the people that mean the most to you.
More fun.
Which do you think your guests would enjoy more – a wedding at a local banquet hall or a beach wedding at an all-inclusive resort? When you have a destination wedding, the great thing is that it’s also a vacation for your guests which makes it a lot more exciting and more memorable for them as well.
Unique location.
Probably the biggest draw for having a destination wedding is the idea of getting married in a gorgeous location surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Beautiful sunsets, 360 degree ocean views, white sand beaches – take your pick. You get to make it your own vision and create the fairy-tale wedding you've always dreamed of. Imagine how amazing your photos are going to be!!
Start the honeymoon right away.
You're already in paradise, so your honeymoons starts the moment you say "I do." Need I say more?
Does it feel like a destination wedding is the right fit for you? Let me know what you think and if you're ready, let's get started planning together!
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