Destination Weddings

So I don't have any tips per se, but I do want to give you a little heads up so you don't feel taken aback later.

Destination weddings are a lot of fun, and, frequently, couples opt for it not only because it can double as a honeymoon, but also because it's all inclusive and can be less expensive than a comparable wedding State-side (I can't speak to AU, Europe, Asia, etc) FOR THE COUPLE.

This, however, tends to be a much much more expensive option for your guests and bridal party. They aren't offered the same incentives as you are, and so they end up paying for airfare, hotels, attire, and meals for all except wedding day (or maybe a brunch the next morning). This can cost thousands of dollars for people (my husband and I had to miss out on two different couples' destination weddings because they were going to cost us 4k/pp for each event. I wish we could have afforded it, but we haven't even gone on a honeymoon of our own.

As a result, I want to caution you that you'll have a much lower RSVP rate. Even people who love you dearly and want to be there to support you (siblings, best friends, grandparents) may not be able to share in your joyous day. It's a trade off. It's certainly a great option for a lot of couples, but there are a ton of forums on here about disappointed couples due to people RSVP-ing "no" that they didn't expect. I would recommend doing a ton of research and reaching out to those you MUST have with you to see what they can swing. Keep in mind, too, that with Covid and travel restrictions (even when lifted) will probably keep even more people from being comfortable enough for travel.

GOOD LUCK!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for your insight! 😊

Like the PP said, it is costly for guests. If you are having it at a resort, some resorts they require your guests to stay on site. If not, there is cost for them anytime they want to enter the facility which can be upwards of $50 USD. If they come for rehearsal, wedding and the day after brunch that’s $150.

It can be costly to guests, however every person but 1 was, and is super excited and happy to come. I was very careful when picking the resort. Ex. The room rates are based on double occupancy and start at 95/night and go up to 400/night. People that want to splurge can and people who don’t, don’t have to. 700 For 2 people for a week in a beautiful resort is a great deal. You can also get group rate flights and packages. If you are considerate to their costs you can do it. Most people in my life are travellers so they were happy to jump on board! With the venue we do save money, however I am still spending over 14,000 for 24 people. If you do look further into this, make sure you know the pricing, high season, outside vendor fees, travel fees, minister fees, package options, all inclusive or not? I personally don’t like all inclusive, for multiple reasons. Adult only or not? Adult only is very expensive. Consider a resort that is all ages or 12+ to save money for you and your guests.

Julie has the right idea. All that being said, I will be having a "destination" wedding and I am so excited! My FH and I decided on a weekend destination just two hours from where we are in Los Angeles, and about two and a half hours from where our families are to ease the cost of travel. It is also just an hour away from where three of the families we've invited are, to ease the cost of lodging as well. The other half of our family is coming from out of state anyway. If your family is coming from out of state anyway, they might enjoy spending a weekend on the coast or at a winery, rather than paying for travel and lodging to spend a weekend in another suburb. I would talk to them about it!

There is only one point Julie has brought up that I have to disagree with as a destination bride.

It is practice to send invitations for destination weddings earlier than other weddings. If you give people enough time to make arrangements, the people that mean the most to you-the people who want to be there-will make those arrangements. This is going to be the most expensive weekend of our lives (besides the weekend we buy a house of course!). My fiance and I are looking forward to spending it with those that really care about us instead of 200 people we feel like we're obligated to invite to our wedding.

To address the lower RSVP returns, we are inviting less than 70 guests. The costs we are saving on the cost of extra meals, rentals, etc, we are able to spend on spoiling those close to us with wine welcome hours, gift bags, etc.!

If you have any questions, please reach out to me! I hope my experience can benefit you and your FH.

Costly for guests so it’s typically good hosting to do more for guests: host a welcome dinner the night before, negotiate a great hotel rate for guests, potentially cover some travel costs (airport/hotel transportation).


We did a DW in our same state. Due to costs for us & guests, we did a micro DW (15 guests) and a local reception three months later (50 guests). Loved both!

We're doing a DW/honeymoon in Jamaica. It's all inclusive and we're opting to do the free wedding (minimal decor). However, all meals, drinks and water sports on resort n transportation to and from the resort are included in the price. We informed those invited 2.5 years in advance to have ample time to plan. We figured most people take vacations annually so this can be a vacation for those wanting to attend. The planning process has been seamless, we'll lock everything in when we arrive on the resort. Neither of us have been out of the country so we're definitely excited. We also have planned a reception here for those not invited or going to Jamaica. We wanted a small, intimate ceremony and that's exactly what we're getting.

I am doing a wedding in Jamaica next fall but my biggest tips would be to send out your Save the dates with the hotel/wedding website as early as you can. I sent mine out almost 2 years in advance. Also I would recommend contacting a travel agent - I used Liberty & they did all the hard work in helping finding resorts with the best rates for our guest, room blocks etc.

Also before picking the resort you should look into the cost of "guest passes / wedding passes" just in case your guest decide not to stay where you picked. Some places get crazy with prices & that was a huge reason we didn't pick certain resorts. I would ask your resort / hotel if they require everyone to stay there or if only a certain amount has too. Mine only requires 75% of our guest to stay with them.

I'm from the US (Pennsylvania) but live in the UK where my partner is from. We're planning a US wedding, so I guess it counts as a 'destination' wedding for us lol. Doing everything long distance is a little difficult, but I have family who are able to help with sourcing local vendors etc (we don't have a wedding planner). If I didn't have family around, I'd probably make room in the budget for some kind of planner or coordinator.

We're expecting that very few of his family and our UK friends will be able to actually come, as it is a big expense for many of them to fly to the US. But, others are excited about the prospect of visiting America for the first time and want to incorporate our wedding into a longer vacation. Ultimately, it's your wedding, so it's up to you where you want to have it, and those who really want to come and are financially able to will do so.

For us, we chose the US because I'm very close to my grandparents in particular, and I know that three of the four would not be able to travel to the UK. Most of his grandparents have sadly passed away, so this was a big consideration for us. Maybe look at your guest list and who you really want to be there with you, and consider whether they'd be able to attend, either health-wise or financially (if you're aware of their situation).