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Nikki
Just Said Yes October 2024

To travel, or not to travel? I’m stuck.

Nikki, on October 4, 2022 at 8:39 AM Posted in Planning 1 6
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Hello everyone! I was was hoping to ask some advice, as I’m pretty lost right now on what to do. Ever since I was little I’ve had this dream of how I want my wedding to be. I’ve always wanted a beautiful forest wedding with the twinkle lights, cute whimsy theme, etc. And my fiancé really wanted to get married somewhere outside of the state we live in. We live in Southern Idaho and there just really isn’t any venues or spots anywhere around here that fit what we’re looking for, and there’s very few options I’ve been able to find in Northern Idaho, but none of them have really made me fall in love. Now, I started perusing around Northern California & areas around Eugene, OR and I’ve found a couple places I absolutely adore. My dilemma is this: some people have told me we shouldn’t have the wedding so far away, as most of my fiancé’s family lives in Southern Idaho and my closest friends are here, and we run the risk of them not being able to/wanting to travel for our wedding. My family on the other hand, lives in Northern Idaho and the Tri-Cities area in WA, so they are already having to travel if we were to have the wedding here and they do come to our wedding, they just may have to travel further if we have it somewhere else. So I’m wondering, do we settle and figure out a different vision for our wedding, or pick a place we really love and just come to terms with the fact that not everyone we want to have there will end up being there? TIA!

6 Comments

Latest activity by Bailey, on October 10, 2022 at 7:10 AM
  • H
    Master July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    No matter where you have the wedding, you likely will never have a 100% attendance rate (although it does happen so you still want to budget for that just in case). I would think about your VIPs that you absolutely cannot imagine the day without (such as immediate family or closest friends, etc) and ask them if they personally would be able to travel for your wedding (not necessarily a complete commitment to do so). In part depending on their responses, you need to ask yourself if the venue/vision is more important for you two or the people in attendance. There is no right or wrong answer, except your personal preferences. People will complain either way.
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  • M
    VIP August 2021
    Michelle ·
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    I agree with Hannah, you will never have 100% attendance even from local guests. There is an advantage to having a wedding where the couple resides-- you can meet with your venue, find local vendors, and meet in person. Transporting wedding items like your dress is also easier. Local guests do not have lodging costs. I would next consider your VIPs if any have health concerns making distant car travel uncomfortable or difficult. Also, how is the October weather in these locations? What is your indoor backup if it rains or if too cold? You can really make your woodsy wonderland anywhere with decor. It really can be fabulously dreamy, even indoors. You can save cabin dreams for your honeymoon. Best wishes with your decision. Once you two decide, just shut down complainers with "it's booked" and share less details.

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  • S
    Devoted September 2022
    Sara ·
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    Have your wedding where YOU want it... not where it is convenient for your guests. Guests will always find something to gripe about. So, make yourself happy. If that means traveling... and having 20 guests RSVP "no".... so be it. At the end of the day, you'll still be happy.

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  • Paige
    VIP October 2022
    Paige ·
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    Are there any indoor venues with a great view of the outdoors? Like Michelle said, there's a huge advantage to having the wedding where you're located. One of the biggest issues with outdoor weddings is the weather, so you'll want to find someplace with an indoor contingency location that would be acceptable if you're forced to go that route.

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  • Erin
    Super May 2022
    Erin ·
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    Like Michelle and Paige said, there are advantages to having the wedding where you live because you can always visit with your vendors while planning. You’ll need to decide if not having them as accessible as they would if they were local will bother you. Personally, I would have been more anxious and stressed not being able to drive over to my venue easily to make plans or having to arrange a long distance trip to cake taste, meet the photographer, etc., but that’s just me (I’m type A). If you’d be easygoing with that and all your VIPs say they would be willing/able to travel for your wedding, then go for it. If that gives you pause, like others said, try to look for a space where you can create the forest decor.
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  • Bailey
    Expert October 2023
    Bailey ·
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    Totally agree with Sara. We are getting married in a different country because it's what we wanted, and while we are pretty shocked how many people are actually going, we got tons of resistance from close family. It was pretty frustrating considering both families love to travel, and do so frequently, but we have no regrets. Have your wedding exactly how you want!

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