Should You Have a Destination Wedding?

Imagine saying your vows on a tropical beach or in a romantic foreign city, far away from your humdrum normal life. Perhaps someplace special to your past, or one that you've always wanted to visit. Tempting idea, isn't it?

There are a lot of factors to consider however, before you book two tickets to paradise with the home of coming back legally wed. Here are some of the issues, both positive and negative you should think about with your partner:

Less Planning

For busy couples organizing a destination wedding can actually be a lot less work. Most resorts that do weddings are well-oiled machines that will do much of the planning for you: from flower arrangements to catering to a day-of coordinator. This can be a big burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on the details that are important to you. As an added bonus many package wedding deals are actually less expensive than throwing a wedding at home.

Guests Reactions

While a destination wedding can make planning much easier for the couple, it can be a potential hardship for guests who may have to apply for passports, book hotels and budget for pricey plane tickets. Some people don't mind traveling across the earth for a wedding but some (and they are usually the most vocal people) can be quite put out over it. If you do decide to plan a wedding abroad be prepared for some potentially adverse reactions.

Smaller Wedding

Due to the costs entailed in traveling for a wedding your turnout will almost certainly be less than if you'd held your wedding at home. Depending on how you have envisioned your wedding, this could be a plus or a negative. It could mean a more intimate and personal wedding, or a depressing amount of empty seats.

Long Distance Planning

Planning a wedding from far away can be a stressful experience. Without being there first hand to check out venues and taste cakes, you are putting a lot of trust in your onsite wedding vendors. Dealing with local laws for wedding licenses, officiates and visas can be a whole separate issue. With a destination wedding you will have to prepare to be on top of every detail while simultaneously giving up certain elements of control.

One Big Shared Honeymoon

When you commit to a destination wedding you are usually committed to a built in honeymoon in the same location. This does cut down on travel and planning, but there are some other factors to consider. Of course all of your wedding guests will be there to vacation as well. Again this could be considered a fun bonus, or a stressful negative depending on how you feel about your family.

Did you have a destination wedding? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.