Why You Should Consider a Destination Wedding
A destination wedding is a solid choice if the idea of planning a big, one-day event close to home feels overwhelming.
It’s a chance to have an adventure and make memories with your favorite people. These days, experiences matter more than ever, so turning your wedding into a mini-vacation with your loved ones is a total win.
Prepare to be excited – here’s why taking your “I do’s” somewhere remote is the best decision you can make.
Shorter Guest List
One of the best perks of destination weddings is that you can forget the stress of obligatory invites – no need to invite your parents’ business associates.
A destination wedding naturally filters your guest list to the people who truly matter. This creates a deeply personal and warm atmosphere where you have time for meaningful conversations, not just quick hellos.
Plus, people won’t leave early because they are going to brunch with their friends the next morning or are not used to staying up all night. They’re all in for the whole weekend to celebrate with you. Create a nonnegotiable guest list of your closest 20 people and see how a smaller group frees up your mental energy and budget.
Less Stress
There are four things that commonly stress engaged couples – deciding on the budget, guest list, date and venue. A destination wedding simplifies these things. Many resorts and hotels offer dedicated coordinators and all-inclusive packages that bundle the venue, catering, drinks and decor.
This means less time chasing down multiple vendors and more time focusing on celebrating with your guests.
Prioritise venues that offer in-house wedding coordinators. Instead of trying to control every detail, empower your vendors to handle logistics. Consider investing in wedding and travel insurance for your peace of mind, as it protects you against company issues and weather-related delays.
Combine Your Wedding and Honeymoon
The ultimate perk is that your honeymoon is built in. There’s no longer a need to fund a separate trip or file additional time-offs, as you’re already in a beautiful, remote location.
After your loved ones head home, you can transition from the celebration to your first official trip as a married couple. It can save money on extra travel and let you start a new life together.
Book a separate, more private accommodation after the wedding. You can also splurge on an incredible cruise tour or an over-the-top suite.
Cost-Effective and Convenient
Destination weddings appear expensive at first glance due to transportation and accommodation costs. However, the reality is that they can be more affordable than a traditional celebration. The average price is estimated at $20,000, depending on the location and package selected.
You can save even more by selecting a venue that offers an all-inclusive package. Compare that with a 150-guest celebration in a big city, not to mention the additional honeymoon costs. Shortlist your venue options, request a quote and compare what they cover to see if it simplifies your life and budget.
Less Family Drama
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when your family members have different opinions about your wedding. Maybe your parents want to celebrate in your hometown, while your partner’s parents are worried about the cost of a big-city wedding.
This is where a destination celebration can help out. Since travelling takes more effort, you’ll probably find that the people who will attend are those who are truly invested in your marriage.
Choose a destination that holds no prior family significance for either side. This prevents anyone from claiming “home court” advantage or trying to influence local vendor choices.
Scenery That Doubles as a Decor
A cliffside in Santorini, a white-sand beach in the Maldives or a historic European castle don’t need extra decoration. When you tie the knot somewhere naturally beautiful, you don’t need to splurge on costly flower arches, candles and chandeliers. Browse various destinations and look for places that require minimal styling.
If hosting an indoor or micro wedding, consider a resort or hotel that offers in-house decor services. The staff knows best how to beautify the space. Check the destination’s shoulder season – the time before or after peak season – for lower lodging prices and fewer crowds.
Amazing Resorts
Many resorts or hotels have gorgeous spots for your ceremony and reception, and they’ll often throw in perks like free rooms, suite upgrades or other bonuses if your group books enough nights. Plus, there are plenty of fun and relaxing things for your guests to do after the party winds down, so you might not even need to hire extra entertainment.
Host all your events at the resort. It makes it easier to manage guests – no need to worry about shuttling everyone all over town.
More Quality Time With Loved Ones
At a traditional wedding, the bride and groom usually run around like crazy. Everyone’s hustling from the ceremony to photos, then dinner and the dance floor. There’s barely time to make meaningful conversation with all the guests before the night’s over. A destination wedding is a whole different story. You have time to grab coffee, go for a spontaneous swim or dance under the stars with your loved ones.
Plus, it’s incredible to watch your favorite people bond. Before you know it, your college best friend is taking shots with your cousin, and your childhood bestie is deep in conversation with your brother’s partner. Those are the moments you’ll remember forever.
Dreamy Location Ideas for Your Destination Wedding
Are you ready to plan your destination wedding? Here are location ideas to get you started.
- Bali, Indonesia: This tropical paradise is filled with luxurious resorts, delicious food and friendly locals. Resorts like AYANA Resort and The St. Regis are gorgeous, relaxing spots to tie the knot.
- Portugal: The country boasts a pleasant climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for weddings. Make your dreams come true in the National Palace of Pena, Sintra or with picturesque cliffs as your backdrop.
- Maldives: If you don’t want to feel too far from home, this is a solid choice. The white-sand beaches, floating overwater platforms and blue skies offer a luxurious, intimate setting you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
- India: From royal palaces in Rajasthan to serene beaches in Goa and lush backwaters in Kerala, India offers a wide variety of breathtaking venues for destination weddings. Whether you want regal grandeur or natural charm, you’ll find it here.
Jet Off to Forever
With a destination wedding, you can trade all that one-day stress for a fun, multiday celebration. You’ll get gorgeous photos, more time to hang out with your guests and a more relaxed planning process. Start getting ready for your dream trip today.
