Should I Have a Destination Wedding? 6 Things to Consider

Should I have a destination wedding? It's a question that over 80% of soon-to-be brides consider when planning their big day.

So if you're engaged, it's likely that the idea of a destination wedding has at least crossed your mind when imaging your wedding day. It turns out that close to 1 out of 4 brides end up deciding to have a destination wedding. For some that might mean staying in the continental United States, but picking a special location in Florida, California, or Las Vegas. For others it means planning a beach wedding in the Caribbean or a vineyard wedding in Italy. Regardless of the wedding location, a destination wedding can be the ideal choice for many new couples, their families, and their guests. Here are 6 things to consider when deciding if a destination wedding is right for you.

1. Are you looking for something different? Do you want to have memories of your wedding day in the church that you grew up in, with the reception in the local gardens? (and there is nothing wrong with that if you do!) Or do you want you and your guests to reminisce about the amazing time they had at a Sandals resort in St.Lucia while celebrating your nuptials. There is no doubt about it - destination weddings will be remembered and talked about by you and your guests for years after. It's a chance to break out of the mold and put your own spin on your wedding day.
2. Do you want an intimate and informal event? A destination wedding is ideal for brides and grooms that would prefer a smaller ceremony with just their family and close friends in attendance. Co-workers and childhood acquaintances aren't going to have their feelings hurt when they are not invited to a ceremony that involves an airplane ticket and resort reservation. If you're wanting to have a destination wedding, but still would like to include people that may not be able to travel, many newlyweds have a reception back in the states to celebrate their marriage with a larger group of friends.
3. Are you trying to save money? It might seem counter-intuitive since a destination wedding often involves buying a plane ticket and booking a resort, but most couples report saving money when choosing a destination wedding. With a destination wedding you normally have fewer guests to feed (which can be a major wedding expense) and if you're using a resort, there are often wedding packages that can help with the planning and decor at a reduced cost. Don't be scared off if you're looking for a very unique, personalized event. Resorts are also very open to helping execute the bride's ultimate wedding plans.
4. Do you need a neutral territory? Let's be honest. Sometimes the families of both the bride and groom have very strong feeling about the wedding, and aren't afraid to let their opinions be know. A destination wedding is a way to not "pick" one family's hometown over the other. It also puts a distance between the planning of the big day and family members that really don't need to have a say in final decisions being made. It's a chance for everyone to come together and just enjoy the event without worrying about anyone's feelings getting hurt.
5. Do you love the carefree vacation vibe? Your wedding should be a day to celebrate and have fun! What better way to do that than to combine your wedding and a dream vacation into one? Instead of stressing about having enough seating for your guests or if the reception hall will hold everyone, relax and enjoy the ride. Whether you're a fan of the beach, the mountains, or the urban city, there are destination wedding options for you. Get involved in the planning if you want, or leave it completely in the capable hands of your travel consultant and destination wedding planner.
6. Is there a location special to you? Did you and your loved one meet on a cruise to the Caribbean, or did you go to Hawaii on your first big trip as a couple? Choosing a location special to you both as a couple can be a great place for your destination wedding. You may decide that you want to return to this same location for anniversaries in the future, and it can be a great memory maker.

So is a destination wedding right for you? Only you and your groom-to-be can make that decision.

We’d love to chat with you more about some great destination wedding locations.

Come join us over on the Adventures Planned Honeymoon Blog! See you there! 

photo credits: Grand Velas Riviera Maya, nicole.pierce.photography ♥, and kristiewells via photopin cc