When you close your eyes, do you envision yourself getting married on a beach at sunset surrounded by the family and friends you love the most?
If the answer is yes, then a destination wedding may be what you are destined to have.
Don’t get me wrong, destination weddings stir up strong emotions in people. People tend to have very deep feelings as to whether or not they are a good idea. As with everything, there are pros and cons. But, for some couples, it’s the absolute perfect choice for a wedding.
Here are some of the reasons why having a destination wedding is a GREAT idea.
- They are quite stress-free
When you plan a destination wedding, you will be assigned an on-site wedding coordinator and wedding team. These creative and ingenious people will coordinate all of the ceremony essentials, such as the marriage license, fees, officiant, as well as serve as a concierge for your reception. They, along with your travel advisor, will make sure all you have to do is show up and enjoy your wedding and honeymoon.
- They cut out a lot of family drama
Been there, done that. I know the drama that can come with planning a wedding. By having a destination wedding, you can eliminate some of that. No one family will have home turf advantage and you can design the wedding that suits YOU.
- You call the shots
Along with cutting down on a lot of family drama, you call the shots. A destination wedding is an amazing time to create a unique experience that reflects your true personality.
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They can be cost-effective
From venues to catering to entertainment, wedding costs can spin out of control before you know it. One poll recently estimated the average cost of a wedding in the United States to cost over $35,000 (and that’s a fairly average, garden variety wedding).
Destination weddings, however, offer packages and plans that can considerably reduce costs. For example, Palace resorts offer up to $27,000 in complimentary benefits that include free rooms, free cocktail parties, and free receptions. Sandals and Beaches Resorts offers beautiful free wedding packages with varying perks.
- They are smaller and more intimate
Putting together a wedding invitation list can quickly turn into a nightmare, and before you know it, you have a list of over 300 with no end in sight. By having a destination wedding, you have the ability to organically trim the list without offending people. You don’t have to explain yourself when people do not receive an invitation, but if asked, it’s much easier to explain that you were limited in space.
- They are perfect for second marriages
They are wonderful options for couples who are getting married for the second or third time. They are small and intimate and have a lot to offer people who have children and are blending their families.
- They are great for creating those amazing family memories.
One of the best things about a destination wedding is that the focus is on the family and guests that attend. As the bride and groom, you will fly in a few days before to meet the country’s residency requirement. Since almost everything is taken care of for you by your resort’s wedding staff, you can focus solely on your family who has arrived to celebrate you. The focus becomes more on the memories and the people who love you without the wedding prep stress.
Destination weddings are not necessarily for everyone. And yes, of course as with every event, there will be caveats. It is possible some people may not be able to make it. But, if you are seriously thinking about having one and you weigh the pros and cons, you just might find the pros win. As always, work with a travel professional who specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons, and this may be one of the most stress-free experiences you will ever have.