Wedding Etiquette for Hosting a Destination Wedding

Planning an out-of-town wedding comes with extra considerations, and it’s important to know what is considered proper etiquette when hosting a destination wedding. In this article, we look at some of the most essential etiquette tips to keep in mind when planning your romantic tropical celebration. By prioritizing proactive planning, honest communication and balancing expectations, you will help ensure all of your guests remember your destination wedding fondly.

Choose your guest list and keep it simple

One of the aspects of a destination wedding that people find so appealing is they get to host a highly personal and intimate celebration with their nearest and dearest. Your second cousin, twice removed, does not expect an invitation to your destination wedding, and it actually may be off-putting to extend the invite too far beyond your inner circle.

If you are struggling to be selective about your guest list, consider hosting a reception once you get back home where you can invite a larger audience to bask in the glory of your romance. This at-home affair can either be a full-blown second wedding or you can keep it simple with a garden party.

One of the aspects of a destination wedding that people find so appealing is they get to host a highly personal and intimate celebration with their nearest and dearest. Your second cousin, twice removed, does not expect an invitation to your destination wedding, and it actually may be off-putting to extend the invite too far beyond your inner circle.

If you are struggling to be selective about your guest list, consider hosting a reception once you get back home where you can invite a larger audience to bask in the glory of your romance. This at-home affair can either be a full-blown second wedding or you can keep it simple with a garden party.

Give your guests enough notice to plan – and save accordingly

Once you decide on hosting your wedding in another country, you should let your guests know as soon as possible. Send out the save the dates, with the destination and other pertinent details, at least 10 months in advance of the big day. This will allow your guests ample time to look for more affordable flights; book the time of work; and make other important plans such as childcare or dog-sitting that may affect their peace of mind while preparing to get away.

Don’t break your guests’ banks for the wedding of your dreams

Destination weddings can seriously add up for your attendees. By giving them lots of time to plan for the event, you increase the likelihood it will more seamlessly align with their yearly travel plans. But, to ensure your guests aren’t raising their eyebrows at the costs associated with your wedding, empower them with as much information and as many savings as possible.

Consult your wedding planning team at Adventure Weddings to find out what kind of bundles you can take advantage of to help your guests save on flights and accommodations. Pre-book meals and preselect menus for special days when you may want to foot the bill for your guests to show your appreciation for their attendance. As for your wedding party, what about treating them to a spa day or fun excursion? The possibilities to mitigate costs and show how much you value your guests really are endless.

A destination wedding should unite more than just the bride and groom

Your family and friends are travelling a long way to spend several days together, not all of which will revolve around serenading the happy couple. Help everyone get to know each other before the big day by hosting an awesome welcome party, games night, champagne brunch or something of the like to thank everyone for coming and help strangers become besties.

Proper destination wedding etiquette helps make everything less stressful and more enjoyable

Work with your wedding coordinators leading up to your event to ensure your guests have all the information they need to plan and prepare for your special week. Keep everyone in the loop, thank them thoroughly with words and gestures and – most importantly – have a great time.

If you are thinking of planning a destination wedding, contact Adventure Weddings and we will show you why we’ve received hundreds of five-star reviews while helping brides and grooms plan guest-friendly celebrations in the tropics.