Destination weddings are marvelous and mesmerizing – real-life dreams come true. You can host one in the mountains of New England, on a tropical island like Aruba, in a castle in Ireland, or in a villa in Italy. The world is your oyster when selecting the spot. But as fantastic as these scenes look in our minds, we have to be realistic: It’s not all butterflies and rainbows when booking a destination wedding; there are some downsides. In this article, we present some pros and cons of destination weddings so you can make an informed decision.
Pro: A Destination Wedding Can Be Small and Intimate
If you’re leaving the state or the country, chances are that not everyone on your guest list will make it to the wedding. For couples with lengthy guest lists filled with distant relatives or your parents’ friends you’ve never met, this may be a positive thing. You won’t have to worry about every last uncle showing up, but you also won’t hurt their feelings by not sending them an invitation. Bonus: They may send a nice gift in lieu of their attendance.
Con: Issues May Arise Concerning the Legality of a Marriage
Marriage laws in your home state are pretty straightforward. However, laws in different states and countries can be pretty specific. If you save it for the last minute, the validity of your wedding may be called into question.
Pro: The Photos Will Be To-Die-For
Destination wedding photos are epic: oceans, mountains, historic castles, and more…stunning! Imagine what your photographer can do with the perfect background aesthetic. You’ll be reliving your wedding through the photo album for years to come.
Con: There May Be Language Barriers
If you get married in another country, language may pose an issue. If you can’t speak fluently with the wedding planner, vendors, DJs, and florists, the wedding may become more than what you bargained for. And working through an interpreter isn’t a walk in the park, either.
Pro: Some Destination Wedding Sites Offer All-Inclusive Packages
When we think of all-inclusive weddings, we often think of tropical islands. But places in Europe and elsewhere have similar options! Oftentimes, these venues include a wedding coordinator, flowers, the cake, an officiant, and a marriage license in the overall cost. Sometimes, bonuses are even thrown in, like a personalized DJ.
Con: Your Wedding Guests May Crash a Part of Your Honeymoon
With a destination wedding, your guests may not want to leave the location once your day is over. That could mean your guests wish to join you during your honeymoon. To prevent this from happening, be honest with friends and family. Make your honeymoon plans clear and specify whether you want company. Or, to avoid the ordeal altogether, continue the honeymoon to another destination.