Destination Weddings: Making Your Dream Wedding A Reality

Destination weddings are a far cry from traditional hometown nuptials. They are held in a location far from home, often in a dream destination, and require travel for those involved. While they were once synonymous with tropical beachfront ceremonies or remote European elopements, destination weddings are now broader in scope, driven by factors such as safety and convenience. They can take place anywhere from domestic cities to exotic international locations, with couples increasingly opting for domestic destinations due to health and travel concerns.

Location: somewhere far from home, but not necessarily abroad

The definition of a "destination wedding" is becoming broader, and no longer means a celebration in an exotic, far-flung locale. A destination wedding is now considered to be any wedding held outside of the couple's hometown, but it is usually still a journey for the couple and guests.

Destination weddings are often associated with picturesque locations, like the South of France, or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. However, they can also be held in domestic locations, and are increasingly taking place in cities like Paris, London, Milan, Rome, and New York. In fact, there has been an uptick in domestic destinations, with many couples considering the health of their relatives when making the decision to stay local.

Destination weddings are usually held in places with special meaning to the couple, such as the place they met, or have always dreamed of going. They also tend to be held in places with gorgeous scenery, like white-sand beaches, stunning mountains, or lush rainforests. Tropical climates and beautiful weather are also a draw, as are all-inclusive resorts with custom wedding packages for every budget.

Destination weddings are generally more intimate than traditional, at-home nuptials, with an average of 27 guests in attendance in 2022. They are also more affordable, with couples jetting off to celebrate their marriage for less than half the cost of a traditional celebration at home.

When it comes to defining a destination wedding, it's important to consider the distance travelled. For some, a destination wedding is one that requires a flight, or even a passport. For others, it's simply a wedding where the majority of guests have to travel and book a hotel. Ultimately, the definition of a destination wedding will vary depending on the couple and their guests' circumstances.

Cost: can be more affordable than a traditional wedding

Destination weddings can be much more affordable than traditional weddings. In fact, they are often less than half the cost of a traditional celebration. The average cost of a destination wedding is under $10,000, which covers the basic wedding package, the couple's travel and accommodation, and an extended stay for the honeymoon. In comparison, a standard hometown wedding averages more than $20,000 and does not include the cost of a honeymoon.

One reason for the cost difference is that destination weddings tend to have smaller guest lists, which means couples spend less per guest. Additionally, destination weddings often take place in locations with stunning natural scenery, reducing the need for expensive decorations.

Many destination wedding packages are all-inclusive, which can also help to keep costs down. These packages may include services and perks that would not be available at a traditional venue, such as custom wedding packages for every budget, and onsite coordinators to help with the planning and details.

Destination weddings also offer the opportunity for couples to combine their wedding and honeymoon in one location, saving on travel costs.

While there may be some additional costs associated with destination weddings, such as travel for the couple and guests, the overall cost is often much lower than a traditional wedding. This makes destination weddings a great option for couples looking for a unique, affordable, and memorable way to tie the knot.

Guest list: tends to be more intimate

A destination wedding is a wedding held away from the couple's hometown, often in a location with special meaning to them. While destination weddings were once associated with tropical beachfront ceremonies or remote European elopements, they can now take place anywhere in the world, including domestic destinations.

Destination weddings tend to have smaller, more intimate guest lists than traditional weddings. In 2022, destination weddings averaged about 27 guests in attendance. This is partly because destination weddings can be more expensive for guests, who may need to take time off work and pay for travel and accommodation. As such, it is common practice to only invite close family and friends to a destination wedding.

The smaller guest list also makes destination weddings less stressful to plan than traditional weddings. With fewer guests to accommodate, couples are often able to create a more personalised experience, arranging thoughtful weekend activities that make the trip worthwhile for their guests.

Additionally, destination weddings are often more affordable for the couple. The average cost of a destination wedding is under $20,000, which is far less than the national average for traditional weddings in the US. This is because destination weddings usually have fewer guests, so couples can spend more per guest and still keep costs low. All-inclusive wedding packages at resorts can also help to reduce costs.

Destination weddings offer couples a unique and memorable way to celebrate their marriage, providing a dream destination and a tailored guest experience.

Planning: can be less stressful, with fewer details to organise

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but destination weddings can be less stressful and more straightforward to organise.

Firstly, destination weddings are often more intimate, with smaller guest lists, so there are fewer people to cater for. This also means that the guest list is more likely to be limited to close family and friends, so there may be less pressure to invite people you barely know or don't particularly want to invite.

Secondly, destination weddings are often all-inclusive, with the majority of details handled by an expert. Many resorts have their own on-site wedding team to assist with the details, and some resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages, which can lessen planning stress. These packages can include everything from the ceremony and reception to the honeymoon.

Thirdly, destination weddings can be more affordable, costing less than half of the average US wedding. This means that there may be less pressure on the couple to stick to a strict budget or cut costs.

Finally, destination weddings can be a great opportunity for couples to celebrate their marriage in a dream location that has special meaning to them. This can make the planning process more enjoyable and less stressful.

Overall, while there are some unique considerations when planning a destination wedding, such as travel arrangements and legal requirements, the simplified details, intimate guest list, and all-inclusive packages can make the process less stressful and more enjoyable for the couple.

Legalities: may be simpler to marry in the US

While destination weddings are often associated with picturesque locations outside of the US, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or Europe, they can also take place within the country. In fact, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in domestic destination weddings. These offer a good alternative for couples who want a destination wedding without the hassle and uncertainty of international travel.

One of the benefits of having a destination wedding in the US is that it can be much easier to obtain a marriage license. The legal requirements for weddings vary by country, and getting married abroad may involve additional paperwork, blood tests, and arrival several days in advance. By contrast, having a destination wedding in the US simplifies the legal process, especially if the couple is already based in the country.

If you're considering a destination wedding in the US, it's worth noting that costs can be higher than a traditional wedding. The average spend for a destination wedding is $41,000, compared to $35,000 for a wedding in the US. However, destination weddings often have smaller guest lists, so you may end up spending more per guest.

When it comes to planning, it's recommended to start 12 to 18 months in advance to ensure you can secure your desired venue and allow guests enough time to prepare. With the high demand for weddings, resorts and venues may be less flexible with their offerings, so be prepared to be patient and mindful when negotiating.

In summary, a destination wedding in the US can offer a unique experience for couples and their guests, while also simplifying the legal process. With careful planning and consideration of costs, you can create a memorable celebration that takes advantage of the diverse and exciting locations that the US has to offer.

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