10 Interesting Pros and Cons of Destination Weddings
Destination weddings have surged in popularity over recent years, and there are good reasons for that. Who wouldn't want to say "I do" in a breathtaking location, whether it's a sandy beach or a historic castle?
However, like any wedding planning decision, destination weddings come with their own pros and cons. To help you make an informed decision, here are ten pros and cons of destination weddings! 🌴
What Is a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is when your wedding ceremony is held in a location away from where you and your partner usually live. Typically, couples exchange vows in a different country in a beautiful setting such as a tropical beach, a mountain, or a historic landmark.
It's not just about saying "I do" but also turning your wedding into an unforgettable experience for you and your guest list! Top destination wedding locations include Italy, Bali, Greece, and Costa Rica.
Pros of Destination Weddings
1. Picture-Perfect Setting
One of the most appealing aspects of destination weddings is the stunning backdrop. Whether you want to have a beach wedding or do something more adventurous like spending your special day in a tropical rainforest, a destination wedding will have a much more beautiful setting than a traditional wedding. And your wedding photos will look amazing! 😉
2. Intimate Atmosphere
Destination weddings often have smaller guest lists, which means that you'll be celebrating your love story with your closest family and friends! This intimate setting helps you deepen meaningful connections and spend quality time with your loved ones. If you've always wanted to get married surrounded by your closest friends and family, a destination wedding could be a fantastic option for you!
3. Built-in Honeymoon
Why travel twice when you can combine your wedding and honeymoon into one unforgettable trip? Destination weddings offer the convenience of transitioning seamlessly from ceremony to romantic getaway without needing additional travel arrangements. As wedding planners in Costa Rica, we often see couples have amazing Costa Rica honeymoons after their wedding party!
4. Memorable Experience
In contrast with traditional weddings, a destination wedding is not just a one-day event. You can turn it into a multi-day celebration filled with unforgettable experiences. Kick-off with a welcome party, go on group excursions with your guests, and spend your time lounging around luxurious accommodations to create lasting memories together!
5. Unique Culture
When you get married in a different country, you get to experience a new culture and even incorporate some parts of it into your wedding day. This can add more depth and meaning to your celebration and make your wedding experience more unique! For example, when you get married in Costa Rica, you can eat traditional foods like the tres leches cake, dance the night away to Latin music, and enjoy other curious Costa Rican wedding traditions.
6. Reduced Stress
Contrary to popular belief, planning a destination wedding can be less stressful than a traditional wedding! Destination wedding pros (like us!) often offer comprehensive wedding packages, taking care of details like catering, décor, and entertainment so you have more time to just relax and enjoy the moment.
7. Exclusive Access
When you have a destination wedding, you can book unique venues and amenities, such as villas or beach clubs. This gives you a more private and personalized experience that may not be possible in a bustling hometown venue. If you want a private & one-of-a-kind wedding with fewer guests, consider planning a destination wedding!
8. Extended Celebration
Unlike traditional weddings that typically last a few hours, with a destination wedding you can extend your celebration over several days. When you plan a destination wedding, you can include various pre-wedding activities such as hiking, relaxing on the beach, going on eco-tours, and more! This gives you more time to connect with your guests and savor every moment ❤️
9. Family Bonding
If your friends and family are scattered around different parts of the world, a destination wedding is a beautiful way to bring them all together on your big day! An unforgettable experience like a destination wedding will strengthen your bonds with your loved ones.
10. Adventure and Romance
Destination weddings are all about infusing your celebration with adventure and romance! From beautiful settings to unique activities, it's a way to embark on a new chapter of your life in a truly magical setting.
Cons of Destination Weddings
Destination wedding pros are pretty clear at this point, but what about the cons? Here are some destination wedding cons to consider (along with practical tips on how to avoid them!).
1. Costly for Guests
While destination weddings may be a dream come true for you as a couple, they can be a financial burden for your guests who will have to cover travel expenses, accommodations, and possibly time off work. That said, you can help your guests save money and make attending the celebration more feasible and enjoyable for them. You could negotiate group rates with airlines, offer accommodation options to your guests, or plan your wedding during the off-season when prices tend to be lower.
2. Limited Guest Attendance
Destination weddings require travel, so it's likely that not everybody on your guest list will be able to attend. This can result in hurt feelings for your family members and friends. However, giving advance notice to your guests so they have plenty of time to plan and budget for the trip means that more people will be able to attend!
3. Logistical Challenges
Planning a destination wedding comes with logistical challenges, such as coordinating local vendors, finding the right venue, and navigating legal regulations and requirements. It can be hard to plan a destination wedding from afar. That said, working with a dedicated wedding planner makes the planning process much easier because they'll take care of all of the logistical challenges for you!
4. Unpredictable Weather
If you're having an outdoor destination wedding, such as on the beach or in the mountains, you may have to deal with unpredictable weather conditions, which can put a damper on your celebration or require backup plans at the last minute. If you're planning your destination wedding in Costa Rica, there's a way around this con. There is a rainy season and a dry season with minimal bad weather, so planning your wedding during the dry season significantly lowers your chances of unpredictable weather!
5. Language and Cultural Barriers
Communicating with local vendors and navigating cultural differences can be challenging, especially in destinations where people don't speak your native language. That said, a wedding planner can take care of all of this for you!
6. Legalities and Paperwork
Getting legally married in a foreign country often requires additional paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles. This can be time-consuming and stressful to navigate. When our clients get married in Costa Rica, we always recommend they get legally married in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Costa Rica to avoid unnecessary paperwork!
7. Guest Comfort
Making sure that your friends and family are comfortable and enjoying themselves in an unfamiliar destination can be nerve-wracking. Planning group pre-wedding activities and helping your guests select accommodations helps you ensure that everyone is happy and taken care of!
8. Vendor Limitations
It can be challenging to source local vendors that match your expectations of quality and style, especially if you don't speak the language of the country you're planning your destination wedding in.
Depending on the country, many vendors may not have a strong social media presence or functional websites, which makes it harder to find the right matches for your celebration. A local wedding planner with extensive connections can help you overcome vendor limitations!
9. Travel Fatigue
Traveling to a distant location for a wedding can be exhausting for your guests, particularly if they have to deal with long flights, jet lag, or unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure that you have buffers in your wedding timeline so that your guests can rest and adjust after their trips!
10. Family Dynamics
Destination weddings can exacerbate existing family tensions or conflicts because the logistics and expenses involved can lead to disagreements. Giving advance notice helps smooth out the rough edges and avoid unnecessary conflict!
Should You Have a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is an amazing way to start your new chapter as a married couple! It's a magical and memorable way to tie the knot, but destination weddings are not without their challenges.
Working with a local wedding planner allows you to secure the best venue for your wedding party, curate an intimate atmosphere, and successfully navigate all of the wedding planning logistics without stress!
FAQs
Is it worth it to have a destination wedding?
For most couples, absolutely! Deciding whether a destination wedding is worth it ultimately depends on your preferences, priorities, and budget. If you've been dreaming about a unique and memorable wedding experience in a breathtaking setting, a destination wedding could be the perfect option for you. However, having a destination wedding also comes with logistical challenges and a potential impact on guest attendance. Hiring a local wedding planner takes the stress out of planning a beautiful destination wedding!
Is it cheaper to do a destination wedding?
It depends on various factors, but a destination wedding can easily be cheaper than a traditional wedding. While destination weddings come with additional expenses such as travel and accommodations, local vendors and venues can also end up being much less expensive than in your home country. You can use our Wedding Cost Analysis Worksheet to estimate how much your Costa Rica wedding will cost.
Who pays for what at a destination wedding?
Typically, you'll have to cover the costs associated with the wedding ceremony and reception, including venue fees, décor, catering, and entertainment. Additionally, you are responsible for your travel expenses, accommodations, and any additional activities or excursions you want to include. Your guests are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses, as well as any additional costs associated with attending the wedding, such as meals, transportation, and activities. However, you can choose to subsidize some expenses for your guests, such as arranging group rates for accommodations or organizing group activities as part of the wedding celebration!
Am I selfish for wanting a destination wedding?
Absolutely not! Wanting to celebrate your love story in a unique and beautiful environment doesn't make you selfish. It's natural to prioritize your vision for your special day. If you're worried about financial or logistical challenges in attending for your guests, open communication and giving advance notice of your wedding date can help them plan accordingly. Ultimately, it's your wedding day and you should have the type of wedding that makes you happy!
Plan Your Worry-Free Destination Wedding in Costa Rica
If you want to have a beautiful and adventurous destination wedding, there's no better place than Costa Rica! You and your guests will enjoy its stunning natural beauty with pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and impressive volcanos. There are also many interesting pre-wedding activities you can do, such as zip-lining or going on an eco-tour.
With 20+ years of experience planning weddings in Costa Rica, we have all the expertise and local connections you need to curate the perfect celebration of your dreams. Learn more about our wedding planning services!