Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding

Are you recently engaged? If you’re early in the wedding planning stages you may be deciding between a traditional or destination wedding. Both options have their pros and cons so how are you to decide? Check out the pros and cons of a destination wedding below to help with your decision.

When reading the following pros and cons for a destination wedding you’ll see some things listed as both a pro and a con. This is because it really depends on what you’re looking for in regards to your wedding day. For example, a smaller wedding could be a pro or a con for you. If you want a wedding with as many friends or family there as possible then obviously a small wedding would be a con, and vice versa.

We recommend having a vision for your wedding day before reading further.  Trying to keep location out of it, how do you envision your big day? Are there lots of guests or is it a smaller, intimate wedding? Is climate a factor? Is your budget really small and a traditional wedding just seems way too expensive or is your budget able to handle either option?

Once you have a general vision keep that in mind when considering these pros and cons for a destination wedding to help you decide if they fall in line with what you want.

Let’s start with the pros.

Pros

Perks of an All-Inclusive Resort

From the moment you check into your resort you stop worrying about pulling your wallet out every day to pay for every drink, meal or activity. Of course you pay for the perks of being all-inclusive, but this can be a big incentive for couples. You’ve spent months paying for and budgeting the wedding of your dreams. Being able to truly enjoy the time at the resort by already having everything paid is a very relaxing feeling.

Smaller Guest List

A lot of brides know they want a small wedding, but they don’t want to offend any friends or family members by not sending them an invitation. A destination wedding is a great solution. The majority of people you invite won’t be attending, and you’ll get the smaller, more intimate wedding you’re looking for.

This usually also means that the guests that do come are the most important people in your life. Usually, at the minimum, your closest friends and immediate family will find a way to be there. Anyone else is a bonus (unless you’re trying to avoid that. 😉 ).

Wedding & Honeymoon All in One

Couples spend a lot of money on their traditional wedding. And then after that one day is over they go on a trip that cost them even more. Sometimes, if your budget is tight, couples who have a traditional wedding don’t have the honeymoon of their dreams because they spent too much on their wedding day. Or they tell themselves they’ll do it in a year and other life events come up that prevent it from ever happening.

With a destination wedding you don’t have to worry about that. You can stay as long as you’d like at your resort and expect your guests to stay around 5 days. Personally, my husband and I stayed 8 days at our resort and the day after everyone left was our favorite day of the entire trip.

Don’t get me wrong, having our friends and family celebrate with us for 5 days was amazing, but after our wedding day we were able to stay in paradise and truly relax and enjoy ourselves as newlyweds. It will forever be one of the best trips of my life.

 Potentially Save Money

Most of the time a destination wedding costs less than a traditional wedding. There are a few things to consider that may increase the cost of your wedding:

• The time of year

Late winter/early spring is usually the most expensive time to have a destination wedding. That’s when most people are looking for a vacation so the resort and flight prices are usually their highest.

• The number of guests

A lot of wedding packages say they include services for “up to 50 guests” or something similar. If you’re going to have less than what the package covers that’s great. If you think you’ll have more make sure to check with the resort on how much more they’re going to charge you for any guest over 50. This can end up making a big dent in your budget.

• The type of resort

Couples and adults only resorts will be more expensive. Resorts that allow all ages will typically be the most affordable. Keep in mind that kids friendly resorts can still have “adult only” sections if this is something that you’re looking for.

More Time Spent with your Guests

With a traditional wedding one of the things you hear the most often is how fast the day went. From the moment you wake up until the moment you and your husband go to bed it’s nonstop. Most brides feel like they didn’t get enough time with their guests or feel rushed for most of the day.

With a destination wedding you don’t have to worry about that. You have DAYS to spend with your friends and family. Yes, the wedding day itself will still mostly likely go quickly. But you’ve got the opportunity to see your guests before and after your wedding day.

This is one thing my husband and I continue to talk about 3 years later. The fact that we could spend 5 beautiful days with our closest friends and family celebrating us was something we’ll cherish forever.

Less Decision Making

If you’re like me and didn’t spend your younger years dreaming of your wedding day this can be a huge perk. A lot of decisions are made for you so you don’t have to spend time visiting countless venues, obtaining and comparing quotes from vendors, or checking dates with all of them.

With the destination wedding you’ll be deciding on the resort, menu options, and add on items like décor or music. Everything else is pretty much taken care of by your travel agent and on-site wedding coordinator.

Cons

Not Everyone Will be Able to Attend

Older guests, those with small children, or friends/family that can’t afford the trip may be examples of guests that can’t come. Our advice? Discuss with your fiancé who your must-haves are and make sure they’re able to attend before really deciding to have a destination wedding or not. If you can’t imagine your grandma being there, but the trip and travel would be too stressful for her, you may need to reconsider. If it’s just a friend that says they can’t afford to go you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it to risk them not being there.

It May Not Save You Money

Don’t get me wrong, a destination wedding can definitely be cheaper than a traditional wedding. Especially if that’s one of your main factors in planning one. If not, be very conscious of your budget and expenses.

As I mentioned above, a lot of packages only “cover” a certain number of guests so take your best guess on how many guests you think you’ll have and ask the resort what the fee is for any number over that.

If you can’t imagine your wedding date being any other time of year besides the busiest then make sure you’re aware of the potential increased flight and resort pricing.

Add on services can also add up quickly. If there are certain must-haves you want then don’t feel guilty paying for them. Just make sure you’re aware of the added cost.

More Time Off Needed

Not just for you, but all of your guests. Unfortunately, plenty of companies don’t offer a lot of PTO for their employees, especially when you’re first starting a new job. If this is the case for you and your fiancé you may be using up most or all of your PTO on your wedding trip.

PRO TIP: If this is the case, consider planning your wedding at the very end of your benefit year so you come back from your trip with a fresh set of days off for the rest of the year.

Less Control

With a destination wedding you’ll be planning most aspects of your wedding from afar. You’ll also be limited by what the resort has regarding locations for your ceremony, food choices, and photographers/videographers (unless you hire an outside vendor). Some brides like to be involved in every detail of their wedding and some are okay with limited options because it’s easier to decide between 3 or 4 possibilities versus 20.

More Communication Required

Because you won’t be able to physically meet everyone involved in planning your wedding you’ll have to settle for communicating with everyone through email and phone calls. Your travel agent should take care of your booking and big wedding accommodations, as well as all of your guest’s travel. They should also be in contact with the resort to make sure they have all the correct information and confirmations.

Your on-site wedding coordinator will be in constant contact with you in regards to planning your wedding date. They’ll confirm décor, locations, food, wedding day schedules, and much more. Try to be patient if they take a little longer than you expected to reply to any emails or phone calls. Don’t hesitate to send a reminder or follow up email in case they haven’t gotten back to you in a few days.

Those are the most common pros and cons of a destination wedding. What do you think? Did they sway you one way or another? We’re obviously a little bias to destination weddings here at Breezy Brides.

Did we miss any major pros or cons for a destination wedding that you think should be included? Comment below or contact me here!