Are you the type of couple who thinks “the more the merrier” and wants all of your friends and family to attend your destination wedding? If so, this post is for you and could prove to be valuable insight in your having the wedding “attendance” of your dreams!
There are a lot of things to think about when planning your destination wedding. Below are 6 important things to consider:
1) Cost of Travel – One of the main things to think about is the cost of travel for your guests. This is your special day and you should get everything you desire in your wedding, but if you choose a destination where the cost of airfare is $800+ per person, your wedding attendance might not be what you had wanted.
Tip: Talk to your friends and family to get an idea of their willingness to travel to your perfect destination.
2) Style of Resort – Because there are a lot of different styles of resorts, carefully choose a resort that fits your style and your guests’. If a lot of your potential guests have children under the age of 12, it might not be a good idea to select an adult only resort.
Tip: Select a resort that caters to both adults and kids. For example, the Majestic Elegance Punta Cana offers a romantic adult only section, as well as a kid friendly section.
3) Ease of Travel – A destination wedding brings family and friends, old and young, together from all over. Choosing a destination that is less than a 6 hour flight could prove to be beneficial. A 10 hour flight to attend your wedding could cause Great Aunt Mary not to come, unless of course, that is what you are wanting.
Tip: Advise your destination wedding agent where a majority of your guests will be flying from and he/she can recommend destinations based on your feedback.
4) Give Plenty of Notice – A destination wedding not only requires planning for the couple, but also it requires a lot of planning for their guests. From school, to work, to family activities, a lot of factors come into play when a guest is deciding whether or not to attend your wedding. Give your guests plenty of notice to plan accordingly and you will be pleasantly surprised by how many guests come.
Tip: Once you select your wedding location, send out a “Save the Date” email to spread the word of your joyous occasion. Even if you plan on mailing a “Save the Date” card, an email can give your guests a head start in their planning arrangements.
5) Choose the Right Time of Year – Choosing the right time of year can play a huge role in attendance. While a December holiday wedding in the Caribbean might seem ideal (escape the cold, people have off work), this is one of the most expensive times of the year to travel. Your destination wedding specialist can advise you on the best times of year to visit your ideal locations.
Tip: Avoid having your wedding during holidays, spring break, beginning or end of school year.
6) Weekend Wedding Date – A weekend wedding is ideal for guests, as they typically only have to miss 1 day of work, if any. As destination weddings become more and more popular, weekend wedding dates fill up quickly. Some resorts only allow a single wedding per day, which makes it even harder to secure your ideal Saturday wedding at sunset.
Tip: Give your destination wedding agent a window of possible wedding dates, so he/she can provide you with multiple available options.
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