Image by Photography By Jules via Sophie and Trevor’s Destination Italian Wedding
Forget eloping with only your bride. Destination weddings are just like eloping, except your closest friends and family come too. They can be as big or small as you like, but be warned – if time and money allows, most people jump at the chance to be a wedding guest in a tropical paradise, so don’t count on people declining and send invites carefully!
If the stresses of planning a wedding close to home are all too much for you and your bride, or even if a destination wedding hasn’t really crossed your mind yet, here are five reasons why you should seriously consider getting hitched away from home.
Everyone is in holiday mode
I’m a firm believer in the fact that it’s impossible to have a bad time at a wedding. Now, take that wedding to a tropical paradise like Fiji/Sri Lanka/Byron Bay/the Cook Islands/the Whitsundays/insert magical destination here and the fun just multiplies. The atmosphere is amplified, everybody is in good spirits, and it’s always more of a party than a traditional ceremony.
It’s a great chance for guests to have an excuse for a holiday, it puts you in a honeymoon location as soon as the vows are said, and with lots of overseas beach venues imposing no strict finish times, that’s one giant party to be had.
Image of Villa Botanica via Iconic Bride Photography
Quality time with loved ones
As we get older, life gets busier, and trying to organise a family holiday or a group getaway seems impossible sometimes. But people make exceptions for weddings. Give guests plenty of notice and you’ll have your closest family and friends celebrating in one magical place that isn’t the local church.
If people are rolling up a few days before the event, consider beach cricket or sunset drinks before the wedding so everyone gets a chance to know each other. There are so many pre and post wedding events that inevitably end up as family and mates coming over to your place, and believe me, recovery brunch is a million times better on a tropical island than at your own home.
Image by Chris Spira Photography via Shannon & Joss’ Bohemian Destination Wedding In Greece
Cut the guest list
Destination weddings are usually smaller than traditional weddings which means they’re a great chance to really only invite the people you only want. Work colleagues, distant cousins and your friend’s new girlfriend don’t need to come to Hawaii. The intimacy of a small wedding helps create a buzzing atmosphere and everyone there will feel special and appreciate the invitation.
Image via Jumby Bay via All-White Wedding Setting: Pristine Wedding Luxury at Jumby Bay
Reduced costs
With the average cost of an Australian wedding close to $60,000, with fewer people and a honeymoon at your doorstep, destination weddings are often cheaper than getting married at home. This isn’t guaranteed though. Calculate flights, other transport, accommodation, activities and meals throughout your stay, as these can add up quickly. Think about the cost for guests, too. Many overseas resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages, so forget the best man for a while, research is your best friend right now.
Image by Sweet Ice Cream Photography
Fewer formalities
Don’t want to wear a suit to your wedding? You don’t need to if it’s in Fiji. Don’t want to wear shoes? Forget them, too. Destination weddings are by nature more casual and relaxed, which is great for both guests and the couple. It’s all about getting from beach to bar. No black tie, no uncomfortable shoes, no generic ‘chicken or beef’ and guests will be talking about it for years to come.
Image by Sweet Ice Cream Photography
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Destination weddings get a big tick in my book; pick a romantic spot for the ceremony and then stay on to enjoy your honeymoon – bliss!
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