Pros and Cons of Destination Weddings

Beautiful beaches, palm trees and the shinning sun. Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, Switzerland; the choise is yours. Regardless of your destination, travelling for your wedding can be a unique and amazing experience.

Photo Credit: Kristen Kinsey

Pros
1. Small Wedding 
Due to the distance and expenses that come with travelling, it will most likely be just close friends and family that will attend your wedding. This helps to keep the costs down and allow you to splurge in other areas, such as resort location or decor.

2. Beautiful Location
It doesn't matter where you grew up or what city you live in. A destination wedding allows you to choose a beautiful location to get married in. Whatever country you have been dying to visit or think is the most beautiful in the world, you can use your wedding as an excuse to visit. There is no doubt that your wedding pictures will turn out absolutely stunning.

3. Wedding and Honeymoon All in One
You can package your wedding so that you can stay for your honeymoon at the same resort you get married at. This can help save money, as some resorts may give you a discount on your honeymoon package for having your wedding there. You also get to start your honeymoon as soon as you say "I do," no further travelling required.

Photo Credit: Kristen Kinsey

Cons
1. Not Everyone Can Attend
Although it is nice that mostly close friends and family will be attending, some individuals who are close to you may not be able to attend. Whether it is the cost of the trip, or they cannot travel, you may end up without someone important there to share your special day.

2. Guests May Prolong Their Stay
If your guests decide they want to stay and have a little vacation of their own, you may not get to have much of a honeymoon. Instead of having alone time, they may want to spend time visiting with you. It can kill the romantic mood if your parents decide to stay for an extra week, especially if they have a room right down the hall.

3. Negative Opinions
There are some people out there who just hate destination weddings. They also may feel the need to share these negative feelings with you. It is important to keep in mind that you may not get the support you are looking for when you tell your loved ones you are travelling abroad for your wedding. Just keep in mind that it is your special time and don't let them ruin that.


Other Considerations
No matter what you choose, you need to do your research. Even destination weddings need planning, so don't just choose a resort and leave it up to them. Make sure you take the time and effort to research everything from hotel policies to the local laws to ensure your wedding goes smoothly.

For more traveling tips, check out the blog It's A WANDERful World