Destination Wedding Protocol

A tropical destination wedding works for some couples.

A destination wedding allows the bride and groom to enjoy their wedding and honeymoon all in one. However, this type of wedding also requires guests to travel and incur additional expenses. So, couples planning a destination wedding need to make several considerations to ensure that this type of wedding is right for them. Be prepared for a smaller guest list and more "no" RSVPs. But for the couple looking for an exotic, intimate ceremony and reception, a destination wedding is just right.

Select Guests

Before the bride and groom finalize their destination wedding plans, they need to create a realistic guest list. Keep in mind that only close family members, bridal party attendants and close friends are likely to attend. Choose a venue that works for your guest list. The Knot suggests looking at a number of event facilities at your destination and choosing one that accommodates your wedding vision and the number of guests you expect to attend.

Plan the Event Early

Destination weddings have a number of considerations that more traditional weddings do not. This is particularly true if you plan to marry outside of your home country. Start planning your destination wedding right away to ensure that guests can attend and you can meet another country's marriage requirements. In some countries, you need to establish residency and get documents translated before you can legally marry, and this can take several months, according to The Knot.

Give Guests Information

Send out save the date cards at least six months before your wedding. Provide guests with information about the event so they can plan to attend. In addition to including the date and destination on the save the date card, give guests the hotel name and information about any group rates, as suggested by Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine.Provide information on flights, rental cars and local dining and activities. The more informed your guests are, the more likely they will be to attend.

Determine Who Pays

Unless the bride and groom have an unusually high wedding budget, they can ask guests to pay their own way. The Knot suggests choosing an all-inclusive resort to ease the strain on guests' budgets. However, the couple should budget enough money to pay for their bridal party's housing, according to Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine. Though the couple does not have to pay for any local activities for guests, they should cover the cost of the rehearsal dinner and all wedding day festivities. Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine suggests that the couple tell guests what expenses they will cover so guests know what the trip will cost them. Another way to reduce expenses is to tell guests that they do not have to give you a wedding gift and that their presence is gift enough.

Choose an Appropriate Bridal Party

Since destination weddings are generally smaller, the bridal party should also be small. Your bridal party should not outnumber your guests. Keep in mind that your bridal party will incur additional expenses, like the cost of the bridesmaid dress or tuxedo rental. Choose your bridal party members carefully, and do not be offended if someone cannot accept your offer because the cost is too high.

References

• The Knot: Destination Weddings: Getting Started
• Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Magazine: Eight Etiquette Tips and Advice for Destination Weddings