The Truth About Destination Weddings & Guests

In light of some recent media articles regarding destination weddings and guests, in particular, we’d like to set CBS News and the Washington Post straight on the what, why, who and how destination weddings are the perfect answer for thousands and thousands of couples each year.
  
Everyone will tell you they wouldn’t miss it for the world!

It is true. When you ask guests, they will all tell you “Yes! We’ll be there!” We know everyone wants to attend, but we also know that for one reason or another, not everyone will make it. But that’s ok! When you started thinking about a destination wedding, wasn’t one of the reasons so you could create a memorable and intimate experience for your closest loved ones? Exchanging vows in a destination is the best way to trim your 300-person guest list down to 80 pretty easily and effortlessly. This is the exact reason why we recommend not sending out RSVPs. Most couples who send an RSVP to destination wedding guests end up with a lot of “false positives.” Skip the RSVP, and just assume that 30-40% of the guests you invite will actually attend. Check out our Guest List worksheet for help.
 
Not everyone can afford it.

We know that attending a destination wedding creates expenses for guests… about $1000 per person to be exact. We also know that the most important line item on the couple’s budget is the guests’ cost. Our specialists are trained to plan the entire destination wedding experience around a very realistic guest budget. We help by offering super low deposits and payment plans, too. Most couples know ahead of time if key people in their wedding party can swing it or not, and they are very sensitive to this. Many couples compromise on their dream destination and choose wedding dates and locations specifically based on guest cost. Even with all the due diligence in the world, there will still be guests that just cannot afford to make the trip. It is reality. But it doesn’t mean the wedding couple needs to cancel their destination wedding dreams. Just be sensitive to costs and time, and enjoy the experience you create for everyone in attendance.
 
We push guests a little out of their comfort zone.

Most destination wedding guests have never had the opportunity to travel outside the country to an all-inclusive resort. Some have to get a passport just for the trip. Some have to arrange child care and PTO with their jobs. Some have to move mountains in order to make it happen. But you know what? IT IS WORTH IT! We have so many guests tell us things like…

“Thank you for making this happen!”
“We are so glad we went!”
“This was the best trip we’ve ever been on!”
“We want to go back next year!”
“Worth every penny!”
“We want to do a Vow Renewal in two years. Can you help?”
 
Without a little nudging, guests wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience life outside their everyday circle. And the best part is they did it with the people they care about and made lifelong memories together. After all, isn’t life about opportunities?
 
There will be nay-sayers.
 
While we don’t agree with CBS News article that said a destination wedding is “in poor taste” (come on, really? Is it in poor taste to get married in New York when you have family in California and Texas??) we DO know that some guests will be less than thrilled at the idea of spending money and being pulled from their daily routines. This goes back to “not everyone will be able to make it. And that’s ok!” The couple knows their family and friends best. They, and only they, are the ones able to make the decision about a destination wedding. Once the decision is made, there is no looking back and no regrets. The wedding experience had by all far exceeds any doubt or hesitation.
 
It will be perfect!
 
After all the drama of who can make it and who can’t, one thing is for sure… when you’re at the resort, sitting on the edge of the pool with a cold, fruity cocktail, looking out at all the guests who traveled to be with you as you exchange vows, you will feel the love and support of ALL your family and friends, both near and far, who are there for you always. Your wedding day will forever be Your Wedding Day. It is just the beginning of your forever, and it will be perfect.
 
The experts are Romance Travel Group are here to be your advocate and cheerleader. We will support your decisions and do everything we can to make your destination wedding easy and memorable. Check our our other tips regarding destination wedding guests! Like what you see? Give us a call today to see how we can help, 507-267-4857.