Attending a destination wedding
Congratulations, you’ve been invited to a destination wedding! Not only does this mean you can look forward to the built-in vacation you’re about to have, but you can also rest assured that you’re among the couple’s nearest and dearest. So what do you need to know when deciding to attend? Most guests are concerned with the cost of attending and making sure they get the best value on airfare and travel. Though there isn’t a standard cost for guests, it is helpful to know the location, resort and time of year for the wedding from the couple. A trip to a European castle in the summer is likely going to be pricier than an off-season beach wedding in the Bahamas, which can help you plan accordingly. In our experience, the best way to budget for a destination wedding is to have the couple book early and offer ample notice to their guests. This way, they can lock in the best group airfare and hotel room rates.
What to wear to a destination wedding
We recommend that guests use their invitation as a starting point to help decode appropriate destination wedding attire. If the couple has specified a preference for black tie, cocktail, “festive” or beach attire, here are some helpful hints for appropriate options. If the invitation does not specify, consider the location and weather. A mid-day, barefoot beach wedding will call for more casual (and breathable) outfit choices, while you may want dressier attire for an evening or church wedding.
Being in the wedding party
If you’re in the wedding party for a destination wedding, your responsibilities will, in many ways, be similar to that of a traditional wedding, ranging from planning a bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette parties to giving speeches at the wedding reception. Still, many couples opt for less traditional roles for their wedding party at a destination wedding, so it’s a good idea to consult with the couple on their wishes. Another consideration for the wedding party is the cost of attending. While some couples do opt to help cover the cost of their wedding party’s expenses, it’s not mandatory, so attendants should make sure they will be able to afford paying their way to the wedding destination. A great way to offset the cost is to host the bachelor and/or bachelorette parties closer to home, so you’re not paying to travel twice.