Getting involved in the destination wedding planning process
For many parents, hearing that their son or daughter is planning a destination wedding can evoke mixed emotions. Some automatically assume that this means a hands-off affair that they are mostly expected to show up to (and maybe pay for), but not participate in. It’s important to remember that just because a couple is planning a destination wedding, it doesn’t mean they won’t need or want opinions on everything from dress selections to welcome bags and ceremony locations. If you want to be involved, speak up. Likely, the couple will gladly welcome your help and will really appreciate your support as they plan a wedding away from home.
Contributing to the cost of a destination wedding
For any wedding, couples should discuss budgets and wishes with their parents – before deciding on a location and venue – if the parents are planning to contribute. For some couples and their parents, a set amount is put aside to help contribute to the cost of a destination wedding, to be used at the couples’ discretion. This option allows for some flexibility for the couple to decide what’s most important for them to spend on. Still, some parents want to be more actively involved in the planning and contribute to costs as they come up. Either way, it’s important to maintain an open dialogue from the start of planning to ensure that expectations line up with budgets.
Answering questions from guests
It’s a familiar scenario for many destination wedding parents. Sometimes, the couple decides to invite fewer guests than you think they should, and you are left to explain their (subjectively) shorter guest list to relatives and close friends. Our advice for navigating this situation? Don’t try to justify the guest list or put yourself in an intermediary position on the couple’s behalf. Rather, explain that the couple wished to keep the wedding small and are grateful for the well-wishes. If there is a reception upon returning home, mention the additional celebration to extended friends and family.