Destination Weddings Are on the Rise — Expert Tips for Couples and Guests Planning Nuptials Abroad (Exclusive)

The digital wedding planning platform reveals some dos and don’ts to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone

Destination weddings have become an increasingly popular choice for couples who want to bring a vacation atmosphere to their wedding.

According to digital wedding planning platform Joy, the destination wedding industry will exceed $7 billion in 2023 as the trend continues to take off.

While inviting your friends and family to a picturesque location to celebrate your love may seem like a dream scenario, destination weddings require careful planning—for both couples and their guests. Not only do you deal with all the typical wedding details, but also the additional logistics of the trip.

To make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved, Joy shares some key wedding dos and don’ts.

Stock image of a destination wedding.

Getty

For couples

Offer accommodation options

Once your wedding invitations are sent out, give your guests a list of recommended hotels and other accommodation options near the wedding venue with different price ranges to offer flexibility for all budgets. “If possible, also negotiate group rates during the booking process,” suggests Joy.

Don’t assume that everyone can afford it

When you’re compiling your guest list and sending out invitations, keep in mind that not all of your loved ones will be able to spare the time — and money — to attend your event. Between travel, hotel and food costs, destination weddings can be too much of an expense for some guests, as much as they want to be there on your big day.

“Therefore, don’t be offended by someone refusing to RSVP in this situation,” notes Joy.

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Give your guests plenty of time to plan

Just like any other trip or vacation, destination weddings require guests to research and book flights, cars, hotels and more in advance. So, Joy suggests sending your invitations as soon as possible.

Don’t leave out important location details

To make sure your guests are fully prepared for their experience, consider creating a website or guide that conveys essential information about the destination they are heading to for your wedding.

“Treat your wedding website like a mini guide and provide extensive details about the destination’s transportation options and cultural norms. Missing minimal information can leave guests confused and frustrated, affecting their entire experience at your wedding,” Joy tells PEOPLE.

Provide transportation for your guests

If you are able, arrange for transportation to take your guests between the airport and your wedding venue so they can enjoy a stress-free arrival and departure. “If they can’t provide that, guests can use Joy’s Lyft/Uber integration features,” notes Joy.

Stock image of a destination wedding.

Getty

For guests

Book accommodation early

“Insure and plan your accommodation well in advance to get the best rates and ensure availability,” advises Joy. For all guests looking for help with their travel plans, the platform offers a virtual booking assistant that can find the best deals on hotels, Airbnb accommodations and more.

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Don’t delay or ignore RSVPing

Keep in mind that the couple has put a lot of planning into their dream destination wedding and need an accurate number of people as soon as possible to make sure their event runs smoothly. “Not responding or changing plans at the last minute can cause unnecessary stress for the couple and affect their arrangements, so be sure to let them know early,” Joy tells PEOPLE.

A picture of a wedding on the beach.

Getty

Smaller gifts are fine

Don’t feel obligated to buy an extravagant gift for the wedding couple on top of your travel expenses. “While it’s still common to get a gift for the couple, they’ll understand a smaller or less expensive gift in exchange for your time and money to fly out for their big day,” says Joy.

Don’t expect the couple to cover all the expenses

Although the couple may arrange and cover certain details such as airport transportation and meals, guests should not assume that they will not have to incur incidental expenses during the trip.

“The cost of a destination wedding depends on how much couples will cover out of pocket for their guests,” the platform says, noting that couples can share that information before the wedding. “With Joy’s personalized RSVP tool, couples can be upfront with their guests about what’s covered so you can budget accordingly.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education