The Reality of Destination Weddings – Is it Right For You?

I was talking to my sister the other day and she was telling me a story about some friends of hers.

They were having a destination wedding in Italy that coming weekend. And right from the start, things had gone awry.

First, their flight was delayed. Which of course made it stressful to make their connecting flight.

They made it, but then realized the groom’s wallet is missing.

Luckily they find the wallet.

But when they land, all their luggage is missing. EVERYTHING is missing.

So, the bride is understandably stressed out, freaking out and crying.

Not fun.

And I feel bad for her and for all the stress she’s feeling.

But, here’s the reality of destination weddings…

They come with risk.

They always do.

No matter where you’re getting married, destination weddings inherently come with risk.

Because first of all, you’re traveling which has its own risk involved. Just look at this couple!

You know what can happen when you travel. Flights get delayed, luggage gets lost, you get stuck in customs, etc… There is so much that can happen when you travel.

And it’s crazy stressful!

But, that’s just getting to the destination. Don’t forget about the events for your destination wedding.

And there are so many things that can go astray with your events. Because you may have never met your vendors. Or you may have never seen certain things in person.

Perhaps your florist brings the wrong flowers. Or your DJ ends up showing up late and plays the wrong song. Or your hotel never gets your package with all your wedding decor.

Destination weddings come with risk.

Which is why it’s so important to know that before you decide to have one.

Because destination weddings aren’t for everyone.

If you’re going to have a destination wedding you have to be easy going and able to adapt to unexpected changes. Because as we’ve just stated, things can go awry.

Something always goes awry at a wedding, but it’s even more common with destination weddings.

Because there are additional factors at play like travel, a different custom and/or language, and just the pure distance and not being able to see and do everything in person.

You have to be able to give up a good amount of control with destination weddings. Because there are many aspects you will not be able to nit pick over.

You have to be able to go with the flow. To roll with what comes and have a good time no matter what happens.

Because if/when something does happen, you have to be able to handle it.

Destination weddings are not for the faint of heart or for the Type A control freak.

So, before you decide to have a destination wedding, you need to first assess who you are. And who your partner is.

Are you the type of people who can roll with anything? Or does a flight delay give you major anxiety?

Do you have to see or experience something before you pick it? Or are you ok communicating via email and leaving it in your vendor’s hands?

Will you freak out if things aren’t exactly what you imagined? Or will it not ruin your wedding day?

Think about how you are and how you operate and if you’re made (or not made) for a destination wedding.

If you are, having a destination wedding can be a great experience.

But, if you aren’t, I’d highly suggest you stick to a hometown wedding. You’ll be much happier during the planning process and with how your wedding comes out.

So, now you know the reality of having a destination wedding.

Are you in? Contact us today and we’ll help make the process and the wedding day as smooth and easy as possible.