Destination weddings are romantic but require proper etiquette. Give guests at least a year’s notice, provide travel information, and let guests know gifts aren’t necessary. The wedding party organizes the wedding, but guests make their own plans for food and entertainment. A reception at home can be an alternative for guests who can’t afford to travel. Small parting gifts are traditional.
A destination wedding is a romantic and exotic version of a wedding where the bridal party and guests travel to a far-flung location for the ceremony and reception. Often a great way to combine a vacation or honeymoon with a wedding, there are still some major concerns about destination wedding etiquette. Remember that travel is expensive and may take some time to organize; be sure to take guests’ needs into consideration when thinking about etiquette for destination weddings.
Destination wedding etiquette begins with an extended time frame; it is impolite to give guests a month’s notice that they have to fly to Tahiti. Try to give people at least a year’s notice by using “save the date” invitations, possibly followed by a formal invitation. If the wedding is at a hotel or resort, contact the managers to see if a block of rooms can be reserved for a period of time to allow for wedding guest reservations. Send guests information about the hotel or nearby accommodations, airlines serving the area, and transportation information.
Generally, destination wedding etiquette suggests that guests pay for their own travel expenses. If it’s a small wedding with only the family attending, the wedding planning family may choose to reserve rooms or rent accommodations that accommodate everyone. Because destination weddings are expensive to attend, it might be helpful to let guests know that gifts aren’t necessary. If a person is spending a significant amount of money to attend a wedding, her presence really should be gift enough.
In terms of activities, the wedding party is generally required to organize the wedding and reception, with a possible rehearsal dinner or party the morning after. Other than that, guests should make their own plans in terms of food and entertainment. Some wedding parties will also offer additional travel, parties or events, but these are entirely optional.
One way to handle destination wedding etiquette in a situation where many guests can’t afford to fly or travel for the wedding is to have a reception at home. This allows for the wedding to be a small, intimate affair while still allowing the majority of friends and family to join in the celebration. The reception is usually held upon returning from the honeymoon.
Traditional destination wedding etiquette suggests that guests are given small parting gifts after the destination reception that serve as thanks for their willingness to come so far for the wedding. These can be personalized keepsakes or local gifts from the destination. If a destination wedding is followed by a home reception, simple wedding favors will suffice.
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