02 Feb Destination Weddings-Who To Invite, Who Pays For What…
Destination Wedding Etiquette Tips You Need to Know
Planning a destination wedding is a great way to wrap a vacation, your big day, and a honeymoon all in one. What’s better is that your closest friends and dearest family members get to come along for the momentous occasion. The trick, however, is understanding a few road rules that can keep you out of hot water with said friends and family members.
Here are a few common etiquette issues that come up about destination weddings and tips on how to handle them:
Who to Invite?
Regarding the guest list, a destination wedding is much like any other wedding. You get to call all the shots on whom to invite. If you want to keep your ceremony small and intimate, do so. If you’d prefer a more elaborate affair with hundreds of guests in an exotic location, by all means, go for it.
Just remember as you plan to make sure others know your intentions. This can help spare feelings later if someone who isn’t invited knows up front you’re only asking immediate family, the best man and maid of honor, for example, to attend.
Who Pays For What?
Just like any other ceremony, guests are expected to pay for their transportation and lodging for the duration of their stay. While you’ll be expected to pay for the reception and perhaps a rehearsal dinner or greeting party, your guests can be expected to cover the cost of their travel. However, it’s not uncommon for the bride & groom to cover the cost of upgraded rooms or transfers for special guests.
Who Keeps Them Busy?
Destination weddings are often multiday affairs that involve guests trickling into the location over the course of several days. With this in mind, brides and grooms often fret over their duties of playing party hosts.
The biggest question that pops up here is how responsible are brides and grooms for their guests’ pre- and post-wedding entertainment. The answer to that one is also simple: It’s entirely up to you!
If you want to plan out activities for a full week of pre-wedding fun, go for it. If you don’t, there’s no need. Just ask the guests to arrive in time for the big day. If they choose to come early, they can explore your chosen destination at their leisure and take in what they want to.
Destination wedding etiquette isn’t as tricky as some couples fear. Just plan, let guests know the score in advance, and have fun. Remember, it’s your day!
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