Destination Wedding- etiquette/tips/is it worth it?

I'm debating this idea of a destination wedding as well because as I try to start planning a wedding this is more of a stress and pain in the ass than it is something to be happy and excited about. I heard a destination wedding is the way to ago

I'm planning a DW, so I'll try to help

I'm having engagement photos taken next month and will send out STDs in May (~1 year before the wedding). STDs will include pretty standard info with a link to my wedding website that has tons of info about the wedding, including resort info, group room prices, and travel agent contact info. I'm hoping that people will check out the website to get an idea of the costs and start thinking about saving to attend.

For me: 1. 1 year notice 2. My STD included our DW location, wedding website, and a little accommodation card for an FYI on hotel

Just make sure that you talk to your VIPs before you make big decisions. Like if your parents or FHs parents won't be able to go would that affect you doing it?

Also understand that you will get lots of guests who will tell you that they will go but when the time comes expect less

I am stressing with my DW but not getting any help with lots of changes going on everyday. But getting a planner to help you with everything.

First and foremost, you need to check with your VIPs to see if they can afford to go where you want to have it and what dates are best for them. Don't do anything until you do this.

As for save the dates, depending on location, I would send them 8-12 months prior to a destination wedding to give people time to save. Just remember that every person who gets a save the date must also receive an invitation when the time comes. You can't go back on your guest list once you send a save the date.

Finally, you don't get to be mad when people can't make it or back out after telling you they'd go. That's the price of having a DW. A lot of people won't be able to be there with you, even if they want to. Don't ever believe a person who tells you "if they really cared, they'd come." That's absolute hogwash.

I'm having a DW and truthfully it has been stressful because of guests opinions. Even though we're totally fine if people can't come, people have lots of opinions. I think that's been the most complicated part. It's tough navigating tough and awkward conversations. Just the other day, we had one family member asking why we're not trying to convince another family member to come (who can't afford it). She decided to say this in front of 10 people. It also makes me feel guilty when people say what they're giving up to come travel to the wedding. Like we had one family member say in passing that they weren't going to have their yearly party so they could come. Yes, that's their choice because we are fine if they don't come, but a piece of me does feel bad.

Also even if your vips say they can come, be prepared that they can't. People get laid off, get pregnant, etc so things change. You truly have to be ok if people don't come.

We sent out std about 11 months before

Have a DW because you want the scenery/non traditional aspect. Not to save money

Also, don't pick a place with Zika for the sake of your guests (unless your older and no one coming is of child bearing age)

The more time the better. I'd prefer a year. My FSIL sprung a destination wedding on us after we had set our wedding date. Her wedding was less than two months before ours. She also was very adamant that everyone attend. It put a real financial strain on the whole family and she wasn't the least bit apologetic. So my main piece of advice is to be as considerate to your guests as possible.

We gave everyone a year's notice. We sent out the link for our website. The website has all of the info for the resort, room rate, travel agent info and some info about the surrounding area.

I would recommend working with a travel agent or wedding coordinator. It's the best decision we've made so far. I'm not sure where you are looking but a lot of all inclusive resorts have a coordinator on staff.

We are having a DW. We sent out our STD last June. The hardest part about planning a DW was finding the right vendors. There is a 3 hour time difference between myself and all my vendors as well, so it was really hard to get in touch with them. I went to working part-time just so we could finish planning our wedding. ( I know that's not practical for everyone) Do your research though. Especially on the venue and the photographer. I googled reviews on all the places i wanted to book. Once you pick your venue though you can ask them fro recommendations for vendors as well. Mine wasn't so helpful though. The baker actually helped the most. If you get the chance go and visit your venue and do all the tastings before the wedding. I went last August to make sure I liked all the choices I had made! Most of all relax! In the end everything will work out.

I agree with being prepared for guests' opinions on how things should go and such. That's what has put a lot of strain on me and FH.

We just got back from our dw!!! First let me say it was absolutely fabulous!!! Exactly what we wanted. We were married on a beach in a place we absolutely love!!!

Now here's some of the issues we faced:

*know that about half the people you invite will say yes but won't come. So let people know as soon as possible and make sure you are ok with people not coming. We invited 42 and 27 came.

* make sure to get a wedding planner or all inclusive place. We went with a wedding planner. They had florist, photographers and dj services. They also recommended an incredible reception venue.

* know to that there is a chance, and depending on where you want to go, a very good chance you won't be able to taste good or actually see the venues. It takes an incredible amount of trust in people you really don't know. Trust the reviews that people leave for that company. We have found them to be accurate!

* it is also hard to bring everything you want down. We drove down so it was easier but we had to pack creatively and knew we were going to buy somethings down there rather than bringing it down.

I wouldn't trade our dw for anything. It truly was worth it. Was it a lot of stress... some yes. But definitely worth it. (A hurricane hit our venue and destroyed it. We found out 3 weeks prior to our wedding it was finally fixed).