Destination wedding versus local wedding??

I guess it depends on what kind of wedding you want and how big. I just did a destination wedding in Florida and live in Maryland. I personally think it was harder because you can’t be there to do all of the things that need to be done and have to rely on someone else. I didn’t know any of the vendors in the area so I had to rely on reviews and wedding wire to help rather than friends and family if I had planned locally. Also getting everything to the venue was something I hadn’t thought about early on. Just think through it all and go with your gut and I’m sure it will turn out great.

I personally am not a fan of destination weddings, unless you plan to elope or only invite a handful of people that are financially able to attend (like maybe your parents). I just think destination weddings are a lot to ask of guests, because they have to take time off work, spend a lot of money on travel and accommodations...and I just really don't like my vacations being decided for me. That is just my personal feelings on the matter though. It is your wedding, and you should do what makes you happy. What kind of wedding are you wanting? Big or Small?

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I agree with this. Also, I think one of the worst reasons to have destination wedding, but still a significant guest list, is because the couple feels it will "save them money." In reality, in many cases it just shifts a large portion of the expense onto the guests. As Danielle mentioned, I think it's a lot to ask guests to travel significantly, unnecessarily, for a wedding. (I get it if you live away from families and friends and/or guests are scattered widely, that's different; although, if the large majority are in one location I'd hold the wedding there, if at all possible, to reduce the number of people who have to travel.)

I've never planned a DW, but if you're feeling overwhelmed by local options, based on what I've read/heard, I think planning a DW is probably even more overwhelming unless you're just going to elope.

I had a destination wedding 3 months ago. There’s still some stress and lots of planning. You’re not only planning a wedding but an huge vacation for a lot of people of different age and different styles. Now I wouldn’t have it any other way. I had the most amazing experience with a destination wedding. I got to enjoy my guest all weekend long and cater to each one of them.
Keep in mind that not everyone would attend the wedding because of cost. My best advice is choose a large hotel with variety for all, kids, adults and seniors. Make sure it has enough space for everyone to do their own thing, a large variety of food and restaurant. An all inclusive is your best option. Last make sure all details are clear on your website. This is important because people are going to have tons of questions. And make sure you give them at least a year in advance for preparations.

View Quoted Comment Thanks. Definitely something's to think about here.

I am having a local wedding and it's nice because a lot of people i want to come can come compared to if it was destination. the pro of a destination wedding is the experience. it sounds like it would be awesome to go since it is like another trip. but i would imagine there's things that go beyond your control moreso with a destination wedding

We had a DW (15 guests) and then a local reception (50). We did both because a DW was too much time & money to ask of our friends. Even for our DW of mostly family, we asked everyone if they could/would attend before we booked our date/venue.

If you chose a DW, please do NOT choose a venue/location that gives you a cheap or free wedding but requires your guests to pay $300-$500+ per night to stay at their hotel. It’s crazy rude to make your guests subsidize your wedding. If guests must fly, estimate all their travel costs first—I’ve declined several DWs because I was not going to pay $1K+ to attend a wedding. Even if in a beautiful location, that’s not a true vacation for a guest.

My FH and I decided to do a destination wedding in Louisiana (we live in Florida). One of the reasons we did is we wanted to get married under big oak trees and we couldn't find any venues here that did. Also, it is saving us a ton of money (around $10,000). His family lives in Rhode Island, so they would have to travel either way so they didn't care. My family and friends are super excited to make a vacation out of it (everyone is excited to go to New Orleans) so it is working out for us. Also, someone in FH family works for Hilton so we are getting a crazy good deal for our guests on hotel rooms.

We had a destination wedding at an all inclusive in Mexico and i would tell any and all of my friends to DO IT. Such little stress (virtually none after we chose a resort) and i got to enjoy every last minute of it.


The trade off? We didn’t have a bridal shower or registry. We chose not to have a bridal party. We kept the guest list small, 15 people


People who want to be there will be there. We just chose to have a DW because it’s more ‘us’

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Hi Nakia! Have you and your FS given more throught to having a destination wedding? How do you think you will proceed with your planning?