Destination Wedding?

If you do a destination wedding, your guest list will definitely be smaller than it could be at a more local place. Definitely consider that not everyone can afford to go to a destination wedding, so make sure all of the people you know you want there can afford it, or be ready to pay for them if you want them there and they can't afford it. My fiance's brother had a destination wedding (I didn't go because of the cost) and everything sounded nice, but the videographer that came with the package made the wedding more of a production rather than natural, so you may want to fly out your own videographer if you want one. Destination weddings are gorgeous, but just be sure to consider everything that goes into having one.

I had a DW on the beach in Florida and like the PP said you need to consider lot’s of things. It’s definitely harder to plan unless you are going there personally to check everything out. You also need to think about how you are getting things there is as dress, suit and DIY things, gifts for your bridal party, etc. the biggest thing is whether or not people can afford to come. We originally planned to get married on Turks and Caicos but decided not to because we didn’t think many people would come. With our FL wedding we had 55 out of 60 come. Good luck.

I’ve seen a few gorgeous DW photos here from brides who had amazing experiences so I hope they’ll see your post.


Please be aware of a tactic by some destination resorts... they’ll offer YOU a free (or heavily discounted) wedding as long as your guests stay in their very expensive hotel. Not only is this completely rude to shift your wedding costs to guests, but your RSVPs will be lower and then you’ll be on the hook for paying a lot extra if you don’t meet your resort’s guest quota.
Also know that because guests have to pay so much to attend a DW, extra hosting is typically done. I’ve gone to DWs where the couple paid for one hotel night and breakfast. I’ve been to a few DWs where a great welcome dinner was provided the night before. For our DW (in the same state so was a cheap flight or 8-hour drive for most guests), my family hosted a welcome dinner and I negotiated a great deal on rooms at our resort and researched cheaper options for guests.

View Quoted Comment Hi Amber,


Thanks for sharing! We’re looking for a small intimate ceremony and reception, approximately 25-30 guests.

View Quoted Comment That should work out nicely then! I'm sure it will be beautiful

Oh my days whereabouts? We’ve booked Negril as well in the RIU but we’re eloping and doing the reception after.

View Quoted Comment Hi Cindy,


Did you travel by a car or did you fly to FL? Did you have any trouble transporting your dress?

View Quoted Comment Great feedback! I think a welcome dinner would be nice and maybe some small trinkets. 😀
Thank you

View Quoted Comment A welcome dinner would be much appreciated (even if just beer & pizza or a taco bar)! Gives guests a chance to meet each other before your wedding too. As a guest, I thought small DWs were the most fun & intimate.


A welcome bag with two bottles of water, piece of fruit and a packet of nuts or pretzels would be nice. Something practical. A local treat (cookie, rum balls, whatever the local snacks are) would be extra special.

View Quoted Comment We drive and we had two full SUV’s full of things to take.

View Quoted Comment Such great ideas 😀! Thank you. I’ll for sure be having something to welcome the guests.

View Quoted Comment You’re welcome. I’m so excited for you!!!