Guest paying for Destination Wedding

This really depends on your guests, but I’d be prepared for a lot of declines if you think it’s expensive for guests.

I just went to a destination wedding a few months ago. It was expensive to travel, but we wouldn't have missed it, because we are very close to the couple. I think it's fine to have the wedding you want and let your guests decide if they want to spend the money. Just understand that many people may not be able to come.

We are having a small DW (30 total with us) in Hawaii which is incredibly expensive. We’re not having a bridal party so that is helping some of our guests keep the costs down.

Honestly, I don’t expect everyone to be able to make it and am understanding about the expense. I think as long as you’re understanding about it and know that not everyone will attend, you shouldn’t feel badly. The wedding is really for you and your spouse.

If you’re ok with a small wedding then go for it! You should make sure to pamper your guests that do come, though. Welcome bags are a nice touch. For the guests that can’t make it, you could do something nice for them. Hurt feelings are bound to happen so do what you can to soften the blow.

We got so much backlash for our destination wedding that we had to drop the idea. It really depends on your guests.

Destination weddings could be really cool for people who want a vacation or are close to the couple! However I wouldn't go just for anyone though, you'd have to be really close to me if I'm going to spend that on you. So definitely be prepared for a small wedding but it would be so fun since its destination

If I was super close to the couple, I would try my hardest to be there! You'll probably have a smaller wedding, but that can make your wedding more memorable!

My brother in law got married in Aruba...we had to foot the entire cost. Flights and room and it was VERY expensive. Created a lot of fights and drama.

FH and I went to his cousin's DW in Cancun at an all-inclusive resort. It was definitely very expensive. but totally worth it. We got to celebrate their wedding, spend time with family, and we have a fantastic vacation in Cancun (we stayed for 4 days). It was great!

Just be prepared for it to be on the smaller side, as some people can't swing that.

Check with your VIP's. As long as the people who are most important to you can be there then you should go for it. I am actually traveling for a wedding next week and I'm a little annoyed because it's expensive and not a location that I would have chosen to spend my vacation but I love the bride dearly so I am making it happen.

It would be nice to be invited but 99% likely to be declined from us.
It's a big ask for guests to take off work and spend a lot of money and travel that far. Usually they are not weekend getaway weddings so the declines are high. Also unaffordable to many. BM's complain about $200 dresses.....

If you look at flights on Hopper and suggest Air b n b that is always cheaper,

I agree. Check with your VIPs. I'd have loved to have a destination wedding, but I didn't even look into it because I knew some super important people wouldn't make it.

Sometimes you have to pick between a location and who you want to come. If you don't care if tons of ppl decline, then continue with your plans. If you want people to be able to attend, you may need to rethink the destination part. Either is fine, but you'll have to decide which is more important to you.

I had a DW. All of VIP guests were totally down. Out of the 100 we invited, 80 attended. It's def a know your crowd thing.

How about securing an Air B&B that will hold groups instead of individual rooms?

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So true! I'm expecting 10 guests - that's it, that's all.

I'm having a DW and 62-72 of my guest are attending. I cannot wait!!!

Definitely know your crowd. It might be ok to have a very small DW and then a local reception, if you want to consider that option.

As a guest, I’ve attend about 3 DWs and skipped about 3-4 due to costs. Unless a sibling, parent or BFF they’re just too expensive. Unless it was a vacation my hubby & I really wanted to take, I’d definitely skip a wedding outside the continental US—way too expensive.