Beech Tree News Network

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my first destination wedding. The destination happened to be a beach location, and we were blessed with pleasant summer-like weather. Although we traveled a day to get there and a day back, it was not only a beautiful wedding but also a memorable mini-vacation.

Destination weddings may mean different things to different people. A destination wedding may be defined as when an engaged couple travels away from home for the wedding ceremony, and it may or may not include guests. A destination wedding has also been defined as marrying at least 100 miles from where the bride currently lives. In simple terms, the couple marries at some location (destination) at a distance from their homes.

As with any wedding, destination weddings require planning. Susan Moynihan wrote an article entitled “10 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding” (2011, http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/articles/10-reasons-to-have-a-desti...). The author explained that although more than 2 million American couples marry annually, fewer than 20 percent of them have destination weddings. She listed ten reasons for a destination wedding, including: the ease of a destination wedding, the décor savings, and quality time with loved ones. Another article, “Wedding Guest Relations 101”, by Lisa Milbrand (2008, http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/article/Guest-Relations-101) provided ways to make a destination wedding more comfortable for guests. Milbrand said, “Give plenty of notice.”
As soon as a couple chooses a location and date, they should notify their anticipated guests. She explained that “It's especially important to give people a lot of lead time (up to a year in advance) if you're celebrating at a very expensive or far-flung location that requires a big outlay of time or money.” Finally, Mary Bartolucci pointed out that the couple – as hosts – should provide guests with accurate information regarding travel, accommodations, weather, dress, etc. (2015, http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/four-steps-improve-your-destination...).

As with any choice, both positives and negatives might be listed for destination weddings. I asked friends and family whether they had ever attended a destination wedding and if so, what they liked and/or disliked about it. The responses of those who have attended one are listed below:
•    Yes. Ten years ago, my son was married in Hawaii. I liked it – it was beautiful and different. In a way, I missed the traditional wedding because of the friends and family who could not attend. But it was what they wanted and not about anyone else. Couple’s choice!
•    Yes. It was beautiful, but I didn’t care for the drive.
•    Yes. My cousin got married in Gulf Shores, and I loved it because we were there for three days and the wedding was on the beach!
•    I’ve never attended one. However, my daughter’s wedding was 150 miles away, and it was difficult logistically.
•    Yes, two actually! I loved them! The best part is that you can actually sneak a vacation in around the main event! Also, it seems more romantic in one way. I’m definitely doing that for my next wedding…which, of course, will just be a vow renewal.
•    My niece was married at Disney World. It was truly magical. The family who attended the wedding got to spend time together at Disney, and everything was truly perfect. I think the destination wedding turns the wedding into more than a one-day event so it’s more memorable. I know it takes a lot of planning, but we enjoyed every second!
•    (From a destination-wedding bride) Loved it! I love it because it’s like a two-for-one: a vacation plus a wedding. The major cons would be that it’s expensive for guests and for the bride and groom. But I loved it and wouldn’t change a thing! Pros: beautiful scenery, fun, exciting, and usually a more intimate wedding with close friends and family. Cons: expensive and inconvenient.
•    I liked the destination but it wasn’t a real vacation with the entire family there.
•    I disliked having to travel to get there, but it was the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen!
•    I liked the beautiful scenery and the fact that the entire family got to get together longer than usual. I disliked the one I went to because it was outdoors and really hot. So, if it’s an outside wedding, the weather could be unpredictable. But, it was a fun time overall!
•    It doesn’t matter how many lists you make, you’re going to forget something. We also stayed in a large cabin with people we hardly knew. It might have been easier and more comfortable here.
•    I attended my niece’s wedding at Gulf Shores and loved it! Getting to be with my family on the beach was awesome!
•    I just attended my first and loved it! It was a little difficult packing – I was afraid I would forget something important or need a steamer at the last minute. But, it was beautiful! The weather was perfect, and we got to be with family at the beach. Most importantly, the couple was happy and had the wedding they wanted.

If my first experience with a destination wedding is an indicator, destination weddings are great options. The wedding was on a private beach in the late afternoon on a gorgeous day. We also had a few days of lazy beach time as a family – a memorable bonus! But as my friend said, it’s the couple’s choice.