10 Great Reasons to have a Destination Wedding
Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular but why? There are pros and cons to everything, but marriage is all about believing that the pros outweigh the cons, right?
At Hola Weddings, we understand the power of love and intimacy, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top ten great reasons to have a destination wedding. From saving money on travel expenses to creating an unforgettable experience for all guests, these reasons will make your dream wedding come true.
Let’s explore some of the incredible advantages of having a destination wedding. You won’t regret it!
Here are Hola Weddings’ top 10 reasons to have a destination wedding.
Destination Wedding Photography
The backdrop is definitely set for stunning pictures. Of course, you will look fabulous that day, but the sunset lighting and the tropical beach in the background can’t hurt, right?
Whether it is shades of turquoise, blue, and green with ocean views, white sandy beaches, or tropical flowers and foliage, there are so many accessible opportunities for incredible pictures. Plus, it gives them an opportunity to bring home memories that will last a lifetime.
According to talented photographers in the area, destination wedding photography allows couples to capture all the beautiful moments from their special day, from the stunning scenery of their chosen location to intimate shots of the wedding couple.
Trash the dress sessions are all the rage with the opportunity to live this once-in-a-lifetime experience and come out with original photos.
Great Weather
3 words. Year-round summer. (Wait, does that count as 2 words?)
Depending on the destination you choose for your destination wedding, chances are the days of sunshine and warm weather far outweigh the gloomy ones.
You will need to consider the rainy season and hurricane season but overall, if you enjoy the summer weather and want a fabulous chance at getting it, having a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean is a great choice.
Quality Time With Your Guests
When you have a destination wedding, there’s no better way to enjoy quality time with your guests than in an intimate setting. This is really a chance for the families to get together and bond. Instead of one short night, destination weddings give you the chance to spend time with your loved ones in a relaxed vacation mode.
Your families can get to know each other on neutral ground. Fun events like a group catamaran outing or an adventure help solidify the relationships for the future. It’s a great way to cultivate meaningful relationships!
For the happy couple, this is also a chance to spend more time with your guests. With most guests flying into your chosen destination for at least 3 nights, you have the opportunity to create more memories together than a few fleeting minutes at a local wedding.
Destination Wedding Cost
Destination weddings can be (wayyyyyy) less expensive. It might seem like a pricey endeavor, but with careful planning and budgeting, you can significantly cut down wedding costs making your wedding fairly affordable.
There are turn-key solutions for destination weddings in all-inclusive hotels where all the basics are covered and many offer great packages that include discounted rates rooms, upgrades or SPA discounts so guests can enjoy an extra special experience while they’re there.
Whether you want just a simple beach ceremony or a more elaborate event with a cocktail hour and private reception, if planned strategically and thoughtfully, the cost will be significantly less than if you host the event at home.
RELATED: Top 5 destination wedding costs to consider when planning a destination wedding.
Have Your Wedding Your Way
Want a barefoot wedding? Have a relaxed dress code or color theme you want to stick to? Want to dance down the aisle to whatever the hell song you want? Want the day to be about you and your soulmate and not about stuffy details?
YES! GO FOR IT!
One of the major perks of having a destination wedding is the relaxed vibe that comes along with it. The traditional items or choices that would be expected at home are less so when in beach mode.
Unless you want it, You don’t need a very formal dress code (unless you want it). You can skip a lot of pricey decor as the scenery is already gorgeous. You get to hang with your besties on a wedding vacation and not stress about the small stuff.
And since destination weddings often last several days, there’s plenty of time for fun activities like sightseeing tours, beach bonfires, and spa days – all of which add up to an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
Wedding Guest List
Having a destination wedding cuts your guest list (and cost).
In general, the estimated amount of guests that will attend a destination wedding is 50-60% of the invitees. You can already whittle down when making the guest list for your destination wedding.
What destination you choose to get married in plus the cost of attending the wedding, combined with the time of year you choose will shave off some more.
Many resorts now even offer a webcam option, so those that can’t attend can still see the ceremony!
AND, extra added bonus – NO ONE will ask to crash on your couch! (this alone counts as 10 reasons!)
Less Family Drama
That cousin that picks fights with other family members? The nosy, racist great-aunt? The long-term family ‘friend’ that gets too handsy when drunk?
Make your event as intimate and exclusive as you want.
In addition, planning at home gives many more family members and friends the opportunity to direct your decisions about the decor, the inclusions, the planning etc.
How many of you have heard of the wedding party / mother of the bride / sister-in-law taking over the planning and insisting on their way of doing things? This is way less likely to happen when the wedding planning is easier and between the couple and their wedding planner in their chosen destination.
Legal Gay Weddings
Due to very silly laws in many countries, same-sex couples are not afforded the same opportunities to wed, that is why destination weddings provide an opportunity for same-sex couples to get legally married in a place that feels right for them.
There are many areas where gay weddings are legal. Areas of Mexico and Costa Rica are not only ‘open’ to the idea but make it easy for same-sex couples to have the wedding of their dreams and bring them legally wed status home with them.
#LoveIsLove, people!
Bucket List
Everyone has one.
Experiencing the cloud forest in Costa Rica? Hiking an active volcano? Swimming in waterfalls in Jamaica? Seeing the Mayan Ruins? Swimming with sea lions in Los Cabos? Scuba Diving in Cozumel?
What is better than marrying the person of your dreams AND crossing off a bucket list item?
The trip itself is one thing, but most destinations offer incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you can experience with your group or with your new spouse.
Hola Weddings
If you are looking to have a smooth wedding planning, then you must contact a destination wedding travel agent and yes, we are that sure that the Hola Weddings Team can make your destination wedding easy and stress-free.
We are in the area, know the resorts like the palm of our hands, and have personal relationships with the wedding departments of the hotels.
We can get you special rates, perks, and honest advice. We are there with you to help you select the best resort for your wedding, choose the right wedding package, assist your wedding guests with reservations and transportations.
Check out this an other reasons why we are the right fit to help you plan your destination wedding.
Conclusion
Do our 10 reasons to have a destination wedding match yours? Did we miss anything? New to destination wedding planning and have a question? Let us know!
Need wedding inspiration? Find it in our Pinterest or visit our Youtube Channel, for hundreds of real videos, tips, and info about wedding venues and wedding resorts.
Did YOU have a destination wedding and have something to add to our 10 reasons? WE LOVE getting feedback from past destination brides and couples. Please leave your comment and feedback below.
Get in touch, we love to help!
1-888-472-7077
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