To many couples, the option of a huge wedding in a church or synagogue in front of hundreds of relatives and acquaintances just doesn't sound like a fairy tale. If this sounds like you, why not consider a destination wedding? Imagine getting married in the sand in Maui, barefoot, looking into the eyes of your beloved as you listen to the tranquil sounds of the ocean. Or imagine getting married in a fabulous European castle, or on a spectacular cruise. Or perhaps a fun-filled Vegas wedding sounds like the way to go. According to DestinationWeddings.com, the most popular destination wedding locations are:
- Mexico
- Jamaica
- Domincan Republic
- The Bahamas
- Hawaii
- The United States Virgin Islands
- Aruba
- Fiji
- Wedding Cruises
- Europe
But do you really want to ditch the long walk down the aisle, the room full of well-wishers, and other wedding traditions? Is a destination wedding right for you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.
ADVANTAGES OF A DESTINATION WEDDING
- Romance! Standing in the breeze at a beautiful location can be a lovely way to start your life together. Chances are there's no way you can create this atmosphere in your hometown.
- Fun! You get to get married and have a fabulous built-in vacation on a cruise ship, a beach, or a place that you've always wanted to go. You can stick around after the wedding and already be on your honeymoon.
- Get rid of the mob scene. Weddings tend to just grow and grow. You decide to invite Aunt Bertha, and that means you have to invite her kids, and then you have to invite Aunt Mabel and her kids, and the next thing you know, you're sharing one of you happiest moments with a sea of strangers
- Avoid family politics. Maybe Aunt Bertha and Aunt Mabel haven't spoken in 10 years.Maybe there's no way to do place settings without making someone in the family angry. Your tiny beach ceremony will be so much simpler.
- Share your wedding with the people close to you. You can't bring everyone you know to your destination wedding, but you can bring your immediate families, close friends, and the people who really matter. It's a much more intimate affair.
- Pictures. Destinations weddings make for gorgeous and memorable photos.
DISADVANTAGES OF A DESTINATION WEDDING
- Fewer family members and friends will be able to attend. They will not be able to share your special moment with you.
- Hurt feelings. Aunt Bertha and Aunt Mabel might be genuinely hurt that they can't attend your wedding. Weddings make people happy, and getting invited to weddings makes people feel special.
- Legal issues. If you get married in a different country, it might not count legally in your own. In that case, you will need a civil ceremony back home in addition to the wedding abroad. Check carefully with local laws to see what is required.
- Religious issues. Yes, you can have a religious ceremony at your destination wedding, and many couples find this satisfying. However, others feel that the religious aspects of a wedding ceremony are cheapened by putting the wedding on a beach. Think about what feels right for you.
- An expense and hassle for family and friends. Those in attendance will have to take off work, buy a plane ticket, and take a vacation to what may be an expensive destination. Make sure you are not asking too much of the people you love. Perhaps you can pay for some of their expenses.
- Weather. If you go through all this hassle for an outdoor wedding in a fabulous place and it rains, that's going to be a huge bummer!
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