Destination Wedding Etiquette

To round out our month all about destination weddings, we’d like to cover one of the biggest points of concern from both the guest and the couple side: destination wedding etiquette.

Etiquette for Couples

Plan Early

The most important thing when planning a destination wedding is to plan as early as possible and give your guests plenty of time to save money, arrange for being away from work, find childcare and take care of any other things they’ll need to do beforehand.

Offer Information

Your guests are going to have a lot of questions, especially if your destination wedding is in a different country. They also aren’t going to want to bug you for every question they have. Include an information card with everything they’ll need to know (what airport to fly in to, how to get from the airport to the hotel, how to use their credit cards or what type of currency is expected, what kind of wall adapter do they need to bring for their phone charger… the list goes on). Whatever information you have learned about the destination, pass that along. You might want to create a Facebook group or email chain where you can easily update guests.

Plan More than a Wedding

It’s a lot of work for someone to go to another country for a friends’ wedding, so make sure to make it a little vacation for the guests. Plan an itinerary of events that guests can participate in, and make sure you take time to see them other than just on wedding day.

Be Upfront About Costs

Let guests know what will be paid for and what won’t be paid for. While you only need to feed them on wedding day, it’s a nice gesture to foot the bill for a meal or two for the guests who have traveled so far to help you celebrate.

Take “No” For an Answer

Finally, if someone says they can’t make it, be sure to accept that, no matter how badly you want them there. It can be incredibly difficult for someone to plan and pay for a days-long event, and some people simply won’t be able to swing it. And that’s okay! They can always join in on the virtual wedding if you are live streaming your event!

Etiquette for Guests

Don’t Bring a Gift

Notice we didn’t say “don’t give a gift.” While destination weddings don’t require an expensive gift, it’s still nice to get the newlyweds a little something to celebrate. Unless it’s a card, don’t bring it with you! Send it to the happy couple either before they leave or when they get back, otherwise, they’ll have to lug that electric tea kettle home with them in their luggage.

Do Your Research

While the wedding couple should provide you with key information, it’s also a good idea to do your own research, especially if the destination wedding is happening in another country. Take time to learn about that country’s culture and the things that might impact your stay. For example, is it customary to tip servers where you’re going? Are you supposed to eat that burger with a fork and knife? Is giving a thumbs up a disrespectful gesture? A quick Google search can save you a lot of embarrassment!

Go to Planned Events

If the couple is planning excursions, mixers or hang-outs, be sure to attend! They have put in the effort to make your stay as full and enjoyable as possible, so if you’re able to, join them on any adventures or events they have planned.

Don’t Bring Uninvited Guests

Finally, don’t bring uninvited guests to a destination wedding. This is good practice in general, but it is especially prudent for this type of event. On the other hand, if you have small children you can’t leave for multiple days, the hotel might offer childcare services. Just be certain to work this out with the couple in advance so there are no surprises.

Photo credit: Tossing Wildflowers