Most little girls fantasize about their fairy tale weddings growing up. Though the thing is everyone’s interpretation fairy tale is different.
Some dream of large, black-tie ballroom weddings, some of casual backyard weddings, and some of getting married under palm trees on a picturesque beach or among vines at a Napa vineyard. Guess which one I was?
We looked to the adventurous spirit that has guided LeBraun and I’s relationship for so many years to guide us once more as we planned our wedding—a destination affair!
There is no right or wrong way to plan a wedding so chose the one that works for you and your significant other, although there are a few things to consider before committing to a destination wedding.
You Won’t Necessarily Save Money
It’s a common misconception that a destination wedding will be cheaper, but most of the time that’s not the case. The funds are simply be allocated differently. For example you may be able to nix favor expenses and reduce the bar tab, but you will have to add in flight and hotel expenses.
Generally the guest count at a destination wedding is lower which means you’ll be able to stretch the budget more and host multiple events as opposed to the one-and-done celebration.
However if you choose a location or venue that is beautiful as-is you can save a bunch on decor.
Also consider honeymooning where or around where you wed, saving yourself the cost of another flight. After our wedding in Maui, we hopped over to Oahu for a week as our Hawaiian mini-moon.
In The Same Spirit, DIYing Won’t Necessarily Save Money Either
By the time you purchase materials, spend time making it, transporting it to and from the event, etc. It may be cheaper to contract someone local to your event handle it or find it pre-made online. Is the wooden sign you made worth paying for an extra checked bag? That’s for you to decide.
Anticipate Hurt Feelings.
There is definitely a division between generation Y and our parents in terms of wedding guest lists. I’m not sure who decided it would be a cool idea to invite everyone we’ve ever interacted with to a wedding, and many generation Y-ers agree. We wanted to look around at our ceremony and know everyone’s name, their favorite movie, and not have enough fingers to count the memories we had with them on.
Friends who didn’t quite make the cut, relatives, and obscure relations will be disappointed they didn’t get an invite (and will mention it), so just be prepared.
Overall we receive positive response when friends and family heard we were hosting a destination wedding. I think at this point, after 12 years, most people were just excited that we were finally getting married.
However, when we arrived back in Nashville, we hosted a larger reception, which was just as fun! Basically a wedding without the ceremony or stress. Plus dancing and food. Seriously it was a blast!
You May Not See The Venue Until Rehearsal
Visiting your venue before or even after you book it may not be financially viable, so make sure you and your fiancé are prepared to be working on your wedding from photos and videos on the internet. This also means you won’t be able to meet with vendors, do tastings, or explore the area before your wedding trip. It’s definitely something to consider before committing to destination wedding.
You Won’t Be Able To Be As Hands-On
It’s hard being in control when you are not there and/or aren't familiar with at the area or venue. However if you’re not a planning, you may appreciate the separation.
Everything Has To Get There Somehow
The dress. The suit. Accessories. Gifts. Whatever you are bringing will need to be packed / brought back. And be thorough because it’s not like someone can swing by your house and pick up whatever you forgot.
NOW THIS IS A BIG ONE:
You May Get More No RSVPs Than You Want
For whatever reason, guests may not be able to attend and you have to okay with that. One of LeBraun’s best friends was unable to attend because his wife and him just had their first child and the baby was too young to travel.
On The Other Hand, You May Get More Yes RSVP Than You’re Expecting
We had some friends host a wedding in San Francisco. Their yes list kept growing because Nashville now has a cheap, direct flight to the Bay Area.
