Planning a wedding takes a lot of effort. Perhaps the biggest (and most consequence-filled) decision you have to make is choosing where to get married. Well, weโve given it a lot of thought too, and weโve come up with several compelling considerations regarding the advantages and disadvantages of destination weddings vs local weddings. Before we delve in, do remember your wedding is your wedding, and what matters most is that you get the dream wedding youโve always wanted.
Married in a Far-Off Land
Quite understandably, the dream of marrying your best friend in an enchanted setting is a popular fantasy. Perhaps youโve envisioned getting married on a white sand beach? Or perhaps youโve imagined saying your vows beneath the shadow of a glorious mountain in the Swiss Alps? Whatever your dream, here are some of the pros and cons of a destination wedding that you may want to consider before making your decision.
Budget
The size of your budget will be the biggest factor when it comes to determining the location of your wedding. It will also determine, by extension, who will be able to attend. The primary benefit to your guests is that they get a vacation out your wedding, but attendance will depend on what they can afford. Before selecting your destination, be sure to give this consideration some deep thought.
Attendance
Generally speaking, choosing to get married abroad means your guest list will be significantly reduced. The odds are that your wedding will only be attended by your closest family and friends. However, many brides and grooms prefer this option precisely because of this likelihood. It allows you to invite everybody (so as not to exclude any friends or coworkers) with the full expectation that most of them wonโt RSVP their attendance.
Gifts (or Lack Thereof)
Another potential downside to a destination wedding is the matter of gifts. Many betrothed couples feel guilty asking, or registering for gifts if theyโve already made their friends and family pay for their own travel expenses. Some people register regardless, but if you think you may be uncomfortable with this approach and would rather receive gifts guilt-free, perhaps a local wedding is the choice for you.
Married at Home
Most couples select this option, and there are plenty of good reasons to do so. Having a local wedding comes with a whole host of advantages. Not least of which is the benefit of getting married amongst the same landscape that acted as the setting for your romance. Here are the biggest ups and downs of getting married at home.
The Guest List
If you have a large budget for your wedding, then this consideration is most definitely a good thing. Having a wedding at home means you can invite anybody and everybody to your special day, and most will show up to share in your joy. This factor can be a downside, however, if youโre working with a smaller budget, and may mean youโll have to exclude some friends and extended relatives for the sake of cutting costs.
Variety of Venue
Yet another upside of getting hitched at home is the variety of venues. Without having to factor airfare, specific countries, or resorts into your budget, youโre free to choose from a wide array of wedding venues. You can get married in the countryside, at a golf club, in a big church, outside, inside, or a bit of both. You have loads of options, and it really allows you to customize every moment of your special day.
Saving for the Honeymoon
Getting married at home rather than abroad doesnโt mean you have to sacrifice being in an exotic location with your newlywed partner. Your dream honeymoon is a real possibility if you have an at-home wedding. Perhaps youโve made room for it in your budget by cutting costs on a local venue? Or maybe the cost is covered by way of a generous wedding gift? However you swing it, the fact is you can have a local wedding and reception, and then be in the south of France the very next day.
Your Special Day, Your Special Way
Hopefully, this list has helped make your decision a little easier. If you have your heart set on either choice, we definitely recommend going with your heart (just like you have with your betrothed). However, if youโve been considering both options, and have remained torn, weโre happy to have provided some insight. Whichever choice you go with, all that matters is that you get to spend the rest of your life with the one person who loves and understands you the most.