A destination wedding can be all that you envision—exciting, unique, and dreamy. After all, whisking away to a fabulous place is an epic way to get married. However, couples need to consider real life when having their wedding in another location. So, to avoid any disappointment, I thought it would be best to chat about expectations vs. the reality of your special day. So, here are five things you need to consider when planning a destination wedding.

You can’t control everything.

Type A brides—I see you! You have everything planned to a “T” and need to keep track of each tiny detail. However, having your wedding somewhere besides your hometown means that you are putting your trust in your wedding pros. But they’re called pros for a reason! They’re familiar with the area and can advise you on what works and what doesn’t. It may go a bit against your nature, but take advantage of it! Enjoy having someone else do the brunt of the work and feel like a guest at your own wedding. 

Another point to note is the vibe in the location of your wedding. Getting married in more tropical areas, such as the Caribbean, requires a bit more of a “go with the flow” mindset. There’s a lot of truth in being on island time, even when it comes to the schedule on your wedding day. And that’s ok! It’s all part of the experience, and you and your guests can feel excited, relaxed, and stress-free by simply enjoying your time.

You will have fewer guests attend.

Having a smaller amount of “yes” RSVPs is probably one of the biggest disappointments that destination wedding couples face. And, yes, this is understandable. Beyond purchasing a wedding gift, your big day may come with the added costs of flights, hotel rooms, and other travel-related expenses. Of course, some guests will plan their vacation around your event. However, other folks may not get enough time off to make it worth their while for the expenditure.

In short, fewer people attend destination weddings, so plan on about half of your guest list actually making your big day. The good news is that so many folks are familiar with Zoom that adding a live stream to your destination wedding is a way to include loved ones from afar.

You may need to adjust your budget.

Resorts will lure you in with free packages or ones that include special perks and upgrades. However, don’t let this fool you into thinking that a destination wedding is inexpensive. If you are working with high-end or all-inclusive resorts—think The Finest Playa Mujeres, Hotel Xcaret, or Grand Velas—your cost may end up being more than you originally planned. Even luxury properties without all-inclusive plans, like St. Regis and Andaz, can cost more. Also, you may have to allocate more in some areas (say, travel or catering) and less in others within your budget to account for what you envision for your wedding.

You could consider an alternate location.

Let’s face it. The pandemic changed everything, including the way folks travel. Depending on your location, traveling internationally may be prohibitive as many destinations have restrictions. For example, guests may have to be vaccinated or show proof of a recent negative Covid test upon entry and reentry to a destination. You may have your heart set on a specific location, but maybe you can honeymoon there instead if you don’t want to subject guests to international protocols. None of this is to scare you. Plus, these changing times are also an excellent excuse for couples to just pack up and get married somewhere else.

You must think about the whole experience.

A typical wedding starts with seating your guests and ends with the final sendoff. However, a destination wedding is anything but ordinary. Yes, you will have a precessional and can plan a fabulous getaway, but your experience may not—or should not—start and end there. Your guests may arrive the night before and leave the day after, or they could plan their annual vacation around your big day.

You don’t have to plan a whole week of entertainment, but you do need to think beyond the actual day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your loved ones all in one location at the same time, so go for it! Plan a packed weekend full of activities, including a rehearsal dinner and post-wedding day brunch. You can bring in entertainment, hire a catamaran, or simply just gather on the beach together. Think about the overall vibe and take good care of your guests. 

Of course, I’m here to answer your questions—that is part of the inspiration for this post. Many brides have asked me about these very things. Your wedding day is supposed to be the best day of your life, and being informed is a fabulous way to ensure that happens

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.