What I Wish I Knew When Planning My Destination Wedding: Groom’s Edition
Planning a destination wedding is a magical, whirlwind experience, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. As I reflected on our wedding in Mexico 10 years ago, I thought sharing my husband Darris’s perspective would be helpful. Often, grooms are more in the background of the wedding planning process, but their insights can be incredibly valuable.
So, here it is—Darris’ “what I wish I knew” advice for grooms (and couples) planning their destination wedding.
1. The People Who Want to Be There, Will Be There
One of the biggest stressors for any couple planning a destination wedding is the guest list. Will people make the effort? What if they don’t? Darris’s advice is simple: stop overthinking it.
“The people who truly want to be there, will show up.”
It’s easy to fall into the trap of convincing friends and family why they should attend. Maybe you feel guilty about the cost or distance. But at the end of the day, the right people—those who love and support you—will prioritize being there. Focus your energy on enjoying the process and celebrating with those who make it.
2. The Destination Sells Itself
We often stress about ensuring our guests have the time of their lives. Couples can overcompensate by planning multiple events, excursions, or activities to “wow” their friends and family. But Darris’s advice? Keep it simple.
“You don’t need to over-plan. The destination itself is the star.”
Destination weddings naturally create an unforgettable experience. Let the location do the heavy lifting. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the place you’ve chosen and spend meaningful moments with your guests rather than filling every minute with activities. Sometimes, the simplest moments—watching a sunset together or enjoying a relaxed dinner by the beach—become the most memorable.
3. Be Patient with Your Guests
Here’s the reality: for many of your guests, a destination wedding may be their first real travel experience. Uncle Karl might not have a passport, Aunt Jackie may have never flown internationally, and your cousin will probably ask you 20 questions about currency exchange.
This will be most people’s only vacation for the year, and many will be travel newbies.
It’s important to stay patient. Yes, answering endless questions can feel exhausting, but remember: this experience is new for them. A little empathy goes a long way.
Darris’s Pro Tip:
Hire a professional wedding planner or travel advisor who specializes in destination weddings. They can handle logistical details, answer travel-related questions, and ease the stress of managing your guests’ travel arrangements. This lets you focus on enjoying the experience instead of acting as a one-stop travel hotline.
Bonus Advice for Grooms
Darris had a few other nuggets of wisdom for grooms:
Be involved in the process. Even if you’re not making the final decisions, stay engaged. It’s your wedding, too, and your input matters.
Plan for some “you time.” Weddings can be hectic, so carve out a little time to soak it all in for you and your partner. Make space for those intimate moments, whether it’s a quiet walk on the beach or a private breakfast.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things won’t always go according to plan. Roll with the punches, and remember what the day is really about—celebrating your love.
Final Thoughts
Planning a destination wedding is an incredible adventure, but getting lost in the details is easy. From stressing over guest lists to over-scheduling events, it’s important to take a step back and focus on what truly matters: celebrating your union with the people you love most.
Darris’s advice is a great reminder to keep things in perspective. Trust that the right people will show up, let the destination shine, and be patient with your guests. Most importantly, we should lean on professionals to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Are you thinking about planning your destination wedding? At TravelBash, we specialize in making your wedding journey stress-free and unforgettable. Let’s make your dream wedding a reality.
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.
