2. There's no getting away from the fact that getting
married can indeed be quite costly. Although a
destination wedding can work out a cheaper
alternative for the bride and groom, it can mean that
any guests you ask to attend, will have to dig deeper
into their pockets.
Therefore, if you can be sensitive and thoughtful to
the financial obligations that your guests will have to
bear, then obviously this will be much appreciated.
3. During the planning stage of your destination
wedding, there are a few points to consider which
will help you balance the financial tightrope and
keep your guests happy too.
4. Choose your destination carefully
Before choosing your destination, stop to think who
you really want to be at your wedding.
You may have family and close friends who you
know are struggling to make ends meet, and to ask
them to travel to the other side of the world, would
be totally out of the question.
5. Yet, you couldn't bear it if they weren't there to
share your special day.
Think carefully about choosing somewhere that is
more accessible and cheaper to get to, or
alternatively, consider just having a very small
intimate wedding at an exotic location and throwing
a celebration party for everyone either before you go
or when you come back.
6. Cut back on pre-wedding events
If you're planning an engagement party followed
later by a hen and stag do, then perhaps you might
consider choosing just one or the other. This way
your guests won't feel they have to buy separate
gifts for each event as well as a wedding gift.
Also, it would be extremely rude to invite guests to
an engagement party or hen or stag do, if you're not
intending asking them to your wedding, as it looks
as if you are just asking them in order to receive
gifts.
7. Try to get any discounts you can
Use your wedding planner's experience and contacts
to secure discounts for your guest's accommodation
and any activities at your destination.
Most hotels and resorts will be happy to oblige since
they know they can make their money elsewhere.
8. Feed your guests
Try and take some of the financial pressure away
from guests by seizing opportunities to pay for their
food.
This could be by way of you hosting a barbecue or
buffet, which will also give your guests a chance to
get better acquainted, or by taking everyone out for
a slap up meal and paying the bill.
9. Be consistent
It stands to reason that if you offer to help one
family member or friend with the cost of the airfare,
then you need to be prepared to do this for
everyone. You don't want to create bad feeling which
can quickly escalate and mar your wedding plans.
Destination weddings should be fun for everyone and
a chance to have a break away from routine. By
considering everyone's finances, you can help to
make sure that memories of your wedding are happy
ones for all concerned.
