When I think back on my dreamy destination wedding in Split, Croatia, I know it was the perfect choice for me and my husband. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t come with all sorts of hurdles we had to overcome to make it down the aisle. From language barriers to flight logistics, there were endless details to consider that wouldn’t be part of a typical wedding, and it’s important to have a plan. If you’re considering a destination wedding, below are some questions to ask yourself before you make the commitment.
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Will There Be a Language Barrier?
Depending on where the destination is, there’s a good chance you won’t speak the local language. As much as Google Translate can be helpful in a pinch, you want to make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to when signing any vendor contracts (especially when they’re for thousands of dollars!). One of the first steps when researching your destination wedding is to find a bilingual wedding planner. They should be fluent in both English and the language spoken at your destination, so that they can help you navigate the fine print.
If you aren’t working with a wedding planner, it may be worthwhile to hire a translator for any important documents. The bottom line: you want to feel confident signing them!
Will It Actually Be Cheaper to Have a Destination Wedding?
There’s a myth that destination weddings are cheaper. Although this can be true, it’s certainly not always the case. Before making any major commitments, set up meetings with a few local wedding planners to let them know your budget and wish list. Ask for a cost breakdown to give you an accurate idea of expenses. Plus, comparing quotes from a few different planners will give you a more well-rounded idea of costs.
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What Will the Tipping Culture Be?
Many countries do not have the same tipping culture as North America, and this can be a major consideration when mapping out your wedding budget. In Canada, you’re generally recommended to tip 15 to 20 per cent for your wedding vendors, including caterers, hair and makeup, florists and so on. This means that if you’re planning a $50,000 wedding, you’ll need to set aside at least $7,500 for tips alone! In my case, there was no tipping expectation in Croatia, so I got to set aside that budget for other precious things on my wish list (like a gelato cart for dessert!).
Will You Be Devastated if Someone Can’t Attend Your Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings inherently involve travel, which means that sometimes guests won’t be able to attend — particularly if they’re not fit to fly. For my destination wedding, I quickly realized my grandfather wouldn’t be able to make the trip to Croatia and it was tough to make the call. Ultimately, I chose to have a courthouse ceremony in Canada so that he could still watch me get legally married. It ended up being a really fun and special way to spread out the celebrations!
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Can Your Guests Afford to Attend a Destination Wedding?
As much as your big day is all about you and your partner, it’s also about ensuring a great experience for your guests. It’s important to be mindful of their budget, and consider how much their flights and accommodations might cost. If this feels like a barrier for you, don’t lose hope! There are many ways you can get creative to make it possible for your guests to attend. In the case of my wedding, I knew flights would be on the more expensive side, so we told guests that wedding gifts weren’t necessary. You could also look into discounted flight and accommodation prices for group bookings, or evaluate your budget to see if you can cover the costs for any essential guests.
Can You Afford a Multi-Day Affair?
Although not necessarily required, destination weddings often entail more than just the main wedding ceremony and reception. Because guests have travelled far to attend, it’s customary to throw a welcome dinner or cocktail party, and sometimes post-wedding day events. You want your guests to feel like the trip was worthwhile; adding touches like this can make the wedding feel more like a travel experience than a singular event. When breaking down your wedding budget, think about what you could realistically spend on additional events, and what could give guests the best possible experience without breaking the bank.
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Ultimately, remember that no matter where you get married, a lot of planning and coordination will be involved regardless. While you shouldn’t let that deter you from the destination of your dreams, being realistic about your budget and expectations is essential. Ask yourself these questions and do your research in order to making sure the day is as successful for you as it is for your guests. Happy wedding planning!
