Is the idea of having a destination wedding lurking in your mind? Destination weddings will be perfect if you don’t want to have a traditional wedding ceremony in a chapel. Marrying on a beach or a beautiful island is great for those who wish to make their wedding a private affair. Some find these destination weddings more romantic and relaxing. So, if you have decided to have a destination wedding, it’s time to enlighten yourself about destination wedding etiquette. You could select any beautiful beach or exotic locale and have a wedding ceremony adapting to the local traditions and the destination wedding etiquette.
Etiquette for Destination Weddings
If you have decided on your wedding venue, you must look into aspects like the destination wedding invites, gifts, and reception etiquette. Since it’s a destination wedding, the tradition and customs of that place will influence the wedding ceremony, wedding attire, and food. So, you need to send invites to your family and friends so that they have an idea regarding the dress code and the theme of your wedding. If the venue is in a different country, you must also be aware of the legalities.
Destination Wedding Invitation Etiquette
The first step would be preparing a guest list and creating a save-the-date card to give your guests enough time to make arrangements. For destination weddings, it would be advisable to send the save-the-date notice at least 3-4 months before the wedding. Your wedding card design should give them information about the date, venue, style of wedding, and attire if required. As far as the formal invitation is concerned, the structure and wording will be similar to the traditional ceremony invitation. Also mention the reception details, if you have planned it at the same place. Send a separate reception card if you will be holding the reception at a different place or country. You could also post the details on your wedding website.
Destination Wedding Gift Etiquette
Etiquette for destination weddings requires the couple to plan wedding favors or gifts for the guests as well. Since the guests would be traveling for your destination wedding, it is a nice idea to welcome them and show your gratitude and love by giving welcome gifts. You could also keep a personalized gift in the form of a welcome bag or gift baskets in guest rooms. Since it’s a destination wedding, it would be a good idea to gift them meal vouchers for local restaurants, native crafts, souvenirs, or exotic items from that place. Depending on your budget, you could also keep wine, local food items, or gift certificates for local area attractions. If the guests wish to give the newly wedded couple a gift, they must send it to their home.
Destination Wedding Reception Etiquette
While planning a destination wedding, most people plan a separate reception because some want it to be a private affair; thus, many people might not be a part of it. You could invite these people to your reception. So, sending just the reception card to acquaintances or people who couldn’t attend your destination wedding is advisable. For close pals and family, you could have a single invitation with details of both the wedding and reception mentioned on it.
Destination Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette
If you plan to have a rehearsal dinner, you need to consider the rehearsal dinner etiquette. As far as the tradition goes, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner. If you don’t wish to follow this tradition, discuss this issue with the groom’s parents. Prepare the guest list wisely and invite your family and friends. Use this occasion to thank your families and friends who have helped you plan your wedding. Have fun as the ambiance is more relaxed and there aren’t any fixed rules you need to follow. You could decide a theme and keep a dress code. The rehearsal dinner as an occasion can be used to socialize with the family and friends, as on the day of the actual wedding, you might not be able to chat with them.
I hope you found this information about destination wedding etiquette useful. Plan your wedding by keeping these destination wedding etiquettes in mind, and have a great time!