Destination weddings have become a staple over the last decade or so. As popular as they are, they do have some special unique considerations that all couples should keep in mind. This is the newest etiquette for destination weddings.
When you imagine your destination wedding, the first thing that likely springs to mind is the romance of walking down a sandy aisle, all decked out in a tropical style bridal gown and beach wedding jewelry. You and your beloved will exchange your vows while the surf gently crashes in the background, and dance the night away to the sound of steel drums as the sun sets over the ocean. Then you will get to cap off your beach wedding by having a romantic honeymoon, sipping drinks from coconuts each evening, wearing a sundress and pretty jewelry, as you and your new husband linger over long dinners while the sun sets over the ocean.
That is a beautiful vision, isn’t it? It is one shared by most couples who opt for a destination wedding, which certainly helps to explain their popularity. Okay, now let me share with you what most guests think when they are invited to a destination wedding: “Oh my gosh, this is going to cost me a bloody fortune!”. Followed by, “I am going to have to use up most of my vacation time on this wedding!”. If you are lucky, the third thought will be “That sounds very romantic, how nice for Bob and Sally”. This is why one must tread very carefully in the etiquette department when planning a destination wedding. What is the wedding of your dreams is also likely a major hassle for many of your guests.
The main thing to keep in mind when planning a destination wedding is how what you do and say will affect others. For instance, how many times have you heard a bride delightedly remark upon how much money she is saving by having a small destination wedding rather than a big blow-out at home? That is all well and good, except that while she may be saving money, her guests are likely to spend thousands of their own dollars flying to a remote destination and staying at a resort. You would do well to tell your guests that you chose a far-flung location for your wedding because it is so meaningful to you, not because it is cheaper, because it isn’t for them.
A very sticky subject with destination weddings is the guest list. Couples frequently decide to have a tropical wedding because they see it as a way to keep the guest list small. That can be great, but be sure not to mention that in front of anyone who might have expected to be invited if you had a hometown wedding. It can come across as very insulting. There is also the question of inviting family or friends whom you would love to have at your wedding but that you know cannot afford the trip. On the one hand, you may hurt their feelings if you do not invite them, but on the other hand, many people feel that a wedding invitation is an important social obligation, and they will move Heaven and Earth to attend, even if they truly cannot afford the trip.
One possible solution is to invite a very small core of family to join you for the destination wedding and then follow it with a larger reception at home. That way, no one feels left out, nor will they feel obligated to spend more than they can afford on your wedding. This can be a great solution: you get the small romantic beach wedding of your dreams, and those that care about you will still feel like they are a part of the celebration.
Guy writes on many subjects including travel,customs and society. SilverlandJewelry.com. Beach wedding jewelry is perfect for a destination wedding.
Author: Guy Antonelli
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty tariff
