Are you thinking of planning a destination wedding but are afraid that your family will balk at the thought?
And if you are not worried, then you should be. Because many of your friends and family will prove quite resistant to the idea of getting married anywhere other than home.
In many cases, especially when it’s younger couples, parents and siblings will raise many objections when you announce that you are thinking of planning a destination wedding.
Listed below are some of the objections that are most commonly used and answers that you can use to defend your decision.
It will cost you too much
A destination wedding is actually cheaper than a traditional wedding. The average destination wedding costs about $26,000 versus a traditional one that costs over $30,000. So not only are you going to get married at a spectacular location, you’ll save money too.
No one will show up
Actually, the average destination wedding has over 60 guests nowadays. Traveling to a foreign locale to see someone get married is now common.
In fact, over 20% of all weddings are now destination weddings. Not only do guests come to see the wedding, many make a vacation out of it by staying an extra week before or after the actual event.
Your problem won’t be that people aren’t showing up, it will be that you run into them all the time.
What wrong with getting married at home?
Nothing is wrong with getting married at home. In the same vein, nothing is wrong with getting married at your dream location.
It’s too far to go for a wedding
Destination weddings don’t have to be far. You can have one in a vineyard that is two hours away. Or at a castle in the finger lakes. Or anywhere that inspires you.
If your family is not into traveling, make it easier on them by finding a nearby location that suits your needs and theirs.
The wedding date will not work for many people
If you can, change the date to accommodate as many people as possible. The ones that can’t make it can attend a celebration party after you return.
Remember that even if you planned an at home wedding, some people won’t be able to make it. Such is the case with a destination wedding as well.
In addition, a destination wedding will attract those that are closest to you. And they will change their plans to make it to your wedding, no matter where it is.
The wedding is going to cost too much for people to attend
This is true. A destination wedding may not be in everyone’s budget and that may stop people from coming. However, most destination weddings are planned at least a year in advance so you are giving people enough time to budget for it.
For those that are closest to you that can’t attend, consider subsidizing some of their expenses so they can make it to the wedding. Just make sure that you are discreet about it.
How are you going to have a religious ceremony at [Location] They don’t have our minister.
Fly the minister, rabbi, or Imam to the destination wedding. Paying for them will not affect your budget all that much and you’ll be able to keep your family happy. If you don’t want to pay for the officiant, then consider having a religious wedding at home prior to departure and then have a civil ceremony at the destination.
You have no privacy with everyone around
In most cases, the couple getting married gets to the destination at least 3-4 days ahead of time and them leaves for the honeymoon right after. While you may not have privacy during the days leading up to your wedding, you will have the opportunity to spend quality time with people that are closest to you.
And if it’s privacy that you are after, then you should be eloping, not having a destination wedding.
You will get less gifts
Tell them that you aren’t getting married for the gifts. Plus, you don’t need another toaster or carafe or silverware set in your house.
People who aren’t invited will be offended
Actually, most people consider a destination wedding to be a private affair where only close friends and family members are invited. If you plan a destination wedding, most acquaintances and co-workers won’t expect an invitation.
Just make it clear from the beginning that you are inviting close relatives and friends to the destination wedding and that you will invite everyone else to a celebration party afterwards.
There will always be more objections than the ones we have addressed above. Regardless of the reasoning, the people in your life have to understand that where you choose to wed is your decision, not theirs. It’s their choice to join in on the fun.
What to do next?
Plan your destination wedding by doing some research on some great locations.