10 May, 2013

You Asked For It: Destination Dilema





Hello G!
 You’ve been gone a long time.  Dislike.  Here’s my question:
The dude and I are considering a destination wedding at a resort Thailand.  We don't know what to do, we're really 50/50 at this point.  Can you give us your opinion?  I know you’ll be honest. 

Okay…well.  First, I have been gone awhile.  It’s a story for another post.  I promise I’ll explain.  Thanks for reading, though.  You have NO idea how much I love you all.  

Ooh, Thailand!  I die!  That’s definitely on my bucket list.  Congrats on your engagement!

On the whole, I don’t mind destination weddings.  I really don’t.  They’re the perfect option for a lot of couples.  In fact, I might be attending one in 2014.  That said, they are not without drawbacks.  In order to keep this concise, I’ll run through a few pros and cons without going into lengthy detail.  Sound good? 

Pros:
No Muss, No Fuss
Destination weddings are great in that choosing one can mean dumping a lot of the stress that often accompanies the planning process, especially if you choose a resort setting.  Often, the whole shebang is handled by resort staff and all the couple has to do is show up.


Make A Day of It
 It also provides a chance for a built in vacation.  Many couples take this opportunity to honeymoon.  Hey, you’re in a beautiful part of the world and you just got hitched?  Why go anywhere else?  It  also isn’t unheard of for guests to arrive a few days early or stay a few days after to really make crossing the world worthwhile. 

Less Is More

Destination weddings can also assist in limiting the number of guests involved, preserving the intimacy of the occasion. Less people, less hassle, you know.  Couples can also expect to spend time with guests who did make the trek in a relaxed setting.  It’s nice not to be pulled in a thousand directions on your wedding day.

Walking Around Money

 If well executed, the overall cost can be a fraction of a hometown soiree.  Resorts often have standard packages designed to fit a range of budgets.  Read the fine print to see what’s included and you could stand to save some serious dough.

It’s In the Mail
Destination weddings have produced some of the cutest invitation suites I’ve ever seen.  


 Cons:
Cookie Cutter
While dumping the stress and responsibility of planning a wedding, a lot of couples also give up the opportunity to make their wedding their own.  Many couples miss the personal touches that can make a more traditional wedding unforgettable.  

Dirty Money
Your wedding will not be affordable for your guests.  The reason so many resorts can afford to give you such amazing deals is because they are working under the assumption that your guests will be staying with them.  So, when you factor in airfare, accommodations, passports, gifts, and wedding related activities…well, your amazing getaway may come at the expense of your guests.

Right In the Heart
While you won’t be dealing with the demands of an extended guest list, you should prepare yourself for the absence of people you hold close to your heart.  You may lose some to job demands and those with pregnancies or small children may have to opt out of schlepping halfway ‘round the world. Additionally, older guests may not be able to travel that far from home.  All of this could lead to some seriously hurt feelings if not dealt with appropriately.

Red Tape
The logistics of getting married in a place you do not call home can be daunting.  Getting a marriage license in another country can be a bit nightmarish as you will be subject to the laws of that country.  If you have to hoe this row alone, you could be setting yourself up for disaster.  

Rain On My Parade
With your family and friends in the same time zone, you may have trouble getting much needed alone time.  The relaxed atmosphere of a destination wedding can also lead to relaxed boundaries.  You may find your parents and friends are on your honeymoon right along side you.  

So..that’s my two cents.  I really do think they can be wonderful!  The truth is that everything in life comes with complications.  No decision can be made without considering the cost.  Ultimately though, no matter what you choose it will be perfect!  It will be everything you dreamed it could be because it's what YOU chose.  Good luck, doll.

Kisses,
E

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