Destination Weddings: an honest reflection

Getting married abroad can be a wonderful way to nearly always guarantee sunshine, and it’s often a great way of getting more wedding for your money! But there are some big things to consider before sealing the deal.

So, start with asking yourself who your wedding is for. This is a personal question for you, and there is no right answer!

Your marriage is for you two. But is your wedding day the same? Would you consider your wedding day a celebration for you two, so you can do whatever you want on your special day? Or are you throwing a wedding for your guests: having an amazing party for all of them to celebrate you?

The harsh reality of destination weddings is that by throwing one, you are asking more from your guests. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing! You’re also giving them the opportunity for a beautiful holiday, and a big fiesta in glorious sunshine.

One of my all-time-favourite weddings was in Italy, and I loved every moment. But it was also the most expensive wedding I’ve been to, and the one where I had to book the most time off work. It was, by some way, the least convenient wedding I’ve been invited to - but I have no regrets.

‍ ‍ Prepping for a wedding near beautiful Orvieto, in Italy

We’re often promoted the narrative ‘do what you want, it’s your day!’ And I’m here for that - it should be absolutely right for you.

But I also believe in respecting our loved ones. Your wedding will likely be the most important thing in your life, while you’re planning it. But all your guests have their own lives; their own celebrations. Some will be overjoyed to come abroad to celebrate you; for others, it might simply not be possible.

So if having the right day means having all the right people there, be realistic about how likely that is if you’re asking people to take time off work, and spend more money on a longer trip abroad. It’s very possible that some people on your guest list might not have the time or funding to make it, especially if it’s a particularly long or complicated journey, or they have children.

However, if you decide it’s still what you want to do, then great! You are sure to have an unforgettable, beautiful ceremony and everyone who can come will undoubtedly have as great a time as you.

I don’t meant to discourage anyone by writing this - quite the opposite! I want to encourage everyone to think their wedding day through carefully, to make sure as many of your dreams as possible can be realised, whether that’s all your relatives dancing together, or palm trees and white sands (or, if possible, both!).

As ever, there is no right or wrong decision when it comes to your wedding day. Do it your way!

Just reach out if you have any questions about having a celebrant abroad. Lots of us, myself included, are delighted to make the trip!

Sunnily, Claire x