From wedding etiquette to destination ideas, ask our expert for destination wedding planning tips and advice. >>
Question: In addition to paying travel costs for attendants, should the bride and groom pick up the tab for guests attending the wedding or do the guests pay for everything if they decide to come? Answer: Traditional destination wedding etiquette generally calls for the bride and groom to pay for lodging, food and beverages. However, as destination weddings are becoming more popular and more guests are generally attending, it is also acceptable for guests to pay for their own lodging as well as their own airfare and any additional travel costs. Make sure to give your guests ample notice so that they can plan their vacation around your wedding.
Question: How can I let my guests know that they are responsible for their own expenses? Answer: Including destination, flight and hotel information with your save-the-dates will not only let guests know that they will be covering travel costs but will also encourage them to book early. Most guest will assume they are responsible for the cost of attending your destination wedding and it is not necessary to let them know in a formal manner.
Question:How early do I send save-the-dates, and do I send them before or after the wedding invitations? Answer: Save The Date Cards should be sent six months to a year before your wedding depending on the popularity of your wedding date, i.e. Christmas, or how elaborate your wedding plans are. You will need to give your guests enough notice to take time off work or reschedule other events. Tip: Consider sending save-the-date magnets for your guests to place on their fridge. Your guests are less likely to loose these than a traditional card, and your magnet will be a great keepsake too. Formal wedding invitations may be sent two months before your wedding date, depending on how much notice you need to confirm travel plans and numbers with your vendors. Use the Wedding Away Checklist to help you with your planning.
Question: What is the easiest way to keep guests informed of travel reservations, itineraries, possible site seeing tours, changes, etc.? Answer: The bride and groom should take responsibility for planning accommodations and group activities. Many hotels, resorts, and airlines offer special group rates so make sure to ask and negotiate if possible. A great way to keep guests informed is using a personal wedding website.Question: What kind of information should be listed on our destinationwedding website? Answer: Include dates, flight information, details regarding accommodations such as amenities, and an itinerary. You can also include area information such as local site seeing tours and weather information.
Question: Are guests expected to bring gifts to a destination wedding? Answer: If guests are paying for their own flight and accommodations gifts are not expected. However, if you are close to the bride and groom and want to bring a gift, feel free to spend much less.
Question: What are some unique beach wedding favor ideas? Answer: Firstly, you will want to keep size and weight in mind as favors will be packed into suitcases for the trip home. You may want to offer favors that can be used at your destination such as personalized sunscreen bottles, beach bag, wedding camera or even flip-flops. For attendants gifts, you may want to consider purchasing hotel spa gift certificates and golf green fees to be used while on your destination wedding trip
Question: I really want to have a beautiful wedding cake because it looks great in pictures, but I also want my guests to eat it. I've found that many cakes at weddings never seem to taste great. I don't want to have to serve a separate desert or have a sweet table to compensate for the mediocre tasting cake, but I really want a gorgeous multi-tiered cake too. Any suggestions? Answer: In order to make a wedding cake a piece of art, bakers have to use a denser cake to withstand the weight of the special icing used and the multiple layers of the cake. My suggestion would be to have a wedding cake without layers. You can be creative as to the shape and size of the cake and display the cakes on stands, but still be able to have a better tasting wedding cake. If you're really set on having a multi-tiered wedding cake you can choose to rent a false cake for your pictures. You can serve a different desert such as a crepe or even purchase real mini wedding cakes and have them displayed as centerpieces for your tables. This will save you money because you won't have to purchase both a large wedding cake and impressive centerpiece. You will also have many more choices as to the flavor and quality of cake, and most importantly, the mini wedding cakes will be unique, will look great and taste great.
Question: I have a very small budget for decor, do you have any ideas for centerpieces and decor that would look good but cost little? Answer: Decor is something you should never overlook, even with a limited budget. Wedding decor can create a beautiful atmosphere, and will make all the difference in your wedding pictures. To create a beautiful look on a limited budget you can choose to rent centerpieces, table cloths and chair covers. In addition, candles are great for setting the mood of your ceremony and reception. You can purchase the candles at low cost but rent the candle holders from a florist or decor company. Use the candles as centerpieces, to decorate your buffet tables and head table. You can also use faux flowers to decorate the isle and head table. TIP: High quality faux flowers can cost just as much as fresh flowers, so be careful to purchase those of lesser quality. Faux flowers may not look as great as fresh flowers up close, but they will look great in pictures.
NOTE: The information provided on this page is for guidance only and should not be considered as legal advice. As entry and marriage requirements often change, we recommend that you contact the relevant official government office to verify all information before making plans.
