The Destination Wedding Diaries: Easy Weddings webinar

Recently, Easy Weddings kicked off Destination Wedding Diaries, a Webinar helping to demystify and answer all the sticky questions about having your wedding abroad. Hosted by wedding planner Amelia and social media manager Emma, these two aren’t just wedding experts but have walked the destination wedding aisle themselves.

Destination weddings can be controversial for some families and friends, and there are many questions, “Why? ” But as both a wedding and a holiday, we think that destination weddings have many positives.

Let’s explore some of the details when it comes to planning your destination wedding.

Pros and cons of a destination wedding

Like any wedding or event, there are always going to be the cons to counteract the pros. We want to make sure that you’re well-versed in some of the common negatives so that you’re armed for what that might come with.

Cons:

Guest list

Let’s get this out of the way early—your destination wedding is just not going to pull the crowds that your local wedding would. It’s a big expense for guests, and there are other factors: health, inability to travel, or those with little ones might be more hesitant to make the hop, skip, and jump over international waters.

Guests are also making some sacrifices, from their annual leave to having to find a sitter for their furry friend. There are a lot more considerations when travelling internationally. Still, for those who make the commitment they are there for a holiday and a party, they’ve made the effort to celebrate you two, and they’re going to give it their all.

Opinions

Everyone has one, and some people don’t hold back – that’s right, it’s the opinions. Everyone has something to say about a destination wedding, from aunts to friends to old colleagues. We’ve heard the word ‘selfish’ thrown around to describe this choice; others get their backs up because it bucks tradition. But if you’re confident in your choices, this shouldn’t matter. A wedding is between you and your partner – and those who find Bali or Thailand not ideal places to wed just don’t see it like you do.

Financial

Choosing a tropical paradise for your wedding because it’ll be half the price? Well, we’ve got some news for you – time to rethink your budget. The facts are that destination weddings and local weddings are actually on par for price. But you are getting more bang for your buck when booking overseas. Longer drink packages, more food, and over several days – this is what you’ll get for your money. 

Pros:

A holiday and a wedding all in one

Everyone who’s there is also enjoying the benefits of a holiday: a hotel, a pool, exotic food. Feet up, sun out, cocktail in hand. 

Everyone is committed to being there

If your friends and family have dug deeper for flights, booked accommodation and gotten visas, exchanged money, taken annual leave – they’re committed. They are there for you and ready to start this party.

Quality time

Local weddings are a one-day affair. For some, a two-day event is factoring in the recovery. A destination wedding is a little different – you’ve got several days with your friends and family. So, instead of getting five minutes with each guest, you’ve got hours and days to catch up. 

Destination wedding facts

It’s time to dispel some rumours and get to the hard facts. When it comes to getting married overseas, you probably will already be officially married. 

Why is that? In Bali and Thailand, filing your paperwork there is bordering on impossible. In Fiji, there are some ways around it, but here’s the deal – getting married in a courthouse before your actual wedding is the best way to go about it. It will cut out a major migraine.

Comparison: local versus destination

Guest list

It will be smaller, but it will also be full of people who have made the effort and commitment to be there.

Cost

There is very little comparison between the two. You won’t get a cheaper wedding, but you might get a few extra things along the way.

Venue options

If your dream is urban chic or a wedding in a winery, then a tropical wedding is probably not for you. In Australia, you have a plethora of options that can accommodate different themes – when planning a destination wedding, you’re going to be tied to a beachfront (not that anyone’s complaining!).

Planning complexity

Communication barriers can be a headache when planning a destination wedding. Our tip? Get a wedding planner! Easy Weddings can sift through the mountains of paperwork and go back and forth so you can sit back and relax.

Weather conditions

Tropical places have unpredictable weather patterns. Your venue should have backup options and marquees but know that rain comes and goes, and you might get a little wet.

Guest experience

Your guests can completely switch off when at a destination wedding. From nanny service to room service, there’s something to take the pressure off at every turn. This isn’t just your wedding; it’s their holiday. 

Vendor selection

For your suppliers, you will be limited to local. Getting working visas can be hard, and flying in vendors will come at great expense. 

Personalisation

One of the best things about a destination wedding is that the professionals are experts at their craft. But because of this, there’s little wiggle room. Your vision might not always be 100% achievable, and their packages are built-in, but what they lack in flexibility they make up for in service—no stone is left unturned.

Honeymoon convenience

Wake up the day after your wedding and kick-start your honeymoon immediately. You’re already on the beach, now you just need a cocktail!

Destination weddings: top tips

We’ve broken down the wedding planning process, and here are our top tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.

Where to start:

• Figure out what’s most important to you – is it a beachfront wedding? Is it having all your friends and family there?
• Consider pros, cons, and considerations – costs, expectations, think about it all.
• Book a free consultation with an expert – you are not alone! We are here for you.

Timelines and logistics

• Book your venue at least 12 months in advance
• Send out your save the date as soon as you know – people must plan their leave and flights to get there. The earlier the booking, the cheaper the flights.
• Book the rest of the vendors within 2-4 weeks of choosing the venue—you don’t want to miss out on the best.

Guest management

• Set expectations early
• Create a communication hub with all the FAQs. We can’t guarantee guests will read it! But it will be the central place with all the information.
• Set clear boundaries and stick to them

Consider everything

• Travel and country entry requirements 
• Consider how to fly with expensive items
• Seasonality, jetlag, medications

Destination weddings are on the rise. And if you’ve always pictured getting married with sand between your toes, we’ve got your dream location.

Watch the full webinar below: