Destination Wedding Etiquette

If you don't wish to have a traditional wedding ceremony in a chapel, destination weddings would be perfect for you. Marrying on a beach or on a beautiful island is really catching up with those who wish to make their wedding a private affair. Some find such weddings more romantic and relaxing. So, if you have decided to have such a wedding, it's time to enlighten yourself about the wedding etiquette. You could select any beautiful beach or exotic locales and have a wedding ceremony adapting to the local traditions and the destination wedding etiquette.

Etiquette for Destination Weddings

If you have decided the venue of your wedding, you also need to look into aspects like the wedding invites, gifts and reception etiquette. The tradition and custom of the destination or the place where the wedding would be held will certainly have an influence on the wedding ceremony, wedding attire and food. So, you need to send invites to your family and friends so that they have an idea regarding the dress code and the theme of your wedding. If the venue is in a different country you need to be aware about the legalities as well.

Invitation Etiquette

The first step would be preparing a guest list and creating a save-the-date card so that you are giving your guests enough time to make arrangements. Do send the save-the-date notice at least 3-4 months before the wedding. Your wedding card design should be such that gives them the information about date, venue, style of wedding and attire if required. As far as the formal invitation is concerned, the structure and wording will be similar to the traditional ceremony invitation. Also mention about the reception details, if you have planned it at the same place. In case, you would be holding the reception at a different place or country, send a separate reception card. You could also post the details on your wedding website.

Gift Etiquette

Etiquette for destination weddings require the couple to plan wedding favors or gifts for the guests as well. Since the guests would be traveling for your wedding, it is a nice idea to welcome them and show your gratitude and love by giving welcome gifts. You could also keep a personalized gift in the form of welcome bag or gift baskets in guest rooms. It would be good idea to gift them meal vouchers of local restaurants, native crafts, souvenirs or exotic items from that place. Depending on your budget, you could also keep wine, local food items or gift certificates of local area attractions. If the guests wish to give a gift to the newly wedded couple, they must send the gift to their home.

Reception Etiquette

While planning a destination wedding, most people plan a separate reception because some want it to be a private affair and thus, a lot of people might not be a part of it. You could invite these people to your reception. So, it is advisable to send just the reception card to acquaintances or people who couldn't attend your wedding. For close pals and family, you could have a single invitation with details of both wedding and reception mentioned on it.

Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette

If you are planning to have a rehearsal dinner, you need to think about the rehearsal dinner etiquette. As far as the tradition goes, the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner. In case, you don't wish to follow this tradition, make sure you discuss this issue with the groom's parents. Prepare the guest list wisely and invite your family and friends. Use this occasion to thank your families and friends who have helped you in planning your wedding. Have fun as the ambiance is more relaxed and there aren't any fixed rules you need to follow. You could decide a theme and keep a dress code. The rehearsal dinner as an occasion can be used to socialize with the family and friends, as on the day of the actual wedding, you might not be able to chat with them.

This was some information regarding proper wedding etiquette when organizing a destination wedding. Do plan your wedding by keeping the aforementioned wedding etiquette in mind and have a great time!