Traditional Wedding vs Destination Wedding
Weddings are some of the most important celebrations in our lives, and they can be incredibly special events. But when it comes to planning your wedding, where do you start? Of course, there are countless options to choose from, but one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is deciding between a traditional wedding and a destination wedding.
Weddings that take place in a city or town hall are called “traditional,” while those held at resorts or abroad are considered “destination.” Both have their own unique set of pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and priorities.
Just Because Romance will help you understand the ins and outs of both types of weddings so that you can make an informed decision. We can also talk one-on-one if you want to plan a destination wedding, or just have more questions.
Let’s explore both options so that you can decide which type of wedding is best for you!
Traditional Weddings
A traditional wedding often occurs in the bride and groom’s hometown, usually in a church or other religious venue. They may involve an extensive guest list, with many extended family members and close friends in attendance. Traditional weddings usually take place on weekends, and last for several hours. They usually feature a ceremony followed by an elegant reception with a sit-down dinner, toasts from family and friends, formal speeches, and dancing. This wedding option may be best for couples who prefer a traditional, formal style of wedding.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons.
Pros of a Traditional Wedding
- Convenience: With a traditional setting, your guests won’t have to travel far, making it easy for everyone you love to attend. The convenient location is also perfect for getting together with vendors to discuss details of the upcoming wedding. A local venue gives you the opportunity to walk through it, so you’re sure everything is in order—a luxury not everyone has when planning a destination wedding.
- Control: With a traditional wedding, you have more control over the planning process. When you plan a local wedding, you are far less likely to experience misunderstandings or miscommunications with local vendors. Local vendors might also have already worked at your wedding venue and can give you insight into different things they’ve seen take place at past weddings. As a result, you may feel more confident in their abilities to perform and execute the wedding of your dreams.
- Familiarity: A traditional celebration in your hometown means you’ll be surrounded by familiar faces, which can be comforting on such a big day. You’ll have people you trust to help you through the planning process and on the day of your wedding. You might also feel more comfortable choosing a venue that you already know well, as opposed to an unknown location where no one has ever been married before.
Cons of a Traditional Wedding
- Limited Options: With a traditional wedding, you’ll be limited to the venues and vendors available in your hometown. You may not be able to find the exact venue you want, or you might find that it’s booked for months on end. You may have to settle for a venue that doesn’t quite meet your needs or wants, which can be frustrating.
- Guest Expectations: When you have a traditional celebration, your guests will expect invitations–and those invitations come with expectations! You might feel pressure to spend more on things like decorations, food, and entertainment than you’d like just so everyone is happy with the event. If you’re trying to keep costs down, this can be frustrating.
- Cost: Traditional weddings are notoriously expensive. You have to pay for the venue, food and drinks, entertainment, decorations, flowers…the list goes on and on! There are many ways to save money on a traditional wedding, but the truth is that it can be difficult to keep costs down. If you’re trying to stick within a budget, it’s likely that you’ll feel pressure from many different sides.
Destination Weddings
A destination wedding takes place in a location different from the bride and groom’s hometown. This can include beach weddings, mountain weddings, and even weddings in foreign countries. Destination weddings are often more relaxed and casual than traditional ones. They may be symbolic rather than legal ceremonies and may not have all of the traditional elements that make up a wedding. This option is a great choice for couples who want to exchange vows in a beautiful place and don’t mind having a small or casual wedding.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons.
Pros of a Destination Wedding
- Unique setting: You can create a magical wedding experience at a unique or exotic location anywhere you choose. The world is your oyster! You and your guests will feel as though you are on vacation from the moment you arrive at your chosen destination, which will only further contribute to an amazing wedding day. Plus, If you want to combine your wedding and honeymoon into one journey, then a destination wedding can be perfect for you. Schedule a consultation and let Just Because Romance plan your destination wedding,
- Intimate: With a destination wedding, you’ll likely have a smaller guest list, which can make the event feel more intimate and special. You’ll also have more time with each guest, which can make the event feel more personal and meaningful. You can enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast with your guests, and then take a walk on the beach before having lunch at one of many restaurants available near your hotel or resort.
- Memorable: A destination wedding provides a chance to make lasting memories with your loved ones. You can take advantage of the opportunity to plan a special activity for your guests. For example, you may want to arrange for them to go on a tour of local landmarks or museums, or you can have an outdoor adventure like hiking or swimming at the beach.
Cons of a Destination Wedding
- Limited Guest List: You may find that the cost of a destination wedding may require you to narrow down your guest list. Your elderly family members may not be able to attend your destination wedding as traveling a long distance might be too difficult. Also, some of your friends may not be able to afford the trip or be able to get time off work.
- Logistics: Planning a destination wedding can be more complex, as you’ll have to coordinate with vendors and venues in an unfamiliar location. Since destination weddings have to be planned long-distance, each and every detail may not turn out exactly as desired. Plus you’ll have to consider the legality of tying the knot in another country. Some countries require a minimum period of residence before marriage or a certain number of days spent on their soil. There may also be paperwork and fees to marry in another country.
- Guest Experience: Your duties as hosts extend beyond just your wedding celebration. Since guests attending will have often traveled a long distance to arrive for your destination wedding, they will usually come a day or two early and leave a few days later. This means that you must take the time to ensure they are comfortable and entertained during their stay. You may feel a responsibility to make sure that the trip is enjoyable for everyone else, rather than focusing on your own enjoyment.
So Which is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a destination wedding is entirely up to you. You can’t please everyone, but we hope this guide has helped shed some light on the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed choice about what works best for you!
At Just Because Romance, we offer top-notch services for couples who want an exceptional wedding resort experience. We know how stressful this time can be, especially when planning an event on the other side of the world. That’s why we offer assistance every step of the way. So, schedule a consultation to start your destination wedding journey!
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