Being invited to a destination wedding sounds luxurious as hell, and no doubt brings up images of you strutting your stuff in a photographic setting like the mountains, a beach, or by another wedding-friendly touristy domain. And being invited to a destination wedding is completely ego-boosting and fulfilling, seeing as though you’ve made the cut – you were invited to a celebration that tends to be tight on numbers and includes only the utmost important guests.
As seductive the illusion of this special day is, there are a plethora of failures to be wary of before ticking that RSVP box with an enthusiastic yes. If an invite has landed your pretty, little way, here are some things to think about before packing your bags and jet-setting to a destination wedding…
Can You Afford It?
Sure, it sounds ever-so-chic to tell your friends (and Facebook feed) all about your travels to some lavish setting to watch the life and loves of friends of yours unfold, but can you actually afford the trip? Okay, you might be able to find a reasonable flight – but how about weighing in the costs of hotel rooms, food, drinks, taxi rides (and the like), your dress, hair and makeup, not to mention the wedding present itself. A destination wedding comes with many strings attached. The family might have dinners and gatherings planned before and after the big day, but often – even if those are covered – you’re responsible for traveling to and from venues, something that can become exceedingly costly. Instead of booking the first cheap flight you can catch, make out a realistic budget and see if this is something that you can afford without it affecting your rent, your daily expenses in the city, and likewise.
Who Else Is Invited?
Are you included with a plus one? Do you know any of the bride or groom’s family/friends? These are important questions to ask yourself before getting caught up in the whole excitement that is a friend’s wedding. The thing with destination weddings is that there are daily itineraries, dinners, and the like that has you spending almost all your time with a group of the couple’s closest. If you are an introvert, or an independent kind of person, this arrangement might not be for you. People tend to get extremely close on these types of trips and you need to be on your A-game almost all the time. If you don’t have a close friend or other half with you, you might often feel lonely, isolated, and needy. Be aware of who is attending and take that into consideration before booking.
How Close Are You?
Since destination weddings come with extreme expenses, devotion of your time (you might have to miss work, etc.), your undivided attention (prep for helping the bride or groom get ready), last minute parties, out-of-towner-dinners, etc., be sure you have an actual valuable and mutually balanced relationship with the couple. Do they just call you when they need you? Are they new, fast friends? Or have they been in your life for awhile and you share a solid, balanced friendship? Since time and money is of the essence, be sure that you value the couple, their relationship, and your friendship or else you’ll feel irritable the whole trip. These getaway nuptials are all about the couple, and most of the itineraries are based on their wishes and celebrating them. If you aren’t genuine, or are just plain scared of disappointing them by not going, then it won’t be worth your while – or theirs. Rule of thumb: Trust your instincts. If they tell you you’re better off at home, own your decision and send in your sincerest apologies.
What are some of your rules for going to a destination wedding? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.