Travel Secrets: Destination Weddings & Pro Tips for Guests

As wedding season approaches many of us face the big question. Should I say “I do” to a destination wedding? While an invitation to a friend or family member’s nuptials in an exciting locale is affirmation of your friendship, plus an opportunity for travel, it’s also a serious commitment.
Once you factor transportation and lodging costs, time away from work, and wedding-adjacent requirements such as wardrobe, gifts, and parties, putting a ring on travel plans can be an overwhelming endeavor. So how can we be present when a friend takes a giant leap while staying grounded?
We consulted experts for advice to help guests elegantly navigate the dos and don’ts of destination weddings. According to Mark Koehler, SVP of Hotels for Priceline.com, the company’s recent Bridal Season Survey found 47% of respondents were excited about the prospect of wedding travel and 25% where motivated by a chance to visit a new place, which is good news considering destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular.
In more happy news, most couples have family and friends in mind when choosing a destination. Proximity and costs are usually prime factors, along with a location’s meaningfulness. Julie Gladstone, CEO of Bride & Groom says couples are motivated by creating a memorable experience for guests. “Couples choose destination weddings to get a change of scenery, to turn their wedding into a grandiose celebration, to travel with friends and family, and to have a day that feels unique to them,” she says.
Bottom line: Destination weddings offer an invaluable opportunity to explore a new place and strengthen bonds with family and friends. These pro tips will help you celebrate the special occasion to the fullest.
Assess the Commitment
Priceline found 40% of invitees decline a wedding-related event due to travel expenses. The company says this could be due to people spending on average more than $600 on wedding-related parties and events (more than a quarter spend more than $800; 15% spend more $1,000).
If you made the guest-list cut, you are close enough to openly discuss expectations and concerns, especially if the trip may be financially or schedule prohibitive. Most couples understand the undertaking but plan for the destination to pay off with an unforgettable experience. If you must decline, suggest alternatives for celebrating together before or after the grand event.
For those taking the plunge, plan to pool resources with friends like renting a car or van together to save money. For lodging, Koehler recommends looking beyond the wedding hotel. “When you’re a wedding guest, you shouldn’t feel pressured to stay at the venue hotel or within the block of rooms secured by the bride and groom,” says Koehler.
He advises booking at least three months in advance to save on flights. Many couples choose long holiday weekends for more celebration time, which also means peak travel periods and higher costs. “As soon as you receive the save-the-date for an upcoming destination wedding, mark your calendar for the ideal time to purchase tickets,” Koehler adds.
When it comes to gifts, some experts say your presence is the only present required, while others advise against showing up empty-handed. Gladstone suggests joining with friends and family for a group gift.