Destination weddings were a smart, over the top way to celebrate upscale nuptials. That is, until the stock market came crashing down and a global recession affected everyone's job, bank account or stock portfolio.
Good thing, too, not the recession, but the demise of the Destination Wedding.
A Destination wedding is just what it sounds like.. Far from home, it is performed atop a mountain, on a beach, or a 5 star resort., perhaps in the next country or continent., It usually lasts for four days (Thursday to Sunday) with planned events for the guests. Guests pay for their own transportation and accomodations and the guest list remains the same as though the service and reception were around the corner. . I had heard about one in Venice, another in Santorini.
I was thrilled to be invited to my first destination wedding in Jamaica. I received a Save the Date pre invitation, 6 months in advance. giving heads-up information about planes, the resort , and tentative agenda of planned events. I considered staying a few extra days just for the fun of it. Perhaps I would even rent one of the hotel villas and invite my children/grandchildren for fun in the sun, 'though they were not wedding guests..
I shuddered to think how much the four days would cost,plus wedding gift, shower gift, and perhaps a smart new bathing suit or tropical outfit or two, dropped the idea of a villa for my family, and reserved , just for me, the least costly room at the hotel.
When I booked air and hotel via Amex travel (cheaper than the recommended agency for the wedding), I was stunned to learn this resort needed up front payment with a limited cancellation policy. . I took out travel insurance, just in case.
, Sadly, almost at the 11th hour, the engagement was broken. It was a painful , probably embarrassing time for the bride and the families. I got my dollars back , thanks to the insurance., but never received another destination wedding invitation.
Have you ever gone to a Destination Wedding.? What was it like? Tell all.
Interesting perspective on destination weddings. I have never been to one but was going to suggest the idea to some cash-strapped friends who recently became engaged. However, I was thinking more along the lines of a very small guest list at the destination and then a casual reception (backyard BBQ style) for friends and extended family in their home town upon returning.