Destination wedding etiquette

Give your guests advance notice
You'll want to give your guests at least 1 year notice so they will have enough time to make the proper travel arrangements. This will require you to send out your wedding invitations earlier than you would for a wedding close to home.

Should you have an engagement party?
Sure, why not? Parties are great and you do have the best reason to celebrate! However, you will only want to invite the same guests you are going to invite to your destination wedding, as they are expected to bring a gift and it would be rude to invite friends who are not invited to the wedding.

Who pays for what?
The host should pay for the ceremony, reception, and lodging of the attendants. Guests are responsible for their costs; however, the host is responsible for providing "something" for the guests, usually a welcome cocktail party or basket.

Accommodations
Your guests are expected to cover their own travel and hotel expenses. You make this easier for them by working with a Montrose Travel Destination Wedding Specialist, who will block space and obtain group rates with added amenities for guests. Working with one of our Destination Wedding Specialists will relieve stress from you... and your guests will thank you!

At the resort
Write up a wedding itinerary with details of the ceremony, reception and any other social events you may have planned for your guests. You can use borders and photos to make it a wedding souvenir. Also consider hosting a welcome cocktail party and/or a day excursion for the group.

Upon your return
Still want to celebrate with your family and friends who were not able to make it to your destination wedding? You may want to plan an informal reception close to home. Give yourself, at the very least, 2 weeks between your return and holding a at home reception. You'll need the break.

Using common sense and courtesy will ensure that you and your guests will have a fun and memorable time!

Our Destination Wedding Specialists can help answer any questions you may have - call today at 1-800-331-1366!