How to Plan a Destination Wedding When Some Guests Can’t Afford It
Destination weddings are dreamy.
You get the beach, the sun, and the romance.
You’ve probably imagined yourself saying “I do” with the ocean as your backdrop and the sand between your toes.
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But here’s the kicker...
Not everyone’s on the same wavelength when it comes to what they’re willing to drop on travel and accommodation.
So what do you do when you’re dreaming of a tropical wedding and your Aunt Sue’s thinking,
“That’s cute... but I can’t afford a flight to the Caribbean”?
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Well let's talk about it...
Here’s how to have your dream wedding
...without making your guests feel like they need to sell a kidney to get there.
Step 1: Realize That Some Guests Won’t Be Able to Come
First things first:
Accept it.
Some people just aren’t going to be able to make it.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s part of the reality.
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This is your day, but it’s also not theirs ...and if the cost of travel or the logistics of a faraway destination just aren’t going to work for them.
It’s okay to acknowledge that...
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But the good thing is that...
The people who can make it will be there because they really, truly want to be with you.
The wedding will have an intimate, special vibe because the people who show up are your ride-or-die crew.
And that’s kind of awesome.
Step 2: Give Everyone Time to Plan and Save
I’m talking a lot of time.
Don’t spring a destination wedding on your guests with six months' notice
...this is an event they need to plan for.
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Think of a year in advance, if possible.
That gives everyone enough time to save for the trip and book their flights without feeling rushed or financially squeezed.
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And the earlier you give people notice, the less guilt you’ll feel when you start seeing people who just can’t make it.
Step 3: Choose a Destination That Has Options for All Budgets
Here’s where you can make a big difference.
When picking your destination, look for a place with a variety of hotel options at different price points.
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You want a place that has both budget-friendly hotels for those who need to save a little and luxury resorts for your high-rollers.
That way, your guests can make their own choice based on what fits their budget.
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Also, don’t forget to consider places that are easy to get to.
A destination wedding in a city with multiple flight options (and relatively inexpensive ones) is a lot easier to work with than somewhere super remote.
Convenience is key!
Step 4: Be Honest, But Don’t Apologize Excessively
Listen, you want your guests to know that you understand if they can’t come
But you don’t need to over -apologize for the cost of your dream wedding.
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In your invites or wedding website, make it clear that you’d love to have everyone there, but you also get it if they can’t make it.
Step 5: Livestream the Ceremony for Those Who Can’t Make It
For the guests who really want to be there but just can’t swing the trip
...give them a way to feel like part of the action.
A livestream of the ceremony (and possibly even the reception) is a game-changer.
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Set up a private Zoom or YouTube link to share with those who can’t attend.
It’s an easy way to let them witness your big moment in real-time
...and trust me, they’ll appreciate it more than you know.
Step 6: Don’t Let Guilt Steal Your Joy
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
Guilt.
Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind, and when you’ve got loved ones saying they can’t come because it’s too expensive
..it’s easy to feel guilty.
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But...
You’re allowed to have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
So don’t feel bad for choosing a destination that excites you.
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And let’s be real...
There’s always going to be someone who can’t make it, no matter what kind of wedding you plan.
You can’t please everyone.
Step 7: Plan a Post-Wedding Celebration for Those Who Missed Out
Not all hope is lost for your guest list!
When you return from your destination wedding, plan a little celebration for those who couldn’t make it.
A post-wedding BBQ, dinner party, or even just a casual meet-up with cake and champagne is a thoughtful way to reconnect with those who couldn’t make the trip.
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It’ll give everyone the chance to toast to your new life together,
...and it’s a nice way to show that you didn’t forget about them
Even if they couldn’t be there physically.
Quick side note before i conclude ...
If you’re planning without a wedding planner (especially for a destination wedding), I highly recommend checking out my Wedding Planning Bundle
It will help with keeping everything organized - from your guest list, to budget, vendor contact info, timelines ...and so much more
So if wanna check it out...i dropped the link below
Alright, let’s wrap it up.
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love
...not stressing over who can or can’t make the flight.
It’s okay to feel a little sad or conflicted (...you’re human), but try not to carry guilt for choosing what feels right for you.
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Just be thoughtful, communicate well, and find little ways to make your people feel included.
The people who love you will get it.
Oh and also.
if you enjoyed this blog post don't forget to **SAVE THIS PIN** so you can come back to it again later)
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