Destination Wedding Etiquette: How to Be a Dream Guest
Destination weddings offer the best and wonderful memories amongst friends and like any other trip require some planning for the guests. This will ensure a smooth running of events. Some people embrace destination weddings as a chance for them to travel as they share wonderful memories with their loved ones. Others find them plain expensive and an agonizing requirement. There is, however, decorum for destination weddings and as a guest, it means being the best company ever.
Below-listed is ways you can be a gracious guest during the wedding ceremony.
1. Willingly go to destination weddings but don’t feel obligated.
When you get invited to a destination wedding, you are not obligated to attend. Only attend weddings that you truly want to. When the trip is causing a strain your budget, you are free to decline politely. A wedding ceremony is a day of joy and merry making with people, who you enjoy their company.
2. Handle your travel expenses
Although the bride and groom may be willing for any extra excursions and trips you may have planned out, do not expect them to cater for that. Take into account all the arrangements you make when going for a trip. This includes things like plane tickets, accommodation, car rental meals and fun activities. Above all pack as though you are going for a vacation
3. Make sure you show up for the destination wedding when you confirm your attendance
Confirming attendance to a destination wedding then failing to show up costs the bride and groom, considering they were working on a limited guest list. Emergencies do come up but make sure the couple is informed. The nonrefundable travel costs can only be reimbursed if the reason for cancelling is considered an emergency.
4. Be willing to help when you can
Since most plans are done at the last minute, planning a destination wedding can be very stressful for the couple. Your contribution by either arranging flowers or chairs will highly be appreciated by the couple. Ask the resort planner or even the bride of ways in which you can offer your assistance.
5. Have your wedding gift send to the bride and grooms home
Every couple appreciates wedding gifts, however, keep in mind the practicality of carrying them to a destination wedding venue. Keep in mind to send your gift for the couple to their home before travel date or after they are back; this way it will save them on shipping costs from the wedding destination location.
6. Observe moderation and enjoy yourself
Coming together with friends and family is a joyful and perfect for having fun. Participate freely in any planned events. The important thing to keep in mind is, although the drinks may be free, drink in moderation, be pleasant to the other guests and dress appropriately.
Being invited to a friends wedding does not make it an obligation for you to attend, decline politely when you are not in a position to attend. Take care of your travel expenses and fun activities as you would when planning a vacation. Make sure after confirming your attendance, you show up as this costs the couple insurance cover. Any help you extend towards the planning will be appreciated by the couple. Make sure you enjoy yourself during the trip.