All couples envision a wedding that reflects their personality and values, whether it is their vows in front of a sunset in Goa or a local wedding surrounded by family and friends. For some couples, the big question is whether they should have a destination wedding vs a local wedding. Both options have their charm, challenges, and benefits. Let’s break down each of the two options to help couples understand what it looks like and what might be best for their dream wedding.

Pros of a Destination Wedding

Unique and Memorable Experience

Every destination brings its own distinct flavor to the wedding. A heritage fort, a beautiful beach, or a mountain backdrop creates special moments you and your guests will never forget. 

Intimate Celebrations

More often than not, a destination wedding will require a smaller guest count than a hometown wedding, and that makes it inherently more personal. You will have the opportunity to spend quality time with those closest to you in a more intimate and sentimental setting. 

Wedding and Vacation in One

Guests enjoy it just as much as the couple, and who wouldn’t?  A few days of fun in a gorgeous location also serves as a mini-vacation. The memories last longer than just the big day. 

Stunning Photos and Ambience

Who needs décor when you have a beautiful natural or architectural setting already? The beauty of a destination venue is just immeasurable.

Cons of a Destination Wedding

Increased Travel and Accommodation Costs

The cost of flights, accommodation, and logistics can substantially add to the overall expense. In the event you’re also covering part of your guest(s) accommodation, you are also incorporating that cost for you and your guests into the total. 

Increased Logistics

Planning local vendors, organizing transportation, and managing events from a distance can be an added stressor unless you have your own strong team on the ground or a planner.

Possibly Limited Guest Count

Not every guest may be able to travel. This may result in fewer guests overall. Intimacy is nice, but many couples miss the extended family and friends.

Weather and Permit Factors

For outdoor wedding destinations, or international, there can be unexpected weather or local regulations. It’s best to plan well and have backups.

Pros of a Local Wedding

Convenience and Control

If your wedding is planned close to home, you will have quicker access to venues and vendors, along with the ability to visit your site potentially many times to prep. You can take care of things yourself and make a last-minute change without as much of a problem.

Larger Guest List

If you want everyone from childhood friends to distant relatives to attend your wedding, your guests will not have to be as concerned about travel because the wedding is taking place where everyone lives.

Budget Flexibility

You will have much more control of your budget when planning, as you can select local suppliers and avoid the travel expenses. You can splurge where it counts most, such as décor, food, or entertainment.

Comfort of Familiarity

Everything seems to flow more smoothly when you are familiar with the local area and local customs. From collaborating with the officiant to guests answering questions, things are simply easier when we are comfortable in our local space.

Cons of a Local Wedding

More Guests, Higher Scale

Hosting a wedding in your hometown can create longer guest lists, which can lead to increased costs in food, chairs, décor, etc., even if you did not plan for that.

Wedding Routine

Some couples find that a wedding in their hometown is less “wow” than a celebration in a new or exotic location. You miss out on the excitement of travel and all the exclusivity that comes with being away from home.

More Social Pressure

In your hometown, you may feel increased expectations from family and friends, which can detract from what you are trying to create, the casual and personal feel you wanted.

Real Costs: What Really Matters

Many believe that destination weddings automatically carry a higher cost, which is not entirely the case. The significant difference is how the event is planned and what is emphasized.

If you keep your guest list to a minimum and only offer a few planned events during your wedding, a destination wedding can sometimes hold a lower cost for you. However, relying on your family and guests to entertain themselves at your local wedding can create a high cost as your guest numbers grow.

Let’s put it this way: 

At a destination wedding, you are investing in a wedding experience, exclusivity, and ambiance. 

At a local wedding, you are investing in your guests and their comfort, and often, the expense of extravagance. 

Ultimately, your budget will stretch depending on your choice and not only the destination. Either choice can be planned economically, on-trend, and beautifully in your own given style.

Which One Should You Choose?            

Ultimately, everything boils down to what is important to you as a couple. If you wish for a celebration that is intimate and experiential, with a limited guest list and phenomenal scenery, then a destination wedding might be “the one”. If you value ease, inclusivity, and knowing the venue, then a local wedding might be “the one”.

Some couples go with a hybrid option, a private destination wedding ceremony, and then a large local reception. A hybrid option gets the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Where your wedding takes place is a reflection of your couple identity. It does not matter whether it is in your hometown or on the other side of the country; what matters is the experience for you and the feeling for your family and friends who will be there.

A dream wedding is not determined by what it looks like, but by the happiness, a feeling of togetherness, and the significance. Pick what feels right for you and let the moments be a reflection of your love in a way that is uniquely you.