Why Choose a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular. But is a destination wedding right for you? Let’s explore when it’s a great option and when you should be opting for somewhere closer to home.
What is a destination wedding?
So first up, what is classed as a destination wedding? Often when we hear the term, we think of far-away tropical islands, or castles in Tuscany. The Australian wedding industry generally class a destination wedding as one that happens either outside of your home state or overseas.
For this article however, we’re going to class a destination wedding as anywhere that is not in the immediate location of where you live as travelling outside of major cities to areas such as the NSW South Coast is a popular choice for those looking for a unique wedding destination.
In Australia, we are extremely lucky to live in a country blessed with countless locations to host beautiful destination weddings without any of the challenges of trying to organise a wedding in Fiji or Thailand. There’s none of the cultural barriers, time differences or any of the ‘unknowns’ adding to the pre-wedding stress. If you choose a destination wedding within Australia, you may also be able to visit the destination and the venue prior to the big day which is often not possible if looking at overseas options.
For example, The Pavilion Kiama on the stunningly picturesque NSW South Coast is increasingly popular with those from Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne wanting a beautiful location that is within easy reach.
There are no fights amongst the in-laws
Nowadays with many people moving around the country for work or education, it is very common to meet someone who may not be from the same place originally as you. Perhaps you’re from Queensland but your husband-to-be is from Victoria, and now you’re both living in New South Wales. In that scenario choosing either Queensland or Tasmania means that one set of parents may be left feeling a little upset about being the ones that have to travel. A destination wedding removes all of these arguments.
A destination wedding can help you to limit your numbers
Have a huge family but aren’t keen on inviting your second cousins’ new wife and her three children? With a destination wedding you may find that you are able to limit your numbers and not have to include so many distant relatives.
It extends your wedding beyond the day itself
Ask any married couple about their wedding day and they will tell you that it went by far too quickly.
Planning a destination wedding means that you can extend the celebrations beyond the day itself, maybe booking in an evening meal the night before, or a ‘recovery brunch’ the day after.
It means you are free to relax and truly enjoy the day knowing that you can still catch up and spend time properly with all of your guests. You will find that, especially if you have friends and family who are spread across the country normally they will also really value this longer time to spend together.
You can relax
From a practical point of view, planning a destination wedding means that you can get into ‘wedding mode’ a whole lot sooner. You won’t have to worry about guests being delayed by last minute traffic problems, you won’t be tempted to ‘pop home’ to pick up any last minute bits and pieces, or worse still try to switch from work mode into wedding mode.
Instead you can arrive at the destination a few days before and simply enjoy being pampered and get excited about the big day.
…and you feel like you’ve had a mini-holiday
A lot of couples these days will delay taking their honeymoon until a few months after the wedding. Planning a destination wedding means that you get a mini-holiday before the honeymoon even starts.
The Pavilion Kiama on the stunning NSW South Coast specialises in creating tailored waterfront destination wedding experiences. Find out more about our packages and why the local area is the perfect location for your big day. To speak to the wedding team please call 02 4232 1419.
Picture credit: Alana Atkins Photography
