Airfare is expensive. Often the cost of airfare is equal to or exceeds the cost of the land portion for guests attending a destination wedding. The result is fewer guests attending.

A wedding cruise can be the perfect solution. Choose a port that is within a reasonable driving distance for your guests and you have knocked out the cost of airfare. You can even get married on the ship at the port so many guests who cannot afford to sail with you can still attend your wedding and reception.

Cruising includes all of your meals, snacks and beverages such as juice, tea, coffee and milk. You will pay extra for specialty drinks and alcohol. Entertainment is included.

Wedding couples who are concerned about their guests being able to afford coming to their destination wedding may find a cruise wedding to be the perfect solution.

1. Give your guests plenty of notice. As soon as you set your date and choose your location send out save the date cards and set up your website.  Give your guests as much lead up time as possible, especially is you are celebrating at a very expensive location.
2. Consider your guests’ finances. Consider if your must have guests have enough disposable income to come to your wedding.  If not, consider putting some of your own money aside to assist them with the cost.
3. Know your guests. Make sure your guests will enjoy the destination as much as you do.  Remember that friends or family members who have barely traveled out of their hometown may not be as comfortable traveling.  Make sure your destination if comfortable for everyone.
4. Lock in prices. Secure group rates with the wedding travel consultant and find out what special incentives or amenities you will be able to get.
5. Walk in your guests shoes. Try to picture the celebration from your guests’ perspective and look for details that may need to be tweaked to make everyone happy.
6. Enlist a point person. Once your guests arrive there may be some issues no matter how well everything was planned out.  You will be dealing with last minute details of your own.  Make sure you enlist someone who will be available to help in addition to your on site wedding coordinator.
7. Give your guests the “lay of the land.” Create a booklet with extra details of the destination including websites, contact details for the tourist board, list of suggested activities, wedding itinerary and hotel details.
8. Give a warm welcome. Arrange a special greeting for your guests.  Make sure the resort front desk knows when your guests will be arriving.  Deliver welcome baskets to your guests’ rooms prior to their arrival.
9. Welcome basket. Give your guests things they will use – sunscreen, an itinerary of your wedding, snacks, bottle of wine.
10. Entertain your guests without going overboard. Leave your guests time to explore the destination and enjoy the resort themselves.  Set up some group activities such as a catamaran ride or a golf outing.  Just be sure your guests have some downtime too.

Couples Swept Away (Negril, Jamaica)

Secrets Capri (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Sandals Grande Antigua (Antigua)

Secrets Silversands (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Welcome your guests at the Drunken Duck Pub.  This authentic pub was brought over from England and has “party” written all over it.  Prep your attendants at the 29,00 sq. ft. Red Lane Spa & Salon.  Everyone will have everything at their fingertips at this all suite resort with butler and concierge service.

Exchange your vows on a mile-long beach, garden gazebo or overlooking the golf course.  Choose from 6 design themes by Martha Stewart Weddings with a large a la carte menu of add ons.

At Sandals Emerald Bay you’ll feel like you and your wedding guests are enjoying your own private island escape.

Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast of Cancun.

Isla Mujeres translates to ‘Island of Women’, and it is truly a captivating place. Although you can see the modern towers of Cancun across the Bay, the island itself is like stepping back in time with it’s slow pace, easygoing style and laid back locals. Highlights include the Turtle Farm and Rescue Center adjacent to the hotel and nearby Garrafon National Park. On the island’s northwest side you will find the main town with its colorful markets, cafes, galleries, nightlife and dining. Be sure to check out Playa Norte, or North Beach – consistently voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

So, who pays for what when participating in a destination wedding?  As with a traditional wedding the attendants are responsible for their own clothing, travel, and lodging.  Typically both attendants and wedding guests do not give the bride and groom a present if they are traveling to a destination wedding since their presence if a gift in itself.

If your budget allows you can subsidize the cost of travel for the wedding party.  Remember, if you do this for one you should do it for all.

Let your attendants and guests know that you do not expect a gift if they are paying their own travel expenses to come to your wedding.  Tell them that etiquette states their presence is the gift so they won’t feel pressured.

1. Welcome your guests at check-in with goody bag filled with fun facts about yourselves.  Get creative!  Make up some games or a crossword puzzle (free online at puzzle-maker.com).  Create labels and paste them on wine or water bottles.  Create a CD or DVD.  Make it fun and unique.
2. Involve your guests in the ceremony.  Group blessings are a great way to involve your guests.
3. Give wedding favors that are unique to the destination.  Think small bottles of Tequila for Mexico or Jerk seasoning for Jamaica

These simple touches will honor your guests and make them remember your unique wedding!