Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Planning & Advice
  4. Wedding Etiquette & Advice
  5. Destination Wedding Etiquette Dos and Don'ts
Martha Stewart Weddings

Destination Wedding Etiquette Dos and Don'ts

Skip gallery slides
Pin
ana-alden-wedding-greece-611a3357-s111821.jpg
Credit: Collin Hughes

Navigate the ins and outs of planning a wedding away from home with this helpful guide.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
ana-alden-wedding-greece-611a3357-s111821.jpg
Credit: Collin Hughes

Planning a destination wedding? Before you start packing your bags for the trip of a lifetime, pause to consider the etiquette surrounding such a big commitment. After all, you're asking guests to get on an airplane and travel halfway across the world to witness your nuptials—of course there are a few rules attached! From choosing a thoughtful location, to sending save-the-dates way in advance, there are ways to be considerate of your guests, while still remaining true to your exotic vision.

Most of these tips come down to common courtesy. If you're jetting guests off to a destination that they know little about—gray areas may include currency exchange rates, transportation, or cultural codes of conduct—it's important to put together a prepped guide, long before they get on the plane. Be sure you're regularly updating your wedding website with helpful tidbits, so you guests don't feel like fish out of water upon arrival. Another important factor? Taking into consideration your guests' varying budgets. While you're in splurge mode—it's your wedding, after all—your friends and family may be trying to save. If you know that that's the case for a large amount of your guests, consider hosting your wedding during your location's off-season, when lodging and airfare are significantly more affordable. 

While the big things, like budget and need-to-know info, should be at the top of your priority list, don't forget the smaller details. They go a long way! From welcoming guests warmly with drinks and treats, to stocking their rooms with snacks and "recovery" kits, there are lots of ways to make your favorite people feel at home, even when they're away from home.

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Pick a Location Thoughtfully

bay-tropical5-stjohnusvi-msw-4527-mwds11080.jpg
8 More Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

It is your dream day. If you have envisioned it taking place at a specific far-flung locale, there is always a way to make it work. But if you are open-minded about your options, make it easier for everyone involved by factoring in a few considerations before selecting your destination. If budget may be a concern among the group, choose dates that don't fall within prime travel times, such as spring break, so everyone can get there without higher costs than usual. On the other hand, you don't want to pick dates during which attendees might find inexpensive flights because there are other concerns, such as hurricane season.

Inviting a less than adventurous group? Ask yourself if guests can get there via one convenient direct flight, or will they have to arrange connections or also travel by boat or bus that may be more than some can handle. Would a foreign language intimidate anyone? You know your group best, so you can cater to their needs and also meet your own before narrowing in on a spot for your I do's.

2 of 18

3 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Book It Sight Unseen

olivia-pete-wds108973-1896-a110513-001355.jpg

Your wedding should be a time of good surprises. Manage bad ones by getting a lay of land before your nuptials. Set aside time well before the big day to visit your location, your venue, your hotel, and any hotels you may be recommending to your guests. Afterall, you'd hate for people to arrive, only to find out the photo on the website didn't show the big construction site next door or the to-die-for infinity pool was indefinitely out of commission. 

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Guarantee VIPs Can Attend Before You Post Your Invites

ana-alden-wedding-greece-611a4318-s111821.jpg
Credit: Collin Hughes

Just as you have a dream destination in mind, so might you have your dream guest list for the celebration. Avoid disappointment for you and your parents, close relatives, and besties by checking in with them prior to ordering up and mailing the invitations. If they give you the thumbs-up, you are all set to put the wheels in motion.

4 of 18

5 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Spring a Date on Everyone

meredith-joe-invitation-mexico-002-mwd110420.jpg
Credit: Bryan Garnder

Send your save-the-dates at least six months in advance to help everyone plan properly for the trip. This way guests have enough time to get the best fares. Many airlines also advertise event-travel discounts for blocks of 10 seats or more.

5 of 18

6 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Treat Your Wedding Website Like a Mini Guidebook

lauren-ollie-wedding-car-211-s111895-0515.jpg
Credit: Polly Alexandre Photography
Get Tips for Creating a Wedding Website That Shares Your Info—and Drums Up Excitement for the Big Day

Your wedding website is your guests' link to the locale. Include information on your site about lodging options, along with a list of rental-car companies (if a car is necessary) and public-transit schedules. Also include dress-code information and a roster of things they won—t want to leave home without, such as sneakers or snow boots (if you have any hikes or nature walks planned), sunscreen (if the hotel doesn't provide it), and a shawl (if you're jetting off to a steamy location that's cool at night). It's a nice and organized way to lend a helping hand while giving them a sneak peek at the events you're planning.

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Pressure Your Guests to Attend

edyta-jared-party-081-d110939.jpg
How to Handle Not Being Able to Afford a Wedding Event

No destination, day, or time will ever be perfect for everyone. With destination affairs, about 50 percent of people invited say yes. Plan accordingly and be understanding of those who can't attend, letting them know that you absolutely understand. After all, you don't want anyone to feel obligated to attend, especially since it's likely that they'll have to spend much more than they would if you were getting married locally.

7 of 18

8 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Give Guests Several Options for Accommodations

honeymoon-hotspots-palm-springs-2-0814.jpg
Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Room Blocks

Offer hotel choices and everyone's comfort levels—and budgets—are taken into account. Make the options clear on your website, and be sure everyone feels included no matter where they are, by arranging activities and transportation at each location.

8 of 18

9 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Feel Obligated to Invite Children

carlie-gabe-girl-boy-horseshoes-205dm1-5050-s111570-0515.jpg
Credit: Delbarr Moradi
If You're On the Fence About Inviting Kids, Read This

But be sure to let guests know it's fine if they bring their kids along for the ride—a lot of invitees, after all, will want to piggyback a family vacation onto your big day. To help them, coordinate babysitting services beforehand (your planner, hotel concierge, or venue manager should have a list of qualified locals). Address your invites for the ceremony and reception to the adults only, then note on your wedding website that "babysitting can be arranged for your convenience."

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Consider Hiring a Local Wedding Planner

terrace-place-setting-centerpiece-stjohnusvi-msw-2048-mwds110805.jpg

If you're willing to put in the legwork tracking down venues, caterers, florists, and musicians all by yourself, then yes, going sans planner saves some money. But if you haven't spent much time in the town where you're marrying, then securing reputable and reliable vendors that will make sure the bash goes off without a hitch might best be left to a local pro. She will know the lay of the land, have experience with nearby vendors, and help you—and your guests—navigate possible cross-cultural decorum, such as tipping practices and other matters that will concern everyone attending the event.

10 of 18

11 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Cut It Close

michelle-christopher-positano-italy-1082-s111681.jpg
Credit: Corbin Gurkin

To prevent your nearest and dearest from being no-shows on one of the biggest days of your life, every member of the wedding party should allow plenty of time for travel. Unexpected transportation glitches are common, especially in tropical locales. If you do end up with a missing link, it's better to leave him or her out completely rather than scramble to find a substitute. No one wants to be a second choice. A photo clause in your wedding insurance may help you reassemble everyone at a later date for pics.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Provide Transportation for Your Wedding Guests

leoma-gary-rw1012-178.jpg
Credit: Polly Alexandre Photography
Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Transportation

Arrange for a van or limo to pick up your guests from the airport and shuttle them to their hotels. If possible, hire a guide who knows a lot about the area for a special touch. Guests will be able to ask questions, get a free history lesson, and sightsee as they make their way to their lodgings. For extra credit, hang a welcome sign in the van's window—it's sure to elicit smiles from plane-weary travelers.

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Overlook a Warm—or Refreshing—Welcome

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-007-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Have the front desk greet guests at check-in with a beverage: hot cocoa or mulled cider in a chilly locale, sparkling cider (or, what the heck, a glass of Champagne) in a city, and an Arnold Palmer or chilled cucumber water at the beach. To satisfy the littlest (and likely the grumpiest) travelers, instruct welcomers to make the drinks extra special for kids. Just have them embellish the glasses with a bendy straw, colorful umbrella, skewer of tropical fruit, handful of tiny marshmallows, or dollop of whipped cream.

13 of 18

14 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Stock Guests' Rooms

courtney-michael-wedding-02-s111677-0215.jpg
Credit: Heather Roth Fine Art Photography
How to Put Together a Welcome Bag for Your Wedding Guests

You don't have to go overboard, but gifting a few bottles of water and a handful of snacks that satisfy guests' sweet and salty cravings is a thoughtful touch. A map, notebook and pen, or a small guidebook are also fun and thoughtful presents.

14 of 18

15 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Act Like a Cruise Director

edyta-jared-party-057-d110939.jpg

You absolutely can provide something for your guests to do every day, but it's really a matter of your own preference. At the minimum, have some sort of welcome dinner on the first night so everyone can get acquainted, and provide information about the destination on your website so guests can plan their own activities. A personalized top-10 list of things to do in the area is also a nice touch. Another good idea: Designate a central meeting place, such as a breakfast buffet, where people can find each other every day.

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Be Social

edyta-jared-party-136-d110939.jpg

They have traveled to be with you, so do meet up with your attendees. Remember: You'll have plenty of alone time on your honeymoon. If you are concerned about feeling required to hang out with any guests who have decided to stick around for a longer vacation, consider honeymooning somewhere else entirely.

16 of 18

17 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Hold Back on Celebrating

gabriela-tyson-rehearsal-couple-0234-s111708-1214.jpg
Credit: David Wright Weddings

Planning a larger reception once you return home? Include a note with the wedding invitations announcing the party. That way, those who can't attend will know right off the bat that they'll be able to celebrate with you later on.

17 of 18

18 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do Register for Gifts

best-places-to-register-blueprint-registry-0615.jpg
Credit: Courtesy of Blueprint
Find the Best Places to Register for Wedding Gifts

Where there's a wedding, there are people who want to give gifts. Just keep in mind that many guests are shelling out big bucks for a plane ticket, so fill your wish list with affordable ideas from a range of stores (think Tiffany and Target). Furthermore, due to the distance, there will be friends and family who can't make the trip but will surely want to buy you something special. So register away!

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    • 15 City Hall Wedding Dresses and Jumpsuits for Your Courthouse Ceremony
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 18
    2 of 18 Do Pick a Location Thoughtfully
    3 of 18 Don't Book It Sight Unseen
    4 of 18 Do Guarantee VIPs Can Attend Before You Post Your Invites
    5 of 18 Don't Spring a Date on Everyone
    6 of 18 Do Treat Your Wedding Website Like a Mini Guidebook
    7 of 18 Don't Pressure Your Guests to Attend
    8 of 18 Do Give Guests Several Options for Accommodations
    9 of 18 Don't Feel Obligated to Invite Children
    10 of 18 Do Consider Hiring a Local Wedding Planner
    11 of 18 Don't Cut It Close
    12 of 18 Do Provide Transportation for Your Wedding Guests
    13 of 18 Don't Overlook a Warm—or Refreshing—Welcome
    14 of 18 Do Stock Guests' Rooms
    15 of 18 Don't Act Like a Cruise Director
    16 of 18 Do Be Social
    17 of 18 Don't Hold Back on Celebrating
    18 of 18 Do Register for Gifts

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Destination Wedding Etiquette Dos and Don'ts
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.