All set to attend a destination wedding soon? I am sure you are pretty excited about it. After all, destination weddings are also like extended holidays. A getaway for you to put your worries at bay and just enjoy.
Though, you will probably still be fighting with your spouse, so things will pretty much remain the same. Just, the background will be an exotic locale not your usual place! 😉
Image credit: Kristal Cancun
A few ways in which you can make the most of the destination wedding you have been invited to:
1. Don’t pack everything you own
Unless you are carrying clothes for your closest cousins as well, you need not pack every piece of clothing you own. You will definitely not need all of them. Besides, the extra weight you will keep lugging around will make you cranky & irritable. And the enjoyment will go for a toss!
You must have heard of the concept ‘travel light’. Apply it here. Especially women. Put good thought into it. Count the ceremonies you have to attend and pack accordingly. If you plan to go on an extended holiday, you can probably repeat your travel clothes & casuals.
If the place is a summer tourist hotspot, you are blessed. You can carry lighter clothes. But if it is winter time, good luck with all the extra clothing!
2. “The weather is nice today”
I am not talking about the most boring conversation starter. I am talking about considering the weather of the destination you are headed to. Not knowing would be catastrophic. How to ensure that you are prepared for the weather at your destination?
For starters, check the weather of the destination venue, the time of the ceremony etc. Most of the times, the host couple has all this information. Ask them well in advance and plan accordingly. If it’s a rainy place, carry your own umbrellas. They can be a blessing in disguise if it suddenly gets too sunny as well.
The Internet is full of information. Research before you go. Plan it well. Don’t be like a stranded helpless tourist in someone else’s party. Be the one who knows how to handle things. It is a great feeling, something you can show off with pride! 🙂
3. Be helpful guests
You want to be a good guest? Here are a few things you can do –
– Offer your hosts some luggage space. They are probably carrying a lot of luggage to and fro. Your help in taking some of it with you will delight them beyond doubt. If you have applied the first point carefully, creating space won’t be a big problem!
– Don’t carry the wedding gift with you (if it is a large or heavy piece) unless it is something everyone needs to see. You can always gift it to the couple once they are back. That way, they will need to carry less luggage and they can also enjoy & appreciate your gift more.
– Simplest and easiest – don’t go wandering around shopping or sightseeing when you are needed at the ceremonies. All that can be done later.
4. Plan your travel in a better way
First things first, book your travel well in advance. It would be really embarrassing if you have to cancel your attendance at the last moment because your passport or visa did not arrive.
Secondly, you can travel in groups. This will not only make your trip more enjoyable but also cut down on costs, especially if you are travelling by road. If you are planning to go on a vacation post the ceremony, make sure you have informed your hosts.
5. Stick to your budget
A wedding plus a vacation = budget overrun? Add shopping to this list and it could become a nightmare for you – if not managed well.
Like all budgeting, even your budget for attending a destination wedding will require some adjustments. If you have spent a lot on travel, you can probably buy a less expensive gift. Your being there for the ceremony is a gift in itself for the couple who is getting wed.
Divide your budget broadly into travel, vacation expenses (if you are taking a holiday post ceremony), shopping etc. Be aware of the fact that your budget may shoot up if your travel isn’t planned.
Destination weddings are supposed to be fun. Enjoy to your heart’s extent but be a well planned, prepared and good guest to the party!