Destination weddings are like normal weddings, but they’re way more fun. It’s an excuse to take a bit of a vacation, but to also attend a wedding for a loved one. Though attending a destination wedding can be an unexpected expense, there are ways to attend by only having to pack a few essentials. Again, if you’ve been wanting a weekend away and needed a viable reason, a destination wedding is the perfect excuse, ahem, I mean reason. Here are the essentials to bring to a destination wedding to make sure you have the most fun, while also getting to celebrate.
1. Something to Wear to the Wedding
photo via traciedomino
This can be tricky, because depending on the destination, you could either be going to a black tie event or to a more casual affair. The invitation will likely specify the attire, but if not a little black dress goes a long way, and so does a shirt and tie for men. If there’s that much confusion, giving a ring to someone in the wedding party is an easy fix.
2. Something to Wear to the Beach
photo via andiandtanya2014
Not all destination weddings happen in tropical weather, but seeing as most destination weddings that occur outside of the U.S. take place in Mexico or the Caribbean, it’s fair to assume that’s where you’ll be going for a loved one’s ceremony. You might think that you won’t have time to slip into a bathing suit or visit the beaches while you’re down there, but there’s usually lots of time before the wedding to explore and have some fun.
3. The Gift!
photo via haitiweddings
Bringing a gift is social protocol. Yes, you just spent all that money to get to the wedding, but it’s still a shabby thing to show up empty handed. If you don’t want to bring your gift with you, send it to the couple beforehand. Customs can be strict depending on what kind of gift you plan on giving at the ceremony, so make sure to check that your gift can be brought with you.
4. A Plus One
photo via blog.timesunion.com
If your invite allows a plus one, what’s the harm in bringing someone with you? It’s a good way to make sure you have fun at the wedding, and you can spend any down time before or after the wedding together. If you and a friend were looking for an excuse to go on a vacation together, this wedding could be the fix you’re looking for.
5. Extra Spending Money
photo via michiganandmat.org
I strongly don’t believe in cash bars, but not everyone feels this way. There’s usually also a lot of time between your arrival and the wedding, so keep in mind that you’re going to want to have some extra cash to spend when you’re exploring the destination. Though you don’t need as much as if you were going on vacation for the whole weekend, you should still budget enough to spend a bit while you’re there.
6. Passport and an Extra Form of ID
photo via 1stcoastprinting.com
Having extra ID when you’re going to a destination wedding never hurts. After having a friend turned down at the bar at a wedding because their ID wasn’t valid proof for whatever reason, means that this isn’t a risk worth taking. Bring the extra ID.
