Are you considering a destination wedding but feeling unsure if it’s the right choice for you and your guests? 🌴💍 Imagine saying “I do” with your toes in the sand, overlooking a breathtaking mountaintop, or inside a charming European villa. Sounds dreamy, right? But before you book those flights and send out your Save the Dates, let’s talk about the realities of planning a wedding away from home.

In this episode of Big Day DIY, wedding planner and destination wedding expert Tiffany Lanier breaks down everything you need to consider before committing to a wedding abroad or out of town. She’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, uncover hidden costs, and determine whether a destination wedding is truly the best fit for your dream day.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What defines a destination wedding? (Hint: It’s not just about getting married on a beach!)

✅ Pros of a destination wedding: Stunning venues, a built-in vacation for your guests, cost savings, and an unforgettable experience.

✅ Cons of a destination wedding: Guest travel expenses, limited vendor options, legal challenges, and the stress of planning from afar.

✅ How much does a destination wedding really cost? Understand the financial expectations of both the couple and guests.

✅ Who typically pays for what? Flight tickets, hotel rooms, wedding packages, excursions, and extra events—know what you should expect to cover.

✅ 6 Pro Tips for a smooth and successful destination wedding: Including how to choose the right location, negotiate group rates, plan additional events, and simplify legal requirements.

✅ What to ask yourself before deciding: Are you comfortable with some guests declining? Can your budget handle extra accommodations? Are you ready to work with a local wedding planner or resort coordinator?

Real Talk: Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?

A destination wedding is perfect for couples who love intimate, experience-based celebrations and want to create a multi-day event for their guests. However, if you have a large, close-knit family who would struggle with travel, or if you’re a Type-A planner who needs full control over every detail, you may want to think twice. Tiffany gives honest, expert insight to help you decide whether you should go all-in on a destination wedding or stick to a hometown celebration.

Bonus Content: How a Destination Wedding Works with SunHorse Weddings

Tiffany also shares insider knowledge on planning a stress-free destination wedding in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Learn how SunHorse Weddings creates a seamless all-inclusive wedding experience by handling vendor coordination, hotel accommodations, guest experiences, and wedding day logistics—so you can actually enjoy your wedding!

Send us a text

Connect with Tiffany:

Website; www.BigDayDIY.com

Schedule a one-on-one consultation call with Tiffany: https://calendly.com/sunhorsetiffany/wedding_consultation

Do you have an issue or topic that you would like Tiffany to answer on an Ask Me Anything episode, record a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/BigDayDIY

Be a beta tester for the wedding planning workbook: https://bigdaydiy.kit.com/80cf7e89a6

Sign-up and get access to our Wedding Resourses Google Drive: https://bigdaydiy.kit.com/20a91c0130

7. Should You Have a Destination Wedding? Everything You MUST Know First