Know Who To Invite To Your Exciting Wedding Abroad


Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Destination weddings offer a special and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests. Getting married in beautiful places and celebrating love in unique locations is exciting. However, one of the most challenging aspects of planning a wedding abroad is deciding who to invite. It’s not easy to choose when you have to balance your dream location with practical things and the desire to share your big day with loved ones. This guide will help you figure out who to invite for your destination wedding by looking at important factors.

Understanding the Dynamics

Destination weddings are a bit different from regular weddings. They usually have fewer people because it can be tricky for guests to travel far, and it can be expensive too. So, you have to think carefully about who to invite. You want to include your closest family and friends while keeping the wedding small and cosy.

Immediate Family and Close Relatives

Your closest family members are usually the first people you think of inviting to your wedding. This includes your parents, brothers, sisters, and grandparents. They’re really important in making your wedding day special and can give you lots of love and support. Don’t forget about your aunts, uncles, and cousins who are close to you too! They can add even more warmth and joy to your celebration.

Quinta Cascata dos Sonhos, Venue | Almargem do Bispo, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Best Friends

Your best friends are the people who have always been there for you, no matter what. They deserve a special place at your destination wedding. They’re the ones you’ve known for a long time, like friends from when you were a kid, friends from college, or even people you work with who’ve become really close. Having them at your destination wedding will make it extra special because they bring so much happiness and wonderful memories with them.

Those Who Have Supported Your Relationship

Think about inviting people who played a significant role in your relationship journey.  They could be friends, family, or even people who introduced you to each other. Their presence shows how much they mean to you and how they’ve helped your relationship grow.

Moinho da Praia, Venue | Samouco, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Navigating Relationships

One of the most challenging aspects of deciding who to invite to a destination wedding is tricky relationships, especially when it comes to people you’re not super close to. You might feel unsure about inviting family members you don’t see often, distant friends, and even people from work. You need to balance your desire to include everyone with your budget and venue capacity. It’s important to be polite and talk openly with everyone involved to avoid problems and to make sure everyone feels respected.

Key Considerations

While it’s tempting to invite everyone you know to join in your wedding abroad, it’s important to be practical. You have to think about some important factors that might limit how many people you can invite. 

Consider factors such as:

Budget: Having a wedding abroad can cost a lot because of travel, hotels, and venue fees. So, it’s super important to think about how much money you have to spend when making your guest list. Even if you really want to invite everyone, it’s smart to be realistic about what you can pay for. Think about who’s most important to you and invite them first.

Venue Capacity: If you want to get married in a popular tourist spot or a faraway place, you need to check if the venue can fit all your guests comfortably. Make sure it’s not too small for the number of people you want to invite.

Travel: When you plan a wedding abroad, think about how your guests will get there. Some might not have the money or time to travel far. Check if the place is easy to reach, if there are ways to get there, and if there are places to stay. Understand if some people can’t come because of these reasons.

Guest Commitments: Before deciding who to invite, you should check if your guests can come. Some might have other plans or cannot afford to travel.

Sesimbra Natura Park, Venue | Sesimbra, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Consider Special Circumstances

When you’re making your list of people to invite to your destination wedding, think about any special situations they might have. Like, if you have older family members who might find it hard to travel, or friends with little kids, or someone who isn’t feeling well, it’s important to consider their needs. Try to be understanding and make things easier for them if you can. It’s all about being kind and making sure everyone feels included and comfortable.

Keep it Intimate

Having a small wedding is nice. One of the benefits of a destination wedding is the opportunity to invite just the people who are really close to you. Unlike traditional weddings, you don’t have to feel like you have to invite everyone you know, like distant relatives or people you don’t see much. It’s a chance to celebrate with the people you care about the most.

Quinta de São Miguel, Venue | Palmela, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Being Exclusive in a Respectful Way

It’s important to be sensitive and respectful when making your guest list. While it may be challenging to leave some people out, it’s okay to focus on those who are closest to you and who will truly love being part of your destination wedding. Be honest and open about your choices, and thank them for understanding.

Optional Events and Activities

You can plan extra activities for people who can’t come to your destination wedding but still want to be part of the fun. This might be a party before or after the wedding in your hometown. It’s a way to involve more friends and family in your celebration, even if they can’t make it to the main event.

Communicate Clearly and Timely

Once you’ve finished your guest list, tell them about your wedding plans in a clear and timely way. Share important details such as the date, location, and accommodation options well in advance. Give them enough time to get ready. Be prepared to answer any questions and help out. Make sure everyone knows what’s going on and feels part of the celebration.

Quinta de São Miguel, Venue | Palmela, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

In short, making a guest list for your wedding abroad requires that you think about your relationships and the practical stuff. Put your family and close friends first, be aware of limits like budget and space, and talk openly. This way, you’ll make sure your wedding is special and includes everyone important to you. 

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Pedro Cruz

Wedding photographer and videographer from Lisbon, Portugal. Here is Pedro Cruz's short bio.

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