Destination Wedding: Should you pay for your guests’ non-wedding activities? – Wedding Advice #22

Hola! Did you guys miss us?! We bet you did!

No, we did not go on a sabbatical. Instead, we’re back with a bang! And this time we couldn’t resist tickling one of the most exciting topics in weddings, which is Destination Weddings.

Yes, it’s the latest trend in Indian wedding scenes! Whether it’s a royal wedding in Rajasthan, cool and breezy beach destination wedding in Goa or Thailand that you’re planning – this popular trend has raised all types of etiquette questions. One of which is – Who pays for what?

Do the bride and groom pay for all or selective guests’ travel and accommodation? Do the parents pitch in if they’re given size of guest list is extended? Do the bridal couple pay for their attendant‘s sightseeing too? Let’s help you figure that out!

What do the bride & groom pay for?

A welcome party

Think: cutesy welcome bags or treats that get them in the mood for your destination wedding

The wedding reception

Duh! 

A morning-after brunch

This one could be paid by the bride and groom or could also be a gift from a friend or relative willing to pitch itinerary.

Selected group activities

Archery, bowling, sailing or any other famous destination activity that you would want to be included in your wedding it 

A shuttle to pick up your guests at the airport when they arrive

Convenience is key! Make it easy-peasy for your guests to reach your wedding destination after their long journey. You definitely don’t want them to be running around for local taxis and hunting down your wedding location in an unknown city, state or country. 

Transportation to and from the ceremony and reception sites

Well, if your guests are paying for their own accommodation, the least you can do is arrange for their transportation to and from the ceremony and reception sites, if they are located at different sites. 

Attendant hotel rooms

This one is for all those whose attendance at your wedding is a compulsion. Them being your besties, bridesmaid, groomsmen, bridal gang – you get it right! If this exceeds your budget, you can simply request your attendant to pay for the rooms as part of your wedding gift. 

Travel expenses for VIPs 

These are your elder relatives or your bestie’s older family members whom you definitely don’t expect to foot the bill. 

What do the guests pay for?

Their plane ticket to and from the destination and hotel room stay

You’re footing the bill for the entire wedding, the least they can do is pay for their own travel and stay. 

Any meals or beverages that are not part of the wedding festivities

No, you don’t pay for the extra munchies and drinks they gulp down at the hotel’s bar counter or from their hotel room’s fridge. 

Any non-wedding activities that choose to participate in

So, your guests want to explore your wedding destination, do you pay for their travel and sightseeing? The answer is a resounding NO!

Hair and makeup or spa appointments

Big NO-NO! Expenses to be paid by the guests.