Planning to say “I do” among the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, or the golden cliffs of the Algarve? A destination wedding in Portugal promises old-world charm, world-class cuisine, and postcard-perfect settings... However, we do believe couples have lots of questions about getting married abroad.
From travel costs to guest expectations, planning a wedding abroad means navigating both logistics and good manners. Whether you're dreaming of a seaside ceremony or a city celebration, we’re answering your most common destination wedding etiquette questions so you can focus on the beauty, not the blunders.
"Do we have to pay for our guests' travel and accommodation?"
The answer is pretty short and straightforward: no!
While the bride and groom typically cover all the wedding-related events (think: welcome party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception), guests are generally expected to pay for their own flights and hotel rooms. That said, it’s thoughtful to secure room blocks at a variety of price points and offer group rates to ease the financial burden.
Additionally, you should consider covering a special outing or airport transfers as a gesture of thanks.
"How far in advance should we send the wedding invitations?"
When you are planning a destination wedding, it is important that you bear in mind two important elements: the save-the-date and the official invitations. Therefore, consider:
- Send the save-the-dates between 8 and 12 months in advance.
- Send the official wedding invitations between 3 and 4 months ahead of the big day.
Remember that destination weddings require more planning for guest: time off work, passports, childcare... So, the more notice you can give, the better. Be clear with details early on (location, hotel options, travel advice) by setting up a wedding website as soon as possible.
"What should we include in the wedding invitations?"
When inviting guests to a destination wedding, you'll need to include more details than a standard wedding invitation. Along with the main invite, be sure to include an information card that outlines the full weekend itinerary: listing the date, time, and location of each planned event. This helps guests know how long they'll need to be in town.
"How can we be considerate of our guests' budgets?"
In addition to varied accommodation options, consider the overall price tag of your chosen destination. Pick a place with easy (and affordable) access, and avoid scheduling in high tourist season if possible. Offer travel tips, like budget airlines or shared ride services, and be transparent about expected costs up front.
"Can we have an intimate destination wedding and celebrate again at home?"
The answer is "absolutely yes!!". Destination weddings often come with a naturally smaller guest list, whether it’s due to your personal preferences, venue capacity, or the logistics of travel. If your celebration abroad ends up including just a handful of close loved ones, you can absolutely plan a second celebration once you're back home.
This could take the form of a full-scale wedding reception, complete with your gown, a live band, and a tiered cake, or something more relaxed, like a cocktail party or a backyard barbecue. There’s no right or wrong, just what feels right for you and your partner.
In the end, it is a lovely idea, especially for those who couldn’t attend.
"Is it okay to plan activities for our guests?"
Yes, and they’ll probably love it!
Think of your destination wedding as a mini vacation for your guests. Including optional events like group excursions, beach games, or a farewell brunch adds to the experience. Just be clear that participation is optional and build in plenty of free time for rest and exploration.
Destination weddings come with their own set of logistics, but they’re also a magical way to celebrate love surrounded by your closest people in an unforgettable setting. With clear communication, thoughtful planning, and a little flexibility, you’ll handle the etiquette (and the memories")with ease.
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