Destination Weddings vs. Close-To-Home Weddings: The Trade-Offs Stylish Couples Need to Know Before Making A Decision
When you first get engaged, the excitement is quickly followed by many questions. Where should I start looking for my dress? What should the colour palette be for florals? How many people do I plan to have in my wedding party?
However, one of the most important questions you must first ask yourself is where you will have your wedding. Should you have a destination wedding or celebrate closer to home?
Although both paths are beautiful in their own way, before deciding officially, it’s important to take a step back and think more in-depth.
In today’s blog, we will break down the pros and cons of these wedding options to help you clarify your values and bring you one step closer to the wedding of your dreams.
Image From: AGI Studio
Planning & Design: Claudia and Co
The Emotional Experience
Image From: AGI Studio
Planning & Design: Claudia and Co
Destination Weddings:
The first important factor to consider is how you want to feel on your wedding day, and what the differences might be if you stay close to home versus having a destination wedding. If you choose a destination wedding, there is a kind of magic in bringing your celebration and close friends and family to a breathtaking backdrop.
It feels intimate, romantic, and is a shared travel experience for your nearest and dearest to cherish for a lifetime. Choosing this option also allows you to immerse yourself in a different country, experiencing new food, meeting new faces, and enjoying a unique ambiance throughout your first days as newlyweds.
The trade-off? Some guests may, unfortunately, feel the distance. Especially if travel is challenging or costly, depending on the destination.
Close-to-Home Wedding:
Weddings held close to home carry their own powerful charm. They are cultivated in connection and familiarity, which can bring a sense of nostalgia to the ceremony. For example, choosing a historical Toronto venue such as Casa Loma for your wedding ceremony can easily reflect your traditions as well, while ensuring everyone feels rooted in the moment.
Bonus, it’s easier to include a wide circle of loved ones if the ceremony is local.
Cons of a Close-to-Home Wedding? It may not feel quite as novel or picturesque as celebrating in a faraway destination. However, that can be saved for the honeymoon.
Logistics & Planning Considerations
Image From: AGI Studio
Planning & Design: Claudia and Co
Destination Weddings:
If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate wedding, a destination wedding is the way to go.
Pros: Destination weddings already include the built-in honeymoon energy, plus there’s no commute between the ceremony and post-ceremony celebration
- Smaller guest lists naturally = more intimacy
- Guests are immersed in a shared adventure that they will remember forever
Cons: Added complexity: travel, legalities, uncertainty with booking local vendors
- Older guests may not be able to travel long distances due to health reasons
Pro Tip: A planner with global connections is essential for a successful destination wedding; this way, you don’t have to worry about navigating these details. It all becomes part of the adventure.
Close-to-Home Wedding
Pros: Straightforward logistics and easier vendor meetings because of closeness
- Fewer legal or travel complications regarding any guests
- Local access to tastings, venue tours and design details such as florals, etc.
Cons: Guest list obligations can grow quickly
- You may find yourself more hands-on in the planning process
Pro Tip: Even at home, a planner helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on the joy of your engagement and special day. At Claudia and Co., one of our main focuses is to ensure you and your spouse can enjoy your celebration and have memories that last a lifetime, wherever you decide to have your wedding.
Guest Experience and Attendance
Image From: AGI Studio
Planning & Design: Claudia and Co
Destination Weddings:
If you are gravitating towards a destination wedding, it is important to note that you should expect fewer guests to RSVP yes due to travel and financial considerations. However, those who do join you will be deeply invested in your celebration.
Smaller numbers create a close-knit and immersive ceremony experience for every guest. The community aspect of travelling and the intimacy of the celebration bring a special energy that often stretches over several days. The downside? Travel costs and time commitments may exclude some people who matter to you and your spouse.
At Claudia and Co., we specialize in managing RSVPs and details such as accommodations for your guests, ensuring they feel welcome and taken care of. So you don’t have to worry about those small details, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your wedding.
Close-to-Home Wedding
Closer to home means easier attendance for all your guests—no passports or long flights required. Larger guest lists bring the joy of gathering your entire community together; however, if an intimate wedding is what you prefer, this might be the time to carefully consider your guest list. Celebrating closer to home also allows for more flexibility with timing, decor, and personal touches, making it easier to create a wedding that truly reflects your style and personality.
Top Tip: Carve out smaller, personal moments like rehearsal dinners, bridal party brunches, or post-wedding celebrations to maintain that sense of closeness.
Budget and Investment
Here’s the truth: destination weddings aren’t automatically “more expensive” just because they aren’t close to home. With a smaller guest list, they can actually cost less than a larger wedding party at a local wedding. More guests = larger cost on food, décor and alcohol.
The luxury factor? With the right planner, you can make the most of your investment. Whether you’re celebrating seaside or in the city.
Aesthetic and Design Opportunities
Image From: AGI Studio
Planning & Design: Claudia and Co
Destination Weddings:
Think built-in backdrops, stunning views such as vineyards, beaches and historic cityscapes. Often, the natural scenery and special cultural touches mean you need to spend less of your budget on décor to achieve an incredible aesthetic for your ceremony.
Home Weddings:
At home, you have total creative control. Custom rentals from familiar vendors, floral shops in your neighbourhood and lighting/overall styling resources are easier to access locally. Want to showcase Toronto or Ontario-grown flowers, highlight architectural heritage? The possibilities are endless.
Style Tip: Incorporating local touches always makes your wedding design feel authentic and memorable. Especially for guests who need to travel out of their hometown for your ceremony.
Wrapping it up: How to Decide What’s Right for You
There are 4 key questions you need to ask yourself before you start planning your wedding:
1. What emotional experience do you want to create?
2. Who do we need to be present at our wedding?
3. Do we want adventure or familiarity?
4. How much involvement do we want in the planning process?
From a planner’s perspective, there’s no wrong answer. The right choice is simply the one that feels aligned with your overall vision, values and aesthetic desires.
At Claudia and Co., we help stylish couples refine this decision and then bring it to life flawlessly with a luxury feel.
Quick Q&A/Recap:
1. Is a destination wedding more cost-effective than an at-home local wedding?
Sometimes, especially if the guest list is on the smaller side.
2. How do I decide between a destination and a home wedding?
Start with your priorities: guest list, aesthetic choices, and how involved you want to be in the planning and development process.
3. What is the average or typical guest count for each?
Destination weddings are often around 30-60 guests, and at home could range from 50-100+.
Your Dream, Your Way:
Image From: AGI Studio
Planning & Design: Claudia and Co
At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you and your spouse. Whether you’re saying “I do” on a stunning beach with a postcard view. Or you’re celebrating your wedding in a historic Toronto location, the choice is deeply personal and stylish in its own way.
· If you’re weighing the pros and cons of a destination or home wedding, our team at Claudia and Co. would love to help you make the decision with the utmost confidence. Plan a celebration with us that feels true to your love story. If you’re looking for a wedding planner who can bring your dream wedding to life, let’s connect!