Destination weddings may have been put on pause the last two years, but they’re back with a vengeance! From mini-elopements to grand cross-border affairs, saying “I Do” with your friends and family in a stunning locale is showing to be increasing in popularity, due to the travel-starved masses looking for an excuse to celebrate and get away.
Let’s take a look at some of the hottest trends that we’re going to be seeing in destination weddings for 2022 and beyond.
Micro Weddings
Weddings can get really big really fast. By paring down the guest list to your absolute nearest and dearest, you can keep the affair intimate, low-key, and all about you and your love. Bonus: The fewer people, the less you pay for food and drinks (menu dependant, of course).
Natural Elements
Forget dramatic chandeliers and extra-large pieces of statement décor. We’re seeing more and more the incorporation of natural elements (wood, greenery, etc) with minimal décor and lighting, so as not to detract from the surroundings. Bonus: This is often a more economical option than renting a large amount of décor.
Experiences over Trinkets
We’ve all seen the baskets of flip-flops, the monogrammed drink umbrellas, and the like. Couples are saying no to these favors at an increasing rate and opting instead for experiences that their family and wedding party can enjoy together. Activities like a brunch boat ride, group dance lessons, or beachfront yoga sessions all give guests (and the bride and groom) memories that will last far longer than flip-flops.
Private Venues
While all-inclusive resorts still tend to rule when it comes to destination weddings, more couples are choosing to take over private villas or homes, or even exclusively buy out a smaller resort for their use. Providing intimacy, safety, and a feeling of exclusivity, a private venue also ensures that the attention and service will solely be focused on the couple and their guests, and no one else.
Elopements
Want to take it back to basics? Just you and your love, exchanging vows somewhere special to you both. Elopements took off in a big way during Covid, but have yet to die down, with many couples opting to take the fuss and muss out of their big day, and just keep it simple.
Small but Spectacular
Forget inviting 200 people to Cancun. Think 35 people jetting off to Mykonos instead. Couples are opting to combine a few trends (micro-weddings, high-end luxury, experiential travel) into one, and orchestrating fabulous, over-the-top wedding affairs that are equal parts deluxe getaway and destination wedding.
Getting married and don’t know where to start with your destination wedding? Let’s talk!