Avoid Destination Wedding “No Nos”

Once you have reviewed your cheap traveloptions including cheapfares, cheapdeals, cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, todetermine the most affordable way to reach your destination make certain thatyou are not one of those people who commits a major destination wedding blunder.

The following are things you should never do at adestination wedding, according to Kate Sitarz:

• Do notbreak a commitment by saying that you will attend a destination wedding andthen not go. Changing your mind at thelast minutes can leave wedding couple with unnecessary expense and stress. If asked to attend, but uncertain whether youcan, then have an honest dialogue with the couple. Ultimately friends are more appreciative of afirm answer one way or another than having to track down your answer after theRSVP date.

• Do notbring kids if they are not invited. Thenames on an invitation are the names of the people invited to a wedding. Do not expect the couple to pay forbabysitting services during their big day.

• Do notbring a plus 1 just because you want to. If cost is a concern, and you would like to be able to split the costsof your hotel, car rental, and other travel expenses, and only your name is onthe invitation, ask the couple if you know anyone else who will be attendingthe wedding. If not, inquire if thecouple can get you in touch with other friends who may want to split costs.

  Remember weddings tend to be expensive andit is common to only invite +1s in long term relationships or those with live-insignificant others. Weddings can be agreat time to meet new people.

• Noneed to feel obligated to bring a gift. While some attendees will want to give the couple a gift from aregistry, if they have one, or cash, it is generally understood that you madethe effort to attend the wedding and support the couple so it is acceptable toarrive without a gift. You should howeverat least arrive with a card with a note of congratulations to the couple. If you choose to give a gift, think aboutsending it directly to the couples home which will make everyones lifeeasier.

• Avoidleaving a reception before dessert is served. The cake cutting, or any other dessert, is the traditional indicatorthat it is OK to leave a wedding.

• Whenit comes to activities leading up to or following the wedding, do not feelobligated to participate in everything, especially if it costs money. Ideally you should attend a welcome dinner ifthe couple is hosting one so that you can meet other wedding guests. Given that destination weddings tend to bevacations for people attending weddings, you should not feel like you have tobe at specific places at specific times. Remember not to expect to spend a lot of one on one time with the couplegiven other guest expectations.

• Neverpost pictures on social media of a wedding without prior permission. A wedding couple may not want photos of thewedding popping up on social media in real time since it broadcasts eventdetails to those who were not invited.

• Turnoff all mobile devices and refrain from taking photos during the ceremonyespecially if capturing the photo means standing up and blocking someone elsesview of the event.

• Behaveand do not act inappropriately at a wedding. Any damage, accidental or otherwise, is likely to cost the weddingcouple. If you have done something thatmay cost the couple additional money, own up to it as soon as possible andoffer to pay for any damages.

• Do notdiscuss the wedding with uninvited friends. Keep your wedding invitation to yourself unless it comes up in aconversation or, if you would like, ask the couple who else is invited.

• Do notdismiss travel insurance. Unexpectedcalamities can occur such as a death in the family, health issues, or a lostjob. Be open to investigating travelinsurance if you are concerned that you may need it.

• Do notpurchase airline tickets that have you arriving on the same day as thewedding. You do not want to miss the bigday due to unexpected travel problems. Depending on the season (hurricane, winter) you may want to addadditional time upfront to your trip.

• Do notinundate the wedding couple with questions. If they have a wedding website, first go there to look for answers. If questions still remain, ask othersattending the wedding or the couples family members.

• Do notexpect the couple to find you things to do or where to stay. Many couples know that their family andfriends have different opinions on where to stay and how much they are willingto spend.