Wedding trends go in cycles just like everything else in life. It is fairly easy to look back into the history of architecture, fashion or commerce and see hills and valleys of repetition. In my personal opinion, I think we are starting to go back to a hippie way of life…many friends in my circle are sick of commercialism and our food being full of junk and we crave a simpler time. To me it seems like we’re back in the mentality of the Arts and Crafts movement. Where after the industrial revolution, people were sick of mass produced items and started to invest again in handmade heirloom pieces.
The current wedding trends seem to be heading back to a simpler time as well. Couples are saying no to the wedding parties of 20 people that was typical a few years ago and are going smaller. The size of the guest list is going down as well, as couples realize they can have more flexibility with budget if there are less people at the wedding. Foodie and farm weddings are so in vogue right now, along with using boutique studios and hand made details. Couples are appreciating having a personal relationship with their vendors and are eager to personalize their wedding down to the last detail.
Along with this trend, comes more acceptance for eloping or having a destination wedding.
Destination weddings rock. We have done quite a few, both as a photographer that travels to a location and as a local photographer that works with an out of town couple. We have been able to go to California quite a few times, the east coast a couple times, Chicago, Ohio, and Mexico. This November, we’re shooting in the Bahamas, and we have a few other destination weddings that are in the planning stages right now.
The reason we love destination weddings isn’t because we like to travel…that is a big perk, though! We love them because it allows the couple to truly personalize their wedding, and I think it gives them so much more freedom. Do you want your wedding to be just the two of you, getting married on a cliff in Scotland? Or maybe a small group of your closest family and friends traveling to Bora Bora. Maybe you want to have a camping trip in Yosemite or a romantic weekend in New Orleans…a destination wedding is a perfect way to explore a new place, or share a favorite with the people you love.
A destination wedding can relieve a lot of stress about hurting feelings with a guest list, and it can stretch the wedding celebration out over a couple days rather than trying to cram everything into one. You get to spend more time with your guests if you choose, and you can avoid a lot of the little stresses that come from everyone wanting to “help” you plan your wedding.
This doesn’t mean that destination weddings have no stress at all. It requires a lot more organization, and the ability to roll with the punches. Hiring a planner is highly recommended to make sure all the legal aspects and details involving travel are well thought out. Destination weddings aren’t necessarily the cheap way to go, but if you’re going to spend $25,000 in a ballroom with 200 guests or $25,000 on an intimate vineyard wedding under the stars with your nearest and dearest…it can be a more pleasurable way to use your budget. And here is some food for thought…eloping and taking a honeymoon and then coming back and throwing a killer party for your family and friends is another fabulous option. And if you play your cards right, can actually save you money (and get to wear your wedding dress twice!).
Destination weddings aren’t for everyone, that is for sure. But don’t rule them out. Don’t just think of the typical wedding as you’re planning your own. Know that there are a million options out there!
I wish I could do one now!!!