Destination Wedding Etiquette: Creating the Guest List

Your wedding is all about you, so invite as many or as few people as you want to your destination wedding, but you can't expect all guests to be able to afford the trip south of the border. Furthermore, because it is an especially large time commitment, this will likely cross people off the list as well. Be realistic -- consider whether you want a large amount of extended family and friends at your destination wedding, or if you would rather have an intimate gathering with immediate family and cose friends. Don't forget the last etiquette advice I gave, suggesting a second reception or party back home to bring in those that weren't invited or couldn't make the trip.

When creating the list, include close friends and family that you would want there even if they have specifically told you they can't make it. It's still nice to be included, and furthermore, plans sometimes change and allow people to go that didn't initially think they would be able to. For most non destination weddings, you would likely skip invitations for colleagues or casual acquaintances who've said they can't come—or you might look like you are just pushing for presents. You could send them wedding announcements or second reception invitations instead, which don t require the recipient to buy a gift. Destination weddings, on the other hand, are  generally small affairs for close friends and relatives in the first place, so do send invitations to the whole save-the-date list.