We are all familiar with getting the save the date in the mail for the wedding at the local banquet hall. Typically, we know what to expect and are ready to answer the fill in the blank options for our meal selection. But with the ever-growing popularity of Destination Weddings, many of us aren’t quite sure what to do when we receive an invite for a wedding miles away from home. Well, we are here to help you!

First, celebrate! Being invited to someone’s destination wedding is a huge deal. When a couple decides to have a destination wedding, one of the big motivators is getting to spend more quality time with their loved ones and closest friends. Receiving an invite means that you are an important part of their life! Take a few minutes to let that warm your heart.

Next, research. There is a little bit more for your to do as a guest for a destination wedding, but the payoff of having the sun on your face and your toes in the sand is always worth it.

Work with the travel advisor recommended by the couple. They have worked with their destination wedding travel specialist to make sure you are taken care of and to make it easy for you. Most often, they have planned for details that you might not have thought about, like transportation from the airport to the resort, insurance, excursion add-ons and more. By booking with the couple’s travel advisor, you have access to bulk rates and/or their room block. Most resorts also reward the couple with a few added perks for those that book through their group – a great way to show them a little extra love!

Besides the travel details, take some time to check out the resort! When couples choose a location for their destination wedding, they go through a lot of planning to find the best resort for them and their guests. It’s just as important to them that you have a great time during their special celebration. Resort amenities, restaurants, pools, beach access and so many other fantastic extras on-site are always high on the couples list of “must haves.” Get excited! Look through the resort photos and picture yourself in that cabana with your pina colada in hand.

TREAT YOURSELF, did you know that most people in the U.S. lose billions of vacation days a year!? Chances are you have a few days saved up, and you might have even been debating taking a trip. So, use this destination wedding as the perfect “excuse” to BOOK IT. The couple arranged the best discounts for you so pay attention to the deposit date. Get in contact with the travel advisor and lock in your room before the rooms fill up, or the couples has to give back space, meaning you lose some the extra discounts. We know this can be the hardest step for a destination wedding guest but guess what? You get to add a vacation countdown to your phone screen and we guarantee you will feel much better after you’re locked in!

You might also be wondering, what about a gift? Well, most times when a couple chooses a destination wedding, they understand the commitment required from their guests to attend. They have decided that your company is worth more to them than the latest flatware line from Macy’s. If you decide to attend, don’t worry about bringing a gift, but if you do feel like you still want to give a little something, save it for when you get back home so neither of you have to worry about transporting it in your luggage.

The most important thing to remember if you are invited to a destination wedding, is that it’s ok to let the couple know you aren’t able to make it. A destination wedding is a different experience and responsibility for guests, and sometimes you might not have the ability to attend. That’s ok, just be upfront and honest with the couple so they can adjust numbers and negotiate rates for the rest of their guests accordingly.