Wedding etiquette is important no matter where you attend a wedding. Whether you’re in the bridal party or are a guest, some destination beach wedding etiquette mistakes should be avoided at all costs. Here are some common examples.
Bad manners really can be embarrassing at a wedding occasion, and destination beach weddings typically pose even more possibilities to commit a wedding etiquette faux pas. You’re spending more time with the couple than you would at a local wedding, and you’re usually within a closer proximity as well.
Here are some common destination beach wedding etiquette mistakes and what you can do to avoid them:
Asking for help with travel expenses—This is one of the most common destination beach wedding etiquette faux pas. Unless the couple specifically addresses travel expenses in the invitation, it is safe to assume that you are responsible for your own travel expenses, no matter how remote the location or how expensive the accommodations.
Intruding on the couple’s time—Another common mistake guests make at a destination beach wedding is encroaching on the couple’s time during their stay on the island. While there’s not much you can do if you happen to run into them during an island excursion, it’s courteous to book separate activities, such as snorkeling, horseback riding, or local cultural tours. You also don’t want to intrude when they are dining at the same restaurant. They are not there to hang out with friends the entire time—they are also there for their honeymoon and some romantic time alone.
Skipping the gift—Just because you’re traveling long distances to a faraway remote location doesn’t mean you should skip the gift. Sure, you could give them a monetary gift, but you can also still give them a gift by having it shipped to their home a week before the actual wedding day. Don’t be cheap or try to pass on the gift just because the event is already expensive. If you agree and commit to attending, then the same etiquette is expected of you that would be expected for a local wedding.
Keep this destination beach wedding etiquette in mind before you attend your next destination beach wedding.