Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering couples a unique and unforgettable experience. It gives one the chance to escape the mundane and say your vows in a magical, dream-like setting. White drapes fluttering in the breeze, dramatic palm trees leading to endless sea views – and the look in his eyes when he turns to see his bride walk down a flower-lined path. It’s true, destination beach weddings truly are what dreams are made up of.
Popularity
Destination weddings are not new. Mick Jagger got married in an Elite Havens villa in Bali back in 1990. But for the longest time, we witnessed destination weddings through magazines and shows. They were accessible only to celebrities and billionaires.
But all that has been steadily changing. Fuelled by increasing prosperity and social media exposure, couples are now realising their dream to tie the knot on a magical island. And professional venue partners like Elite Havens make it even easier for them to do so.
A survey conducted by OnePoll and Skyscanner in August 2024 further reinforces this. Amongst the sample of 6000 respondents who all fit the target group, over 68% have either already had or are considering a destination wedding, with India leading this trend. This is a significant number, suggesting a rising trend of the popularity of destination weddings.
Location is key
Among the most sought-after destinations for weddings are Bali and Thailand, renowned for their stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and affordable costs. The appeal of Bali (including its lesser known neighbouring islands) and Thailand is unmatched. Bali, the island of the gods, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual tranquillity. With its lush rice terraces, ancient temples, and pristine beaches, Bali is a dream destination for couples seeking a romantic and exotic setting for their wedding. Its proximity to Australia further makes it a destination of choice for couples from down under.
Adelle, who got married to George in a beautiful ceremony at Villa Semarapura, Bali in June 2024, agrees, “We decided on Bali due to the warm weather, amazing hospitality and food, cost and wanting to get married in someplace warm and tropical. It was also affordable for everyone as well as ourselves, and well connected for people flying in.”
Thailand, another popular destination, boasts secluded white beaches, vibrant nightlife, lush greenery and emerald green waters. Whether you want a clifftop wedding or a sand-in-your-toes experience, Thailand has the perfect wedding villa for you.
Besides their undeniable beauty, these destinations also sometimes hold special significance for the wedding couple. For Armin and his gorgeous bride who met during the trying times of the pandemic, Bali holds deep meaning as it is the place where he proposed to her under the sky lit with the pink hues of the setting sun. The decision to go back to Bali for their wedding was an easy one. “We felt a strong connection to Bali,” Armin shared. “We both realised on our first trip that it wouldn’t be our last. When my partner suggested Bali as a wedding location, it all suddenly made perfect sense. Bali had captured our hearts, and it felt right to return to the place where our love story deepened.”
The Ease of Remote Planning
One of the biggest concerns for couples planning a destination wedding is the logistics involved. “We couldn’t find the time to visit the venues personally,” said newly married Sara B. “But the wedding coordinators at Elite Havens and our professional wedding planner made it all so easy.” Everything could be managed remotely, and they went about their normal lives approving things remotely as the teams on ground worked tirelessly to bring their dreams to life.
Adelle and George, who lived on different continents before they fell in love, Adelle in Australia and George in USA, relied on online communication for their courtship as well as wedding planning. Though they held a small legal wedding in Melbourne beforehand, a destination wedding in Bali was the perfect expression of new beginnings for them.
With the rise of reliable and established wedding vendors, remote planning has become much easier. Some of the things which help build confidence are:
- Online Research: The internet provides a wealth of information on destination wedding venues, vendors, and planning tips. Couples can easily research different options and compare prices from the comfort of their own home.
- Virtual Tours: Many wedding planners now offer virtual tours, allowing couples to explore the space and get a feel for the ambiance without having to travel.
- Online Booking: With the advancement of technology, couples can now book their wedding venue, vendors, and accommodations online. This eliminates the need for lengthy email exchanges and international phone calls.
- Trusted Vendors: Working with reputable and experienced wedding vendors can significantly reduce stress and ensure a smooth planning process. These vendors have established relationships with local suppliers and can handle all the details, from accommodations to transportation.
Booking Closer to the Date
Wedding planning has typically been a long-drawn and tedious process. Endless months, and even years, of planning, visiting venues, tasting cakes, and a million other things can get tiring and stressful. However, while 80% of bookings would earlier be made 1-2 years in advance, this has dropped down to 20% in 2024. A trend emerging in 2024 is the tendency for couples to book their venues closer to the date. Adelle shares, “We booked Villa Semarapura on 25 May 2024 and got married there between 18 – 23 June.” No hassle of long-drawn wedding planning, and yet everything went as smoothly as they had hoped it would.
This new trend of last-minute bookings can be attributed to several factors:
- Flexibility: Booking closer to the date allows couples to be more flexible with their plans as they finalise and accommodate changes in their schedules.
- Last-Minute Deals: Some venues may offer discounts for last-minute bookings, providing couples with the opportunity to save money.
- Spontaneous Planning: Some couples simply want to avoid the stress of long-drawn planning and prefer to make decisions closer to the wedding date.
- Auspicious Dates: A lot of cultures defer to auspicious dates when it comes to fixing a wedding date. These may not be possible to identify years in advance.
Choosing the Right Venue
The OnePoll survey found that when it comes to the budget, around 30% respondents were willing to invest 26-50% more in a destination wedding compared to a traditional hometown ceremony. There are many factors that go into deciding your wedding venue. It’s important to consider aspects such as:
- Location: Decide whether you prefer a beach villa or clifftop setting.
- Capacity: Choose a venue that can accommodate your guest list comfortably.
- Trust: Always choose an established player for your wedding venue, a partner you can trust. Newer and smaller players may offer attractive rates but may hide important information such as hidden costs, inclusions, etc.
- Budget: Set a budget for your wedding and choose a venue that fits within your financial constraints. Sometimes flexible payment options may also be offered.
For Armin, it was serendipity. “After countless attempts and extensive research, I discovered Villa Nica through Elite Havens,” he shared. “From the moment we laid eyes on the villa, we felt an instant connection. The staff were incredibly friendly and professional, and I must especially mention Sari Utami, who was there for us every step of the way, always listening and supporting us. This personal touch is what ultimately led us to book with Elite Havens. Their professionalism, kindness, and attentiveness were invaluable to us.”
Conclusion
Destination weddings offer a truly unforgettable experience for couples seeking a unique and romantic celebration. With the ease of remote planning and the availability of stunning venues in Bali and Thailand that you can choose remotely, it’s no wonder that the trend of last-minute wedding booking continues to grow in popularity. Whether you dream of a beach wedding, a villa retreat, or a city celebration, there’s a destination wedding to suit your every desire.
