Weddings can be romantic, right? That’s especially true if you choose your venue for the scenery. A lovely beach, a beautiful waterfall, or a clearing surrounded by majestic trees can inspire the right kind of mood. Locations like these are just a few examples of why some couples opt for destination weddings, but they come with other perks as well. Yet, it’s easy to wonder how convenient a destination wedding is for the guests invited to attend. With personal finances a huge concern among both young and older adults alike, it’s worth considering whether destination weddings are inherently a good idea.

Financial Strain on Wedding Guests

According to CBS MoneyWatch’s Megan Cerullo, more than half of respondents in a recent Bankrate survey believe that destination weddings are in poor taste. Nearly 20% of those in the survey also mentioned declining invitations for far-flung nuptials, with most citing financial concerns.

Attending weddings can already be expensive, with the average American forking out $628 for travel, attire, gifts, and pre-parties for each nuptial celebration. Airfare and lodging can add significantly more to these expenses, with costs in the triple or quadruple digits. Unsurprisingly, The Knot estimates destination wedding guest costs at $1,032 for domestic locales and $2,623 for international venues.

The Washington Post’s Michelle Singletary points out that these expenses can be burdensome. She contends that a couple’s friends and family “would rather go into debt or tap their meager savings meant for other financial priorities” to make the nearly weds happy. Even if the happy couple doesn’t pressure guests, family members may inadvertently do it in their stead and make invitees feel obligated to attend. What’s even more disturbing is that 30% of respondents in the Bankrate survey admitted that their relationship with the couple suffered when they declined to attend.

Benefits, Disadvantages, and Potential Solutions

The Spruce’s Nina Callaway lays out the pros and cons of most destination weddings. Many couples can take advantage of complete wedding packages, minimized family drama, smaller receptions, and already being in the honeymoon location. On the other hand, these celebrations can present attendance barriers far beyond the cost. The Travel’s Laurel Walsh describes these in detail, including difficulties for older invitees or those with mobility challenges. Guests also must take vacation time off and deal with bureaucratic issues such as paperwork, passports, and necessary vaccinations. On top of all that, many won’t want to show up without a gift.

If your hearts are still set on getting married in an exotic locale, you have other options available to you. Before you plan and book, check out the legal requirements for tying the knot at your destination. You may be able to get away with an intimate ceremony with just you, your intended, and the officiant. The costs for your nuptials will be even lower, considering you’re only paying to feed and entertain yourselves rather than the two of you plus 20 or 30 guests.

Meanwhile, you can always host a reception when you return from your getaway. You have quite a few options for your after party: a formal celebration, a casual affair, or something in between. If you go this route, follow the same steps as you would for planning a standard wedding reception. Pick your vendors carefully, set a budget, and consider using a planner if you can afford it. Also, be sure to get plenty of photos of your wedding and honeymoon to show your reception guests.

A Balance Between Sentiment and Practicality

Weddings are as unique as the people who plan them. At the same time, creating these events requires a harmonious approach to both the couples’ priorities and their guests’ enjoyment. Destination weddings aren’t for everyone, but you still have options for making your friends and family feel included.