What to do for those who can't attend your destination wedding

PWE - Pre-Wedding Event!

If there is one word to describe destination weddings for both the wedding givers and the wedding attendees it’s this: expensive! There are usually family and/or friends that you would like to attend but can’t afford the travel or can’t do it for health or timing reasons. It’s disappointing for all.

The solution is a Pre-Wedding Event (PWE). It’s not a shower or an engagement party, it’s a gathering of people who share in the engaged couple’s joy and want to give them the hugs and good wishes they would give if they could attend the wedding. This type of event is a loving and gracious way to treat those who can’t attend the grand affair. PWE’s can be simple or elegant, depending on your budget. Sometimes they are hosted by relatives who are willing to open their homes for a small crowd, or to offer use of their church or club for a gathering. The intimacy of such a gathering can be very special.

As in all events, food and drink, however simple, are the connecting elements. The PWE can be a luncheon, or just an afternoon of desserts and drinks. The aim is to connect with those who cannot attend and to make sure they don’t feel left out. It’s a great chance to include photos of people important to the engaged couple who won’t be at the official wedding, in the whole wedding experience.