Being invited to a wedding abroad is a big deal – but it also raises a number of questions most people haven't answered before. How much should you set aside? When should you book the trip? And what exactly is good wedding etiquette when the ceremony takes place somewhere completely different from home? Here we go through everything you, as a guest, should consider, from receiving the invitation until you land back home.
Guest Guide
Guest at an international wedding? Here's everything you should know before you go
From RSVP deadlines and costs to packing lists and etiquette—everything you need to know before traveling to a wedding abroad.
01
When should you reply to the invitation?
For weddings abroad, the RSVP deadline is often earlier than for a typical Norwegian wedding, simply because the couple needs to confirm the number of guests to the venue, catering, and accommodation well in advance. As a guest, you should reply as soon as possible, and at the latest by the deadline stated in the invitation – preferably 3–4 months before the wedding. If you are unsure whether you can attend due to financial or practical reasons, it is better to let them know early than to wait until the last minute.
02
What is the cost of attending a destination wedding?
This is the question most people wonder about but never ask aloud. As a rule of thumb, you should budget for flights, 2–4 nights' accommodation, food apart from any arranged dinners, and a gift. For a South European destination, the total cost for most people will be somewhere between 5,000 and 15,000 Norwegian kroner, depending on how early you book your trip and how long you stay. The bridal couple rarely expects you to stay for the entire week.
03
Travel and accommodation – you should arrange these yourself
Most destination weddings provide guests with a list of recommended hotels or a discounted group rate, but you're usually responsible for booking yourself. Our recommendation: book flights and accommodation as soon as you've RSVP'd yes, especially if the wedding is during peak season.
Also check if you need a valid passport and if your travel insurance covers this type of international stay.
04
Packing list: this is what you should remember
Aside from the obvious – appropriate attire for the ceremony and reception – there are a few things guests often forget: sunscreen and something to cool down with, comfortable shoes to change into later in the evening, and some cash in local currency.
If you're attending several events over multiple days, you should have at least two outfits in addition to your party attire.
05
Wedding Etiquette Abroad
Avoid white unless the invitation states otherwise. Check if there's a specific dress code or color palette the couple desires, which is more common for destination weddings than for local weddings.
Remember that a wedding abroad often spans several days, with different attire expectations for each occasion.
06
Gift for the wedding couple – what's customary?
Because guests are already incurring significant costs for travel and accommodation, it is increasingly common for couples marrying abroad to request a contribution to their honeymoon or a cash gift instead of a traditional gift registry.
If you are unsure, it is perfectly fine to ask the couple directly or one of the bridesmaids/groomsmen.
"A destination wedding is not just a party — it's a journey you are invited to be a part of."
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