I'm home, but my heart's still in Bali: The lingering magic of a destination wedding

Will I regret skipping a traditional home wedding for a destination one? Are overseas weddings full of hidden pitfalls? Won't a wedding with just two people feel lonely?

The moment we arrived at the venue, all questions were answered: the Dream Church wedding in Bali was pure bliss—my love, a 270-degree ocean view, a chapel, and a water platform created a wedding straight out of a dream.

As an introvert with social anxiety, I used to dread weddings where people make speeches and perform—it honestly scared me.

So we ditched the traditional wedding and headed from China to Bali to tie the knot while traveling.

No bride pickup rituals, no groomsmen or bridesmaids, no outdated wedding traditions—our 'three-no' wedding: I recommend it to every bride-to-be out there.

Wedding venue: #BaliDreamChurchWedding #BaliDreamWaterPlatformWedding

The venue is set within the beautiful five-star Pecatu resort in Bali's Kuta area. Here, you can take in the stunning natural scenery of South Kuta, enjoy the seamless blend of sea and sky, and gaze over a serene golf course. Gentle ocean breezes and romantic natural beauty make your dream wedding a reality—every landscape element shapes the most important moment of your life.

Total cost: 20,000+ RMB. This covered planning, décor, the venue, the four key services (photography, videography, makeup, and officiant), the wedding suite, the bridal gown, travel photos, a cinematic travel video, the ceremony, a documentary... everything was included—honestly such a steal.

Tips for a Bali destination wedding:

1. Destination: Bali offers visa on arrival. Just grab your passport and book a flight—it's that easy. The wedding, travel photos, and honeymoon are all absolutely amazing.

2. Choosing a venue: Overseas wedding venues come in types like chapels, water platforms, lawns, beaches...

3. Wedding planner: No matter which style you go for, the most crucial step is finding a trustworthy overseas wedding company. After all, the goal is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration. Also, when you bring family abroad, you can't preview most things in advance, which can be nerve‑wracking. Ladies, compare thoroughly, do your homework, and don't take a company's word at face value. There are competitors who slam others while pushing themselves—so off‑putting, and I'd rule out anyone with that attitude. Some small, boutique overseas wedding companies offer excellent service and skill; larger firms mostly deliver reliable quality, though some fall short. Choose based on your needs and budget: the boutique outfits often give you better value, while bigger names provide a sense of security.

4. Wedding date: Bali doesn't have four seasons, just dry and rainy. For the best scenery and weather, the dry season months—April through October—are especially beautiful.

5. Prepare a local SIM card and power adapter in advance.

6. Before you leave, download Grab (like Didi, and you can also order food delivery).

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