Making my wedding abroad worth it to guests?

[Outfoxed]

I’m from the UK, but live abroad so am having my wedding in my new home country. We are a two hour flight away from the UK, and flights average 60-160 pounds each way depending on times/days/airlines etc.
I am aware it’s a big ask already. Flights hotels etc. I’m trying to make it as painless for my family to come as possible.

So far, I’m:
Trying to make it as clear as possible that whilst I’d love people to come, there is no pressure and no expectations. No bitterness if they can’t make it.
Giving plenty of advance warning
Saying seriously no gifts please.

The thing I’m very conscious about is the event itself. I’m already aware that the ceremony is very short, this country doesn’t mince its words, honestly it’s about three minutes long. I feel bad dragging people here and it being “I do, I do” let’s eat and drink for six hours.
How can I make it worth it? I don’t want anyone to feel cheated. Lots of food and lots of booze is all I’ve got so far.
Assuming anyone will be making this a proper holiday rather than a weekend I guess arranging some sight seeing?

To add: neither me nor my partner want a big fancy wedding. We want a party in a barn with the minor addition of a wedding attached. But I don’t wanna anyone to feel shortchanged if you see what I mean

I went to a similar wedding last year and it was brilliant. Got a five night package for about £300. (Depends where you live of course - is it a holiday destination? That helps!)

You had me at 'no big fancy wedding, just a party with incidental vows being exchanged'.

Honestly, I'd come for that even if we weren't particularly close - but then I imagine hell to be a place where you have to attend one traditional bloody wedding after the other.

Your attitude sounds lovely.

Not quite the same as we flew out for our holiday too to get married, rather than people flying to us but we hired a boat for the afternoon after our ceremony. Had a bit of a cruise and stopped so everyone could have a swim and drink and nibbles.

Still being told it was the best part of the wedding. Is the any way you can do something a bit unusual? Not necessarily on the day but as part of the whole trip? A day drip or part of?

We were also very aware guests were using their holidays from work and spending a lot of money to attend so had a karaoke and bbq the night before which we paid for.

Sounds lovely OP, flights aren’t to bad and guests are being fed.
Jobs a good ‘un.

Spread things over the weekend. Something the night before, ceremony somewhere beautiful, food somewhere else, bar b q the next day.
Our guests have all booked more time than we have at our destination wedding!

Love the boat idea.

I love an abroad wedding, makes it feel like a wedding AND a holiday for me as a guest. Agree with PP arrange something for the night before and/or the day after so people have an option to go to if they're not arriving on the day/going straight home the next day.

My brother got married in Italy (we live and are from UK) - of around 100 invited 65 came and him and his DW were more than happy with that. My experience with weddings is do what YOU want; if DB had his in the local pub I'm sure they would have got 95/100 attendees but it wouldn't have been all that special. Anyone that RSVP'd with apologies due to cost he just said no problem at all, totally understand. Give people enough notice and if they can come/afford it they will. I've had to hear my boss harp on for the last 3 months about her son's decision to get married in Vegas ("it's such a long flight, he hasn't thought about everyone, why is he doing this?") Jesus woman either book to go or let it go! On their invites they have a line that says people can watch the live stream if they can't attend which is fab I think!

I wouldn't put anything in words along the lines of 'no pressure to come' on your invite; it feels a bit like you're already assuming the majority won't want to or can't. Have a great wedding!

It sounds grand to me. Flights are reasonably priced, attitude is relaxed, drinks are flowing - what's not to like?! I went to something similar a few years ago - half an hour of ceremony followed by 2 days drinking cocktails by a pool. It was awesome.

Sounds good to me! You could look into some accommodation options for them if you want to be helpful

I got married abroad- south of Spain, traditional wedding in a church then reception in a castle. Like OP we paid for all the food, drink and transport (to and from hotels/ venues) on the day of the wedding. Me and DH also has a second hen/stag night a few days before the wedding whilst we were there. We paid for a joint buffet (on the beach) for stags and hens then we went our separate ways- had a big kitty. We also wanted to provide good entertainment so we hired tradiontal flamenco dancers for the reception/ a band and then a DH. Luckily ventue stayed open until 3.30am so guests had a long time to party. Like someone else suggested you could put on a breakfast the day after wedding or supper the night before, or arrange a boat trip/ sightseeing tour . We also said no gifts but ended up getting money from everyone, so even though you might say that also mostpeop,e will feel obliged to give so thing. P.s we had about 80 guests, all of my friends all stayed for a week+ and made a holiday out of it. Good luck!

I’d arrange some activities such as a meal the night before, sight seeing etc but make it clear these are completely optional and you wouldn’t be offended if people didn’t come to those parts as some people may want to make it their holiday for the year and do their own thing the rest of the time