If you and your partner have been dreaming of a destination wedding, then congratulations! It can be an incredibly fun and unique way to celebrate your love. But before you start packing your bags, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. Here are some tips for planning a successfully destination wedding.
One thing to keep in mind when planning a destination wedding is that there are some extra things to consider that you wouldn’t have to worry about if you were getting married locally. For example, you’ll need to think about how guests will get to the location and how they will get around while they’re there. You’ll also need to make sure that everyone knows what they need to do in order to prepare for the trip. So, lets learn more …
Tips For Planning A Destination Wedding
Start by setting a budget and sticking to it
The first step to planning a destination wedding is to come up with a budget and then stay as close as you can to it. If your guests want you guys to arrange their flights and they’ll just pay for their lodging, that’s fine. But never pressure them into paying for anything more than that if they don’t feel comfortable doing so. If you have to, the two of you can pay for everything until a few months before the wedding when certain people will need to start paying for what they agreed on. Most importantly, though, it should be a budget that both of your comfortable with and one that’s reasonable enough that you’ll still be able to enjoy your special day.
Choose a destination that is meaningful to you as a couple
The next thing you’ll need to do is decide on a destination that is meaningful to the both of you as a couple. It should be somewhere you’ve traveled together or always wanted to visit or even somewhere that holds some sort of special memory for the two of you. This will make it all the more meaningful when friends and family can share in the experience with you. Don’t base your choice on a good deal, though. If it’s not the right place for you and your fiancee, it won’t be a destination wedding worth going to.
Hire a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings
Having a wedding planner handle all of the details will make it a lot easier for you and your fiancee to relax and enjoy yourselves. A good wedding planner can also help you choose a destination that is truly meaningful to both of you as well as the guests who’ll be attending, especially if some live outside the country from where the wedding is being held.
Book your accommodations and transportation early
You’ll need to book your accommodations and transportation early. Accommodations are important not just for you and your fiancee, but also because many of the guests will need a place to stay. Not only that, but close friends and family may even want to get a room with you if they’re getting married or engaged soon after or while at your destination wedding.
Select a venue that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception
When selecting a venue, you’ll want to make sure that it can accommodate both your ceremony and reception. You may also need to book it early because many places book well in advance for special events like weddings. Also, the type of accommodations they offer should be compatible with what you’re looking for as well as being large enough to accommodate all of the guests you plan on inviting.
Keep the number of guests down to a minimum
While many couples want as many people as possible to attend their wedding, it’s important that you keep the guest list as small as possible. The size of your destination wedding will depend on several different factors such as time of year, location and its proximity to other attractions. Figure out how many guests you can comfortably accommodate by knowing what time of year is best for the location you’re looking at, what activities are available there and what sort of transportation is needed.
Make sure to include special details about your destination in the invitations
When putting together the invitations for your destination wedding, be sure to include some details about the location you’ve picked. This will allow guests to get excited about your wedding while also giving them a little insight into where they’ll be heading for the special occasion. It’s also important to make sure that this information is included on your website, if you have one, so that guests can go there for more detailed information about the area.
Show your guests a good time with plenty of activities
Your guests will want to have a great time at your destination wedding, so be sure that there are plenty of things for them to do during their stay including tours, shopping and dining. It’s also important to try and give guests who’ll be traveling a little insight into the local culture, which you can do by including some information about the area in your invitations or on your website. You’ll also want to make sure that there are plenty of different activities for guests who aren’t staying at the same place as the wedding party so that everyone has a great time.
Don't forget about important details like passports, visas, and travel insurance!
When planning a destination wedding, don’t forget to make sure that everyone who’s attending has the necessary travel documents. U.S. citizens can enter another country if their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay in that particular nation, but it’s important to note that many other countries have stricter requirements. Also, depending on where you’re going, some people will need a visa. When traveling to certain countries, you may also have to get travel insurance in case there are any unforeseen circumstances that keep you from returning home when expected.
Dress Tips For Destination Weddings
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, you may be tempted to go with something more casual. After all, since the ceremony and reception will be taking place in tropical locations like Jamaica or Hawaii, wearing a traditional gown might make you feel uncomfortable. While that’s understandable and acceptable in some cases, try not to wear sandals and shorts that show too much skin. You also want to be careful about what you wear when traveling, especially if it involves taking a boat or other means of transportation.
Travel Agent Tips For Destination Weddings
If you’re looking to have a destination wedding, it’s important to work with a travel agent who has experience in arranging these types of events. Here are some tips to help you find the best travel agent for the job:
- Make sure that the travel agent is familiar with the location where you’re getting married. They should be able to provide you with information about the area and recommend different activities and excursions for your guests.
- Ask the travel agent how many destination weddings they’ve arranged and what sort of experience they have. This will give you a good idea of their level of expertise.
- Ask the travel agent if they have any connections with different suppliers in area where you’re getting married. This will make it easier for you to find good services like catering and transportation.
- Ask friends, family members, and other people who’ve been on trips for recommendations about great travel agents they’ve worked with in the past. When doing this research, be sure to ask about the agent’s knowledge of the area as well as their level of professionalism. This will help you to find the best travel agent for your needs.
- Get quotes from different agents and compare them before making a decision about which one is right for you. Ask about their rates as well as any fees that they might charge. Some agents also offer various specials or deals, so be sure to ask about these.
Final words:
Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a destination wedding can seem daunting, but it’s not impossible. You just have to remember that you are in charge of the big day and all its components from start to finish. In our blog post we discussed how important it is for couples who want a destination wedding to make sure they plan well ahead of time and be organized when preparing their checklist items.
