A Newbie’s Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding

For some brides and grooms, a destination wedding is the perfect way to celebrate their nuptials. The reasons for choosing to get married in a location other than their home is varied. Some couples may want to elope, some want to start their marriage in their favorite place, and some just want to do something different.

While planning a wedding can be stressful in and of itself, a destination wedding brings on its own challenges. Since the engaged couple doesn’t live where they are going to be married, there are some extra details to keep in mind when it comes to planning.

Notify Guests Way Ahead of Time

If you want family and friends to celebrate your wedding with you, you will need to notify them plenty of months in advance. Ideally, your guests should have about a year or so to make adequate travel plans. While this may seem far fetched to you, notifying your guests with a lot of time to spare will ensure they can make it to your wedding and you can prepare accordingly.

Hire a Planner

Simply because you won’t always be in the actual location of the wedding, you will want a planner that is on the ground to sort out the details for you. If you have your sights set on a package from Adventure weddings, for instance, a wedding planner will carry preparations through, leaving you to focus on the personal aspects of your special day.

Take Advantage of the Setting

You’ll want to consider your location for when you’re planning out the details of everything. Take advantage of your destination for things such as flowers, food, and even attire. For example, use local flowers instead of costly imported arrangements — think big blooms in the Caribbean and olive branches in Italy and Greece. You can even go the extra step and embrace the place you’re in when serving food. Incorporating local delicacies is a great way to give everyone the most authentic experience.

Schedule Activities to do with the Guests

It is a lot to ask your guests to join you on a destination wedding, and a good way to say thanks is to put together a fun activity for you to all do together. Depending on where you are, you can go on a wine tour, a snorkeling expedition, a hike, a whale-watching cruise, or hire traditional performers to come put on a show. Doing something to show your thanks to your guests will help to create memories that all of you will share for years to come.

Visit at Least Twice

You’ll want to make one trip to meet your vendors in person, choose your ideal location, and get an idea of what your special day will look like. Then you’ll want to go about a few months before the wedding to tie up any loose ends like delivering your deposit, having a hair and makeup trial, and food and cake tastings. While it can be expensive to go twice during the planning process, doing so can erase any excess stress and ensure the day goes off without a hitch.

Take Advantage of Your Suitcase

If you are really wanting to control every detail of the process, then consider packing a few extra suitcases with necessities. This includes any tablecloths, place settings, props, and favors you’d really want to include in your big day. If you bring them in your luggage, you won’t have to worry that the options in your destination will be up to snuff.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be on your way to having your dream destination wedding.