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When it comes to planning your big day, the first question that often comes to mind is ‘where will we have the wedding?’ Many couples opt for big weddings in big cities where families of all sizes can gather, and some opt for small backyard weddings where just the closest family and friends can intimately celebrate. But there’s another option that has become more popular in recent years, and that’s the destination wedding.
There are many reasons why you may want to plan a destination wedding. Besides the obvious allure of a beautiful location, a destination wedding can help you cut costs by narrowing down the guest list. It can also ease some of the planning if you book an all-inclusive resort wedding package.
Here is a list of dos and don’ts to help you plan your dream destination wedding, whether overlooking the ocean in Hawaii or with a view of the rolling hills in Tuscany. Let’s get started.
Do Set Your Budget Up Front
Your budget sheet is your bible. That means once you set that final number down on paper, you must do everything in your power to not go overboard. Luckily, you’re planning a destination wedding, and sometimes a destination wedding can be more affordable than a lavish wedding in your hometown.
Decide on the things that you absolutely cannot live without on your wedding day, and that will help you determine other areas where you may be able to make cuts or find alternatives. At this stage of planning, it’s all about prioritizing. Your budget will help you make decisions about everything from where to have your wedding and who to invite.
Pro Tip: Many vendors and services found locally at your wedding destination will be more affordable than having things brought in. Research florists, bakeries, and caterers that can help bring local flavor to your wedding, all while saving money and supporting businesses.
Don’t Forget to Make a Checklist
By nailing down important deadlines right away, you can avoid lots of headaches later on. Start by creating a checklist and adding target dates like when to send invitations, order the cake, confirm the DJ, and create a seating chart.
Do Take Your Time Choosing a Venue
After you’ve set your budget, it’s time to pick the destination! Choosing your location and venue will undoubtedly be the most exciting part of the planning process. Don’t know where to start? Use social media and tools like Pinterest and Instagram to find inspiration for the perfect backdrop to your wedding. Are you dreaming of white sandy beaches or a lush green forest by a lake? Have fun with your hubby-to-be while doing your research to find the location that makes you both thrilled.
When choosing your destination, be sure to think about things like the weather and time of year you’re planning the event so you can avoid any rainy seasons, or worse, hurricane/monsoon seasons. Also, keep in mind the travel time from the closest airport to the venue. You will want to arrange for airport shuttles or other transportation for your guests. And if all of your guests cannot fit at the resort or venue location, you will need to make sure there are other accommodations available, usually no more than 25 minutes by car.
Lastly, try to visit your venue before booking if possible. This way, you can address any questions you have and get a good understanding of the venue layout. You may even want to take measurements or pictures to help you continue the planning while you’re back home.
Don’t Stress About the Guest List
So you decided to get married on a remote island off the coast of Norway. Is it feasible to invite 250 people – aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends? Probably not. Chances are, the venue you choose won’t be able to accommodate that many people anyway. In this stage of planning, you will probably have to make some tough decisions by narrowing down the guest list. Try to keep in mind why this location is significant to you, and hope that the people closest to you will be there to celebrate.
Remember, when choosing a destination wedding, not everyone on your guest list will be able to attend. Don’t take it personally, and perhaps plan a separate party or reception at home for a later date to invite a larger group of people.
Do Send Out Invitations Early
A wedding planner suggests giving your guests eight to ten months’ notice of your wedding date and location so they can plan their travel accordingly. In addition, it is nice to share information about flight costs and hotel block prices with your guests once you have those determined. Whether you add this information to your wedding website or reach out to the guests personally by phone, they are sure to be appreciative.
Don’t Forget Important Documents
You should never forget to pack your passport and proper identification when you travel, but you should also make sure you have any important documents you might need to get married where you’re going. In most countries, you will need your passport and/or birth certificate along with your marriage license. If you’re under 21, you may need consent forms, and in some cases, you may need to provide papers such as divorce or death certificates. Some countries have strict residency requirements that may prevent you from legally marrying in that country, so be sure to do your homework ahead of time.
It is also essential to confirm that once you have been legally married in the country where your destination wedding is held, you will also be legally married where you live. Details will vary based on where you are getting married, so do your research and make everything official.
Pro Tip: It never hurts to carry some local currency with you for tips, unexpected expenses, or to avoid high credit card fees for foreign transactions. You can typically exchange your cash for local currency at the airport, but confirm that ahead of time or talk to your bank.
Do Plan Activities for Your Guests
Even though this trip is all about your wedding, many of your guests may also consider this a vacation of their own. Take an extra step to plan a welcome cocktail hour, a post-wedding breakfast on the beach, or even set up excursions like water activities or hikes (depending on your location). Providing information and some options for your guests to choose from is also appreciated, even if you can’t afford to foot the bill for their activities.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Every Moment
When the planning is all done and the to-do list has been checked off, there is only one thing left to do – enjoy your special day! Remember, keeping organized and ahead of schedule will ensure a beautiful, fun wedding day and a destination wedding that will be the experience of a lifetime.
