Planning a Destination Wedding

Are you planning a Destination Wedding?
From timing it right to picking the perfect spot, there is a lot of things to consider. Don’t forget the legwork that goes into planning a destination wedding. After all, there’s more to take into account than the venue itself.

It’s very easy to stray from your original budget and overspend without even noticing it.  The smallest expenses will creep up on you and add up to big bucks in the end if you’re not careful.  That’s why it’s critical that you account for every last dime. When you’re planning a destination wedding it is absolutely critical to give your guests as much advance notice as possible.  This means sending out save the dates or a link to your personal wedding website at least 5-6 months before, so that they can have plenty of time to plan their travel and vacation time. Formal invitations should go out 2-3 months before.

Take at least one planning trip and if you can swing it, two or three is ideal. On the first trip, you’ll need to scout and secure your key venues, ceremony and reception spaces, hotels for guests, a rehearsal dinner venue and local suppliers such as caterers, florists and photographers.

If done right, a destination wedding can cost no more, and maybe even less than hosting the same party at home. For example, if you live in a US metropolitan city where event facilities are in high demand, like New York City, then holding your wedding in Mexico will likely be less expensive than doing it at home, even when you factor in airfare, hotel expenses and planning trips. One of the advantages of planning a destination wedding is that often times the location is so gorgeous that you don’t even need decorations.   Don’t overdo it in the décor department, just let the location’s natural setting and beauty shine through.

Getting married in the height of tourism season can make hotel and airline prices skyrocket. Be sure to price out a sample flight and hotel room for guests before deciding on your destination wedding location to see if it’s going to be over the top. If it is, see if there’s another weekend or month that might make travel packages a little bit cheaper.

Every country and city has certain requirements when it comes to getting married legally, so make sure you and your fiancé have everything you need in order to say ‘I Do’ in that destination. You’ll also want to know what’s required to obtain a marriage license (such as a passport, birth certificate, witnesses, etc.)  or how many days you have to be in the country to get one.

The whole point of having a destination wedding is to make it a very special vacation and that goes for your guests as well. Schedule a few dinners, brunches, or special outings with all your friends and family after they arrive. Though they don’t need to feel pressured to spend every minute with you, giving them the option to join you for a fishing expedition, surfing lessons, a museum trip, or a walk into town would make them feel part of the celebration.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, when you are planning a destination wedding, many of your friends who have children might want to make a family trip out of your wedding weekend. The easiest way to indicate that children are invited to the wedding itself is to address your save the dates and invitations with “and family” following the “Mr. and Mrs.”

When choosing your wedding dress, keep in mind the type of occasion you are throwing and the weather in your destination. If you’re getting married somewhere tropical, you might want to re-think trying on that tulle and silk taffeta gown that would be way too heavy for the climate. The same goes for your groom, his groomsmen and your bridesmaids. Take note of heavy materials and embellished dresses for your girls if the location is warm, but consider adding furs, shawls, or wraps if you’re getting married in a snowy destination.

If your budget allows, a wedding planner is a very wise use of your money. Remember that planning a destination doesn’t just mean that your guests have to deal with travel and time-change, it applies to the bride too! Having a planner who is either based in the location of your wedding or specializes in destination weddings is immensely helpful.