What better way to celebrate your happily ever after than to have the ultimate destination wedding! Everyone you love all in your favorite place in the world? Yes, please! Destination weddings are so much fun but planning them can be a bit tricky. Check out our tips and tricks to ensure your day goes off without a hitch!
Plan well in advance!
Destination weddings are amazing and as much as your loved ones will all want to be there, it still is a big ask! To up your chances of getting the people you love most there, give your guests enough time to make accommodations to be there. We recommend sending save the dates out 12 months before the big day, this also leaves you plenty of time to plan, making the whole experience less stressful.
Manage your expectations.
Managing your expectations is super important as bride and groom, know that things can and will go unplanned. Understand that not everyone you invite will be able to join and that traveling for some families may be more difficult than others. Whether some guests are celebrating from afar or you have a little rain, your day will be pure magic.
Hire the professionals!
Hiring a planner or coordinator is a really great place to start when planning a destination wedding. Look for someone local who knows the venue and vendors well. This will make planning from a distance much easier and you can trust that your day will go off without a hitch!
Take a visit.
Ideally you want to have been to the location prior to booking but at the least, before the big day. Get to know the grounds, the venue, and get the skinny on the best places to eat, recommendations, and all other info you may want to share with your guests.
Have a travel point of contact.
While it is not your responsibility to plan each guest's travel accommodations it is certainly helpful if you have a point of contact for them who can help with any questions and booking. Coordinating travel can be quite the challenge and whether the hotel can provide contact or if one of your bridesmaids takes over, make sure there is someone available to field any questions regarding the big day and travel.
Plan extra events!
If you have guests coming for more than 3 days, plan an extra event or two besides the rehearsal/wedding. A fun welcome party with drinks and appetizers or a fun dinner with the whole group would be a great way for everyone to spend time together but also kick off the best weekend ever!
Create a wedding website.
To ensure guests know everything going on for the upcoming nuptials, create a customized wedding website. This can be the one stop shop for all details and information as well as any events you will be hosting during the trip.
Make welcome bags.
Show your appreciation to your friends and family for making the trip with a fun welcome bag in their room upon arrival. Add an itinerary, a custom luggage tag, travel-sized pain relief, a pack of gum, snacks, and sunscreen if you're headed somewhere warm!
Check the marriage requirements.
Every country and state has different rules and regulations when it comes to obtaining a marriage license, make sure you have this planned and secured prior to the big day!
Have fun!
Wedding planning is stressful but it’s so important to remember what this special time is all about! The day and trip will fly by so remember to take moments alone with your spouse-to-be to soak it all in.
What are your best destination wedding tips?
