We specialize in working with couples on their destination weddings. With all of the stress that can be involved in wedding planning, it can be really tempting to get away from it all to exchange your vows. Before you do, check out these five things you should keep in mind while planning your destination wedding:
- Don’t assume it will save you money. There’s a bit of a misconception regarding the cost of planning a local wedding versus planning a destination wedding. While destination weddings certainly can be more affordable, expenses add up quickly once you include travel, lodging, meals, and entertainment. Be sure to budget for everything before committing to a destination wedding.
- Learn all about the location. There are a number of things to consider when choosing your wedding location. How far is the venue from the airport? Will you and your guests be able to stay on property, or will transportation be required to get to the wedding? Is there a limit to the number of guests who can attend? Research every location thoroughly so you don’t get caught off-guard.
- Keep guests informed. Planning a destination wedding means asking your guests (should you invite any) to invest their time and money in your big day. Be sure to give them an inclusive price for them to attend your wedding so they can plan for it. Also, provide them activity options they can do while visiting your wedding’s destination. If they know they can build a vacation around it, the cost may be easier to justify.
- Know the marriage laws. You want to make sure your destination marriage is legally recognized wherever you live. Check with your wedding venue to see what paperwork they file and what you might have to do on your own. Also, check the requirements at home so you can register your marriage with legal authorities.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. It goes without saying that when you plan a destination wedding, you lose some control over what happens. Work with a wedding planner at your destination to make sure your wedding is everything you envision. Once you arrive, try to relax and enjoy every moment of your destination wedding. Remember, in the end, the only important thing is celebration your new life together!
A destination wedding can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate your new life together. As long as you do your research and pay attention to the fine print, you can easily plan the wedding of your dreams!
Do you have a destination wedding story you’d like to share with us? We’d love to hear all about it!
