Many couples these days are opting for a destination wedding. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to make your day extra special without the hassle of traveling back and forth from home. But it has its own challenges, such as choosing the right location and ensuring that everyone can attend.
By choosing a destination wedding, you already think about doing things differently from couples who marry at home. Whether your wedding is abroad or just outside of your hometown, there are many factors to consider before you begin planning.
Choose the right location.
There are many beautiful destinations to choose from, so take your time and find the one that’s perfect for you. If you want an exotic place, try the beaches of Cancun or Jamaica. If you’re looking for something more unusual, consider a destination wedding in the Canadian Rockies or the Grand Canyon.
If you’re inviting many guests and want to plan an affordable and enjoyable trip for everyone, opt for somewhere closer to home. For instance, you might choose to marry at the beach in Florida or Hawaii.
Whatever your destination is, it should also be memorable and meaningful to you as a couple.
Consider your budget.
When planning a destination wedding, it’s important to consider your budget. Many expenses are associated with this type of wedding, such as airfare, hotel rooms, and food. And don’t forget about spending money on activities and souvenirs for your guests!
The best way to stay on track is to create a detailed budget and stick to it. Make a list of all the things you’ll need to pay for and how much each will cost. This includes the wedding ceremony and reception, photography and videography, flowers, attire, transportation, and more.
If you’re worried about going over budget, there are a few things you can do. For example, you can choose a less expensive location or trim your guest list.
Finalize your guest list.
When finalizing your guest list, keep in mind that not everyone will be able to attend. This is especially true if you’re planning a destination wedding outside of the United States. If you have a large guest list, you may need to prioritize who is most important to you.
When sending out invitations, there are many things to consider, such as cost and travel arrangements. Some guests may not afford to travel, while others may not have time off work.
If you’re having a destination wedding, be sure to give guests plenty of notice, so they can make arrangements. You should send out wedding invitations at least six months in advance.
Include all the pertinent information in your invitations, so guests will know how to get there if they’re flying. Otherwise, you may have people stranded at the airport or missing your big day.
Don’t forget about accommodations for your guests. You can arrange for everyone to stay together, either by renting a space in the same location as where you’re holding the wedding reception or by reserving an entire hotel floor.
Make travel arrangements.
Once you’ve chosen your destination, book your flights and hotel rooms as soon as possible to get the best rates. You may also want to book any tours or rental cars now.
Consider sending them a travel guide for those who aren’t familiar with your destination. Many destinations now offer digital books and webcams so everyone can feel like they’ve already been there.
Try to plan the wedding weekend around a holiday weekend when making arrangements for your guests. For example, if you’re getting married in early January, plan it on the weekend closer to Christmas so your guests can celebrate both occasions.
Make a wedding checklist.
If you have everything in order, it will relieve any last-minute stress that might arise on your big day. Start planning the other parts of the wedding, such as the reception and honeymoon, the clothing, and most importantly, the vows.
Don’t forget the little details, such as a marriage license and your wedding bands. Remember to stay within your budget, so look for a place where you can buy some beautiful diamond wedding bands without breaking your bank. When it comes to your gown, try to find something that’s both comfortable and beautiful. Not to mention suitable for the destination.
Don’t forget about the flowers. You can either choose to have someone back home handle the arrangements or find a reliable florist close to your wedding destination. Just make sure they know what you want and when you need it done.
Hire a wedding planner.
As an added tip, you should consider hiring a wedding planner, especially if you’re planning your wedding from afar. They can help you pick a location and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
Most importantly, as you’re planning your destination wedding, have fun. After all, it’s meant to be one of the most memorable days of your life. As long as you keep your guests in mind, you should be fine. Just remember to stay within budget and ensure everything is done on time.
