Are you planning a destination wedding? As you know, planning to get married abroad is now a more common way to tie the knot, but the logistics of doing so can be a bit, well, daunting. There is more planning involved, more booking involved, and more money needed. So, here are the five steps you need to take to plan a destination wedding successfully.
1. Check Your Budget
One of the first things to consider when you are planning a destination wedding is your budget. Of course, when you factor in the costs of travel, hotels, the wedding venue, and the food, chances are, the budget is going to be higher than it would be if you booked the wedding at the local hotel.
So, make sure you draw up a budget that factors all of these things in and then stick to it. If you are struggling with the cost, consider booking your wedding for the off-peak season, which can save you a significant amount on travel and hotel rentals or other wedding-related expenses.
Even more, you should count in some extra costs such as transportation of visitors, local taxes, or travelling insurance or possible extras. These are the hidden costs that can accumulate very fast affecting your entire budget.
2. Easy Access Please!
When you are planning where to get married for your destination wedding, try to make sure it is easy to access for your guests. If you are from the UK, for instance, few of your guests (if any) are going to appreciate having to fly to Spain, only to then need to undertake a three-hour car ride to reach the location of the ceremony. So, try to look for locations that are accessible or within a thirty-minute car ride of the nearest airport or port. If that is not possible, then you will likely need to pay more for your guests to stay overnight in the nearby hotel before the wedding.
This is a thoughtful consideration that will not only raise the attendance chances but also increase the chances of increased attendance. The point is that nobody will be glad to start a celebration being tired because of a long and uncomfortable journey straight away.
3. Determine Guest List
Factoring in the aforementioned costs, as well as the journey, it is always wise when you are planning a destination wedding to keep it small. Unless you are a millionaire! Many location or destination weddings pay host to fewer than ten people, with the couple getting married included. Be stringent and, if you have a friend or family member who wants to come and can afford their ticket, then be sure to add them to the wedding guest list.
This strategy would guarantee a more personalized party and reduced organizational pressure. Small groups also give you a chance to have quality time with your loved ones and make memorable experiences with every one of your guests.
4. Look Into Local Lodgings
This was mentioned before, but should be looked at in a bit more depth. When you are planning a destination wedding, you should look into local hotels or bed and breakfasts where your guests can stay. It is often better to spend an evening at the wedding location (usually afterward) to allow you, your partner, and your guests the space to unwind and relax. Of course, if the hotel in the location you have booked is too pricey, no shame in looking for somewhere nearby that is more affordable.
It would also be worth negotiating group rates or airline tickets or reserving blocks of rooms. Giving your guests a choice and support is small but much-needed practice that will not only allow them to understand that you care about their experience but also make it easier and more pleasant.
5. Support Local Businesses
It can seem easier to ship all the stuff you will need for your destination wedding to the location with you when you travel. However, this can be costly, and when you are planning to get married somewhere new, why not look at the local businesses? You will easily be able to find a florist, a cake decorator, as well as a caterer, which will support local businesses and will also save you a lot of time and stress.
Moreover, local vendors can be knowledgeable of the area, weather, and logistics of the venue, which can make your event pass smoothly. It is also possible to improve your wedding experience by establishing connections with them.
Conclusion
Destination weddings are not something that can be easily planned, and one will have to plan them carefully, budget all the necessary items, organize the guests, and make some other relevant decisions, such as supporting local businesses and accessibility or usability. Making the event small enables more intimacy and easy planning.
As a follow-up to a great day, why not treat yourselves by having a honeymoon? Many couples choose popular honeymoon locations like the Maldives to unwind and celebrate. Be it a beach or a mountain engagement, proper organization will make your destination wedding one of the most wonderful experiences, starting with the vows and going to the most perfect honeymoon resort.
