Destination weddings are an amazing way to celebrate your special day and create a truly memorable experience with your nearest and dearest. From sun-soaked beach weddings, to secluded resorts amidst nature, it’s easy to see why the idea of jetting around the world to tie the knot looks appealing. These weddings are often romantic and intimate with a smaller number of attendees in comparison to traditional weddings.
The destination wedding offers a unique opportunity to plan the event without the same pressure as a traditional wedding. It is more cost-effective and allows you to have more fun since you don’t need to take care of as many details locally. There are also venues out there that provide special packages such as all inclusive resorts that have everything you need in one location.
However planning such a wedding, away from your local space, needs some extra attention & details. Picture this – you, with your special one on a sandy beach; wind is blowing softly, your friends and family showering flowers on you and the waves crashing musically while you with your partner take oaths for a happy life together.
Now picture this – your wedding dress didn’t arrive on time, the guests are staying far away from the venue and now stuck in traffic. Which picture would you prefer? We know the answer! So a little research, lots of planning will ensure that both you and your guests are prepared appropriately and are ready to have a blast at the wedding. Keep reading these basic but crucial do’s and don’ts that will help you have a seamless and stress-free event!
Let’s first start with some Do’s.
DO: Hire local vendors
This is one of the most crucial and important parts while planning a wedding. Local vendors or a local wedding planner will do all the things that you would normally do if you were getting married near your space.
A local vendor will make sure that everything will go smoothly, as they are more aware of all the nuances of the area. They also know about all of the ins and outs and pitfalls so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises on that big day. It is better to have someone who knows their way around than to have an outsider who doesn’t have a clue how things work in this city or town! This will also help you to cut down the cost and hassle of making everyone; vendors, team, helpers etc, travel from their locations to the wedding venue.
Do: Do a site visit
If you’re getting married in your city you wouldn’t even think of spending a huge chunk of money and booking a venue that you’ve never set foot in. So why would you do it when planning a destination wedding? Surely those brochures, and lucrative wedding packages can make your decision easy but they can never suffice the experience and feel you’ll get in person. We understand it’s hard to carve out that extra travel expense, but you’ll realize that it will be worth every time.
Do: Carry your own wedding dress if you’re traveling
We can share a lot of horror stories of wedding dresses getting lost or delivered late either because of shipping issues or lost checked baggage. So do yourself a favor and take your MOST important stuff with you!
Do: Consider your locale’s weather
It’s important to keep weather in mind while planning your wedding. If you’re tying a knot at a gorgeous hill station then your outfit must be such that will help you enjoy your wedding without worrying about the cold. Or a super trendy open hairstyle might not be the best option to go with if you’re planning to do a beach wedding.
This not only goes for the outfit but for your decor, food & even informing your guests so they can choose a dress fabric that’s appropriate.
Do: Remember, don’t overdo
One of the advantages of planning a destination wedding is that often times the venue is so gorgeous you don’t even need to spend a bomb on decorations. So don’t overdo the decor department and try to keep things natural.
Do: Stick to your budget
While planning such big events, it’s very easy to start from your original budget and get overboard without even noticing. The expense that looks small will creep up on you and add up to big bucks in the end if you’re not mindful. That’s why it’s extremely important that you account for every last dime. And it’s even more crucial while planning a destination wedding…any unexpected expenses can creep up at the last minute. So plan in advance, keep a track and always pad your budget for everything.
Don’ts for your destination wedding.
Don’t send your invitation too late
Sending out invitations is probably one of the few last important things to do at the wedding. While it’s not that difficult for your guests to attend the wedding on a last minute invitation if it’s happening in their same city. But in case of a destination event, it can make it difficult for them to attend.
Keep in mind that your guests will have to plan their budget, take time off work, do their shopping and make travel plans to join you on your big day. Leaving your guests with limited time to plan and prepare will make it difficult for them to join you. Instead, give your guests as much notice as possible.
Don’t forget your essentials
Looking for a shampoo, deodorant or safety pins are the last thing you want to worry about on your big day. Plan & take every smallest thing essential with you, don’t leave it to buy or source it from the new place as it will only add up to your stress and one more task in your wedding to do list. Keep it simple, prepare & don’t fret.
Don’t ignore your guests
While the wedding is the most important day for the two souls vowing to be one…your guests have also traveled far away only to be a part of your happiness and bless for your happy life. So don’t ignore them. Planning their accomodation, their travel & arrangements well in advance so they can also have fun and have the best time of their life with you. An accomodation at the venue or a hotel close to the venue will make everybody’s life easy. After all, they traveled all that way for you!
Don’t worry!
Remember, its a wedding and something will go wrong. It happens to everyone. You have to roll with the punches and have the time of your life. Do all your planning, make all the arrangements in advance and then on the day of the wedding, just have fun. You have to set the tone for the day. If you’re enjoying and having fun, your guests will too. If you’re worrying and not enjoying yourself, they won’t either. So sit back, keep these tips in mind and get ready for the best day of your life.
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