Weddings outside the city or town where the soon-to-be-married couple resides are called destination weddings. Essential services for this wedding include planning, booking, and organizing various ceremonies. It is common for destination weddings to occur at a high-end resort, where the ceremony and reception happen and where the couple and guests typically stay for a weekend.
Couples who choose a destination wedding may anticipate a considerably more private ceremony and the opportunity to combine their wedding and honeymoon in a two-for-one celebration. However, organizing such an event is a significant step. As a result, before going to a foreign place to marry, you must consider certain vital factors. Here is a list of ideas to help engaged couples select a fantastic location for their wedding day.
Set Financial Goals
Step one in planning any wedding is determining a budget, but doing so for a destination wedding is especially important. There will be additional payments, such as travel and hotel fees. When and where you may have your destination wedding will depend on how much money you have available. Whether you can afford a luxurious private home with breathtaking ocean views or a more understated option, like an all-inclusive resort, will depend on your wedding budget.
Determine a Backdrop
Consider what you want, whether it’s seaside, mountains, tropical, or snowy; the temperature and landscape you pick for your wedding will inspire the location for your special day. So, if you’ve always wanted to be in the sun and surf, list your favorite beaches.
Although the Caribbean and Latin America are the most well-known destinations for beach weddings, plenty of unexpected seaside options are available outside these areas. You can find beautiful beaches in Hawaii, Florida, California, South Carolina, and Maine. It is optional to go halfway across the world to experience a fabulous destination wedding.
Choose a Location
It might be as simple as the first location you vacationed with, or you may have ancestors from a particular global area. Having your wedding in a place with significant value for you as a couple may provide a genuine personal experience. However, if you are not pulled to a specific location, attempt to depend on your styles and interests. Consider how you like to spend your free time and vacation days so that you may choose a place that suits your preferences.
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Prefer Local to Save Big
Wedding planners advise reducing your budget by integrating native flora, such as exotic tropical flowers in the tropics. For example, if you are having your wedding in Cabo, you may offer your guests local dishes such as carnitas. This kind of planning assists in exactly putting you in the scenario that most move you. You are investing extensively in this place so that you may appreciate everything it has to offer.
Your Destination’s Activities
Guests are always thrilled when invited to a wedding location with many fun and exciting things to do. So, whether it’s a tropical wedding with beach access and water activities or a wine lover’s weekend in California, if you select a lesser-known destination, make sure there’s something for your guests to do after the ceremony.
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Accommodations for Guests
When planning a destination wedding, paying the expense of accommodation is unnecessary. Nonetheless, providing choices that fit various budgets is a kind gesture. You may build room blocks and combine them all in the exact location to help you negotiate a lower price. Also, wait until the date is fixed to ensure enough capacity for everyone.
Travel Ahead of Time
It is best to visit your location once before booking, and you must return three to four months before the reception to confirm arrangements. If a second trip is not feasible, come five days early to make decisions and have makeup and hair tryouts.
Choose an Appropriate Wedding Gown
Remember the weather and terrain when looking for a gown for a destination wedding. Breathable textiles are ideal for hot and humid climates, while heavier fabrics are appropriate for colder weather.
Evaluate Your Guests List
Knowing how many people you need to accommodate at a venue might help you choose a location. Large weddings, for example, require much room and more vendor assistance. If, on the other hand, you desire an intimate celebration, you may design your party with your budget almost anyplace.
Meet Your Suppliers
Before your first site tour, meet with the region’s most well-known florists and rental companies. Your venue can provide suggestions. They are continually looking for local talent, which you should know. If you bring specialists from home, expect to pay for their flights and lodging. It is essential to have a safe hotel within 30 minutes of your wedding destination.
Hire a Professional Planner
Many wedding planners specialize in destination weddings. When arranging a destination wedding, you will want assistance organizing all the arrangements so that you and your guests arrive for a stress-free celebration. Of course, a professional will handle everything for you. Select a resort with an on-site coordinator if your budget does not allow a planner.
Give Welcome Bags
Once your guests arrive, offer them some hospitality by providing welcome bags containing mementos from the region or amenities for their stay. Aspirin, maps, and snacks are excellent additions. Sunscreen is a must-have for a summer wedding, while hot cocoa mixes and mittens are ideal for a winter wedding in the mountains.
Get Away with Style
Going into honeymoon mode requires finesse on the part of the newlyweds, especially if they’re staying at the same resort as their guests. Consider saying goodbye after the reception or hosting a special brunch the next day. And if it’s privacy you want, you can move to a different section of the accommodation. Some resorts have elevated locations like luxury suites, overwater villas, or stand-alone cabanas.
