A destination wedding is an out-of-this-world experience every couple should have. It’s an opportunity to bring all your closest family and friends to a fantastic location to celebrate your love. The best part is that you break the traditional wedding protocol and get to do things your way.
You can customize every aspect of your wedding to make it a true reflection of who you are as a couple. However, as with anything, there are always a few bumps along the road. Here are the top tips to ensure your destination wedding is as smooth as possible and unforgettable.
Plan Ahead
Start researching locations and vendors as soon as you can. The sooner you get started, the less stressed you’ll be closer to your wedding day. For instance, if you’re trying to find a wedding venue in Kauai, talk to different coordinators to secure the best one for your special day.
If possible, get quotes and reviews in advance to avoid surprises. Making your bookings way ahead secures competitive rates and gives you a better chance of getting the vendors you want.
Set a Budget
Wedding costs can quickly escalate, so it’s crucial to set a budget and stick to it. Remember to include travel costs for you and your guests in the budget. If you’re having a wedding abroad, account for currency conversion rates.
Chat with your parents and other family members who might be helping with costs to get a clear idea of what you have to work with. Once you have a budget, look for ways to save money. For example, see if you can find any Groupon deals for your wedding venue or guest accommodation.
Choose the Right Location
The location you choose for your destination wedding will be a significant factor in the overall cost. If you’re on a tight budget, look for places closer to home. You can still have a beautiful destination wedding without spending a fortune on flights.
When money is no object, look further for that dream location. Once you’ve decided on a general site, narrow down the specific venues. Visit the area in person before making any final decisions.
Because you cannot accommodate everyone’s schedules and preferences, choose a location that is centrally located and easily accessible. The last thing you want is for half your guests to miss your wedding because they couldn’t make it on time.
Also, pick a location with activities nearby so your guests can stay entertained during their free time. However, prioritize your preferences as a couple and explain your choices to the rest of the group. They’ll accept your decisions when they understand the motive.
Send Save the Dates Early
Even if you’ve been planning your wedding for months, some of your guests might not commit to attending until they have the date. When you have your venue booked and a general idea of the date, send out your save the dates.
Doing so gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. If you’re worried about people forgetting, send a reminder a few weeks before the wedding. You can even include a link to your wedding website so they can RSVP online.
Think about Photo and Video
Your wedding is certainly a day you will want to preserve memories of. That’s why you should engage a studio that will create videos and photos of your most beautiful day. You can hire a photographer and videographer from your city or ask about professionals from the destinations you are planning your wedding. This could be an even better option because they will know some great places for the most amazing newlywed shoots.
Relax, It’s Your Day
A destination wedding is challenging if you’re doing it yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, hire a wedding planner. They will take care of all the details, so you can relax and enjoy your big day. Make sure to interview a few different planners before making your final decision.
Go for those familiar or located in the area of your chosen destination as they would have more knowledge and experience with local venues, suppliers, and other requirements. The result is a memorable and hassle-free day that you and your guests will cherish forever.