Once you’ have finalised your ideal wedding destination overseas, the next step is figuring out how to plan a destination wedding miles away from home. Throwing a destination wedding means you are opting for a much more intimate ceremony. But, before you fly off to a foreign land to marry the love of your life, you have some important details to consider as you start planning a destination wedding. Wedding Affair brings to you anything and everything you need to keep in mind while planning a destination wedding. We bring to you all the pro tips to plan a destination wedding—regardless of where in the world you get hitched.
Choose a Meaningful Location
Keep in mind that your destination must have all of the resources you need. That charming beach town where you spent your childhood vacation won’t work if it only has one hotel that can’t accommodate all your guests.
Notify All Guests In AdvanceÂ
This is one of the most important destination wedding tips. It’s important to give your nearest and dearest plenty of time to calculate if they can afford the cost of traveling to your special day and celebrate your happiness with you.
Embrace The Setting To Save Whatever You CanÂ
Cut down on your décor budget by incorporating local blooms. For example, olive branches and grape leaves or exotic flowers and plants in the tropics. Try serving local specialties at the reception. This will go a long way in cutting down the catering costs.
Keep In Mind Your GuestsÂ
Try to put everyone in one reasonably affordable hotel. If price is an issue, find a less expensive spot 10-15 minutes away. Don’t set your date until you’re sure there’s room availability for everyone.
Hire A Reliable TeamÂ
Make sure to find a planner or coordinator that specializes in destination weddings. This way, instead of spending hours on phone calls trying to overcome a language barrier or making executive decisions about flowers and ceremony site from miles away. Henceforth, you have an expert on hand to take care of it all for you.
Do Pay A Visit In AdvanceÂ
Ideally, you’d see your venue once before booking and again three to four months before the wedding to finalize details. If a second trip’s not possible, arrive at least five days early to make those decisions and do a hair and makeup trial.
Personally Choose Your Vendors Set A Budget For Vendors
In advance of your first site visit, set up meetings with the better-known florists and rental companies in your destination. But also ask for referrals from your venue on the ground. Try to uncover local talent you didn’t know about.
Set A Budget For Vendors Stuff Your Suitcase
If you decide to bring specialists from home, expect to cover their travel and lodging costs; a clean, safe hotel within 30 minutes of your venue is a must. Negotiate these expenses up front so things don’t get out of control.
Stuff Your SuitcaseÂ
I’ve yet to find a destination outside the continental U.S. that has the same quality and selection of rental linens. Shipping overseas is risky and expensive, so always pack as much as possible into checked luggage.
Tailor Your Wedding Dress According To The Destination
Breathable fabrics work best in hot, humid locations. Lightweight lace in Mexico is stunning, as is an embellished ball gown for your reception in a villa in France. Always carry your dress on board the plane, even if it means having to fold it. Just make sure someone at the other end can press and steam it.
