Destination weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, pairing dreams of traveling the world and experiencing a destination with family and friends. From sun-soaked beach ceremonies to grand chateau receptions, it’s easy to see why the idea of jetting across the globe to tie the knot is such an appealing one!
Planning a destination wedding is a completely different ball game from planning a local one. From marriage requirements to language barriers to the act of just getting there, there’s a lot that goes into it. Oh, and not to mention your guests’ availability, the weather, and your wedding budget. Sound overwhelming? We know. Don’t worry.
We asked some of the top industry leaders for helpful tips that will take you one step closer to making your dream destination wedding come true! Here’s what they have to say:
Do Your Research
Planner: @xquisiteevents, Venue: @pelicanhillresort, Picture Courtesy: @linandjirsa
Research saves you in the end. Our DWP Powerlist member Nikki Khan from Exquisite Events, USA shares her story to explain this point. “Do thorough research before finalizing the venue as far as the cost involved, how remote it is, convenience and activities for guests especially if children and elderly guests are in attendance. We recently planned a wedding at a remote location where every single item had to be shipped in from the mainland and in the end, the cost became exorbitant. We did let the client know beforehand about cost becoming prohibitive before signing the contract with the venue but they insisted and needless to say, it was challenging to keep the budget aligned with their vision but all is well that ends well.”
Opt For Weekday Wedding To Save Big
Picture Courtesy: @gideonhermosa
Destination weddings could be costlier. In order to save costs Gideon Hermosa, a renowned Philipines-based wedding planner recommends opting for a weekday wedding in order to save cost. He also suggests checking on the weather forecast for the wedding month. and booking flights early. “Investing in wedding insurance will help protect your financial investment and offer some emotional assurance.”
Think Local Factors
Picture Courtesy: @tarafayevents / @corbingurkin
You’re shelling out big for this destination, so you might as well fully embrace everything it has to offer. But there are different rules in different countries. Ireland-based DWP Powerlist member and wedding planner Tara Fay advises planning in advance, hiring a planner with local knowledge, thinking about local factors such as licensing and weather and customs, etc. A hassle-free experience is all we look forward to.
Plan Ahead Of Time
Picture Courtesy: @vivaahcelebrations
We know planning a wedding itself is. a task and a destination wedding can give anxieties to even the most confident ones. Don’t worry we have Rahul Kumar, DWP Premium member and Owner of Vivaah Celebrations from UAE to share a few tips to ease the planning process.
“For Destination Weddings, we highly recommend that couples begin planning well ahead in time i.e. about 12-18 months prior. This puts the couple at ease to explore multiple destinations and venues before arriving at a decision for their wedding celebrations. Beginning early with venue scouting also provides for better negotiation power when finalizing contracts. This also applies to other services and vendors; the earlier they’re signed up, the better value for money you get.
We also suggest the couple and their families visit the potential destinations they want to host their wedding at to experience their hospitality, ease and convenience of travel and various other factors that their guests may encounter during the days of their celebrations. This gives them a first-hand account of all positives and negatives (if any).
Most importantly, engage a wedding planner who has experience working at your destination of choice. It definitely is an advantage when your planner understands the work ethics, communication and operational skills required for working in a foreign land. And finally, as you inch closer to your Big Day, shed all anxieties and hand over the reins to your trusted planner while you enjoy your precious moments with your family and friends making truly unforgettable memories.”
Mindful Weddings
Pictures Courtesy: @nevermistphotography
Nancy Barkley, DWP Congress Speaker & Founder of Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways, USA helps us in making the whole process easier by listing a few tips:
“Mother Nature is an important part of the wedding party so be mindful of the season where you are planning your wedding and always have a Plan B for weather-related issues. Plan group activities to keep your guests occupied and make a full week or weekend of festivities for your guests to mingle with one another. This is key to making your wedding a celebration unlike any other.
A destination wedding is a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate the local culture of the place you’ve chosen for your big day has its own uniqueness Explore the area and learn as much as you can about your destination before your wedding so you can truly appreciate all it has to offer on your special day. Invite guests to give back locally instead of a wedding gift, perhaps by making a contribution to a local charity. Find local projects and activities to contribute to or participate in that give back to residents.
Regardless of when you have to arrive at your destination for residency requirements, allow yourself an extra day, especially if you are flying. Weather and flight cancellations can delay travel and giving yourself extra time can avoid a problem before it happens. When planning a Destination Wedding, try not to get caught up in making everything perfect, roll with whatever comes your way and it is your wedding day and it will amazing!”
Check Reviews
Picture Courtesy: @penziweddings, Florist: @florklorestudio
What if the actual dress is not as shown on the Internet. This is why reviews are important. DWP Powerlist member Guadalupe Alvarez from Penzi Weddings, Mexico recommends checking reviews of the planners you would like to hire, as well as the venues, making sure you like the weather on the time of year that you want your wedding in that city in the world, and once you decide, trust your team and enjoy!
Prioritize
Planner:@biancobouquetweddings, Picture Courtesy:@davidbastianoni, Light Design: @kaleydo.official
Have A Backup Plan
Picture Courtesy: @joanngregoli
JoAnn Gregoli, DWP Powerlist member & Founder of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli from USA advises having a backup plan. “When planning a destination wedding know the following: Avoid high season or festive season when booking an event. Also, avoid hurricane season to assure good weather. Be sure to have a solid rain backup plan in place.”
Get Involved Alongside Your Planner
Picture Courtesy: @outlandish_events
A wedding planner is all you need to make the dream of a destination wedding seamless.
Ishrat Joosub from Outlandish Events, South Africa lists a few tips on having an incredible destination wedding. “Start by selecting the venue. Do a site visit with your wedding planner. You can’t plan a wedding without having inspected the site/venue. By doing a site inspection, you are able to see the challenges (if any) that you are faced with and also be able to share that with your bride in person compared to explaining yourself over the phone and having the couple not understand what the issue is. Have an in-depth discussion with venue management regarding what is needed to make the couple’s vision a reality. Are they willing to come to the party and be flexible with the couple’s needs as well as the planner’s needs?
Couples need to always budget for setting up the wedding at least a day or two in advance – depending on how lavish it will be. Ceiling installation, out-of-this-world lighting, etc. all over-the-top details take a lot of time to set up. Enjoy the celebration and the experience of getting married in another country. Savor the moment and be present in the day. It can all feel surreal but pinch yourself if you must. Enjoy the food, the music, the ambiance, take it all in and savor each moment.”
Think Personalized Guest Experience
Picture Courtesy: @raeaffairs, Venue: @thebellevueva
The pandemic has taught us the importance of relationships, especially painting them on a personal level. USA-based wedding planner Sileola Bello from Rae Affairs, advises personalizing everything from start to finish.”When planning a destination wedding, keep your guest experience at the top of your mind. Your guest experience is one of the most important things to consider because your guests have invested a lot of money to travel to celebrate with you.
From the invitation process, ensure guests have direct contact with your wedding planner or travel agent to help answer any questions they have. If you have a wedding website, include all the information they need to help the planning process of their travel to be smooth. Think about ways to personalize the experience for them, plan a tour of their destination of choice, have welcome bags with vital information for the events and also include a favor/souvenir as a gift from you to them. A welcome letter is a good way to welcome your guests and make them feel special while giving them all the information they need for the time they are at your wedding.”
Conclusion
Coordination: @event_flow, Picture Courtesy: @michaudfilms
Mexico-based wedding planner Evelyn Paz, Founder of Event Flow by Evelyn Paz beautifully sums up by requesting us to ask these questions:
“First of all: Where do you picture yourselves saying “I Do”?
Where have you been spending getaways together?
Is it the beach? Is it another country?
And do not ever hesitate to choose to get a Destination Wedding! Remember that it will be surely an entire experience not only for you as a couple, but for all your family and friends that will be happily sharing one of the most exciting moments of your life.”
See you all in DWP Congress Bali. If you have not booked your seats yet, it’s NOW or NEVER!
Feature Image Credit: @andrew_bayda / Planner: @safitevent / Venue: @villa_balbiano
