Planning a wedding may be stressful, but it is also fun and exciting. Wanna know what’s more fun than planning a wedding? Planning a destination wedding, of course! The travel, the food, some breathtaking views, and so much more! A destination wedding is unbeatable. That said, there are many things to consider when planning one; who do you invite, do you need a registry, and what details do you need to include in your ‘Save the Dates.’ We’re here to help you navigate the long list of questions you may have when planning such a wedding. Read on to find the answers on how you can successfully plan a wedding abroad.
1. Visit the place in advance
Picture Courtesy: @royaltonsaintlucia
It is obviously better to visit the venue once before booking. And if you can make a second trip, that would be helpful too. It gives you the chance to finalize the details of your wedding and make sure everything is going according to plan. If not, it is best to fly out a few days before your wedding to work on those details and ensure everything is accounted for.
2. Send out your invitations earlier & include every detail
Picture Courtesy: @pennandpaperie
Keep in mind that an invitation to a destination wedding is a bit different from that of a regular ceremony. A lot more details are involved regarding travel plans, itinerary, and duration of the stay, among other things. Your guests need to be well-informed so they can have everything prepared, including their passports and luggage. This also includes important information regarding Covid-19, so they stay updated and have enough time to get themselves sorted for the celebrations. Be sure to send out the Save-The-Dates 6-8 months in advance as well.
3. Think about how you’re going to carry your wedding dress
Pictures Courtesy: @helenakolan
Traveling with your dress is probably one of the most challenging parts of a destination wedding. The last thing you need is a wrinkled or ruined wedding dress as you touchdown. The easiest way to do this is by carrying it in a garment bag. You can always ask to have it hung in the first-class section of the plane. If your dress does not get wrinkled easily, simply fold it and carefully pack it in your suitcase.
4. Have an intimate ceremony and celebrate when you get back
Pictures Courtesy: @gregfinck
When you’re planning a wedding abroad, you are more likely to end up having a narrowed-down guest list. This could be because of the size of your venue, how much your guests are comfortable spending or certain restrictions that need to be followed due to the pandemic. If you’d like all your guests to be part of your celebration, it is a good idea to have an intimate affair at the desired venue and party with the rest of your friends and family once you’re back for the reception. Make sure to run through all guidelines and policies for travel before you finalize your destination.
5. You don’t have to pay for your guest travels
Picture Courtesy: @geraldpassedat
You are not expected to cover travel and accommodation expenses for all your attendees. It’s totally up to you to make that decision. But don’t feel bad if you don’t want to do it. You could share some offers that you see or hook them up with an agent, so they get the best options available for their travels. Provide recommendations and booking sites to make the process easier. Enlisting a travel agent could help them get group discounts too, something your guests would appreciate. Another item on your list you might want to cross out is a gift registry. Considering your guests are traveling to a different country, maybe scrap gifts. But if you want them, prefer to have them brought to your home once you’re back.
6. Plan additional events to expand your stay
Picture Courtesy: @infinityweddingsitaly
You’re in a new place, a beautiful country with great food and culture for you to enjoy. Extend the fun with a welcome party and activities like group tastings or a post-wedding brunch and experience more of the country you got married in.
Keeping these checks in mind, you can take flight and plan your dream wedding that is bound to be one nobody will ever forget. Whether you plan on getting married in a castle in Tuscany, a luxury hotel in Greece, or a white sand beach in the Caribbean, a destination wedding is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Besides, you can even enjoy a sweet honeymoon in the same venue or a nearby place.
Feature Image Credit: @hdmoments
