Destination weddings are an amazing way to get married. There is something particularly special about experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime getaway with the love of your life as well as your closest friends and family while tying the knot.
However, the prospect of organizing a wedding in another location could be a little intimidating. A destination wedding involves thorough planning, from the paperwork to travel logistics. Don't know where to start? Continue reading to get tips on how to plan the ultimate destination wedding.
Prepare a To-Do List
You'll have to make a checklist to get started with the process of planning the wedding. This is essentially a wedding to-do list that will assist you in scheduling what and when something has to be done. With this in place, you will be ready to put things together fast once you've decided on the kind of wedding you want.
Pick a Destination and a Venue
The very first step is to choose a destination that is both within your means as a couple and also within the means of your most valued guests. The venue comes next after you have decided on your destination. Consider where you would like the wedding to be held and where you would like the reception or after-party to be held. Of course, these can both be at the same location.
Prepare Your Wedding Budget
You might be shocked to learn that planning a destination wedding could be less expensive than one held closest to home. The secret to saving money on your destination wedding would be to prioritize. Getting to know what you're not going to spend money on will highlight how much money you will have to pay on other sectors of the wedding. You could also save cash on flowers by allowing your florist to go for flowers of similar hues or shades instead of a specific, potentially more costly flower type. Overall, the most effective method to save money would be to make sure that you shop around to find better deals.
Recce is an Absolute Must
Even though you will visit and assess your venue before deciding, we recommend that you return three months before your wedding with your decorator to arrange the arrangements. Make the most of this reconnaissance meeting by visualizing and planning which functions will be conducted at which location, how each area will be used for displays, and so on. This should prevent you from thinking about all of this throughout the wedding.
Enlist the Help of Local Vendors
Attempt to book all of your wedding planners from the location where you plan to marry. This can not only spare you money on their airfare and housing, but it would also allow you to effectively plan with them. Look for wedding vendors who can travel at their own expense if you can't find reliable local vendors.
Choose the Best Wedding Planner
To manage your event, you'll need a seasoned wedding planner who knows how to organize a destination wedding (much better if they have hosted one in the same destination previously). This will be a huge stress reliever because they'll know precisely what you'll have to get your affairs in order while you're away.
As a bonus, most resorts provide destination wedding deals which include a wedding planner to manage every one of the preparations or can recommend you to a local wedding planner.
Decide Who You Want to Invite
You will need to consider your finances and if you prefer a small or large wedding before you go crazy with the invitations. If you want to host a destination wedding, you will need to figure out which of your family and friends would be willing to attend, as well as how long it'll take for them to arrive there. For destination weddings, a basic rule is to ask the most significant people you believe will have a positive effect on your special day.
Let the bridal party and best men know that you are planning to host a destination wedding so you know if they can commit. Because the majority of the wedding guests will most likely be arranging their flights, you should mention your wish to host a destination wedding while asking your dear ones to join the groom or bridal party. This allows them to make an informed decision about whether or not they do have the financial means or the opportunity to attend your wedding.
Send Out Invitations As Soon As Possible
Certain couples decide to provide a map of the venue with their invitations. This is especially useful if the wedding is being held in a remote location. Consider whether you want to pay to have your invitation designed or if you'd rather buy something ready-made. Send event invitations as soon as possible so that guests can also save money for travel and take extra time off.
Decide On Who Will Officiate the Ceremony
Did you have any knowledge that in some places, friends could preside over your wedding? This is entirely conceivable, but you'll have to do additional research for the location where you wish to marry to see if this applies. Sometimes couples do it to minimize the costs while still making their wedding memorable. Alternatively, you might hire a professional officiant to make sure that the wedding is fully legalized.
Put Together a List Of All the Documents You'll Require
Your birth certificate, passport, death certificate, proof of divorce (for those who have divorced before), change of name documentation, written consent for couples below 18 years, and your marriage certificate are standard documents necessary for a destination wedding.
Some places require you to prove residency before you can get married. Most of the time, this could be accomplished in 48 to 72 hours of residency. Check to see if your marriage is allowed in the country where you reside. To get married in certain places, you must be above the age of consent or get the approval of both guardians or parents from both sides if you're below 21 years.
Choose a Color Scheme and a Theme
If you have an artistic flair or know exactly what you would like, choosing a theme as well as a color scheme can come naturally to you; if not, it's better to allow your wedding planner to take care of it, with pointers of what you'd like the result to look like. Include this information in the save-the-date invitations or even official wedding invitations if you would like your guests to come dressed in a specific color or theme.
Inquire About Bulk Discounts
Take advantage of your negotiation talents to secure the best deals and discounts. Some locations provide freebies such as complimentary laundry services, which can save you a lot of money. Prepare the food and beverages.
You'll need to ensure that there are additional food choices for everybody at your wedding. In the Invitation process, inquire about everyone's preferences as well as if anyone has allergies; you could even share the menu ahead of time. When piecing together the guest list, take into account that most catering services charge per head. When you plan your wedding in an all-inclusive venue, you won't need to stress over meals or drinks.
Choose a Reputable Courier Service When Flying In Extra Luggage
This isn't a foreseeable scenario, but it is one that you should be mindful of. Extra luggage costs a fortune on flights, so it's best to send extra items to your venue by courier. This could be a riskier option, but if you've had a reliable courier service near you, utilize it.
Assign Rooms Ahead of Time to Avoid Chaos
Assign rooms to visitors before they come to avoid last-minute tussles like "I would like to have that room," or, "Why is their space more luxurious," and so on. You wouldn't want this to happen.
Make Preparations For a Multi-Day Event
Although the ceremony, as well as reception, should take priority, you as well as your guests would most certainly be remaining at the destination for much more than your wedding. To keep the whole thing exciting and fun, host a welcome party, as well as group outings and meals.
Make Your Wedding Destination Double as a Honeymoon Getaway
This is a no-brainer since you have already spent money to travel to your wedding, so why travel somewhere else? After the reception, head to a quiet suite, a second location, or perhaps an Airbnb to spend a little time alone together with your new wife or husband.
Organize a Second Reception At Home
There's a good probability that not everyone on your guest list will be able to attend your far-flung wedding. Throw a party after or before you return to avoid keeping out your loved ones.
Find a Los Angeles Wedding Dress Near Me
Hosting a destination wedding can seem difficult, but following these tips will ensure you stay organized and on track before the big day. At Beautiful Day Wedding, we offer unrivaled design and services, and we have many choices to pick from. Please visit our boutique if you are looking for wedding dresses in Los Angeles or call us today at 213-386-1900.
