As if planning a wedding isn’t hard enough, it becomes an even greater feat if you’re having your nuptials in a faraway locale. If you and your new spouse are following your hearts’ desires by going out of town, consider these ten tips and tricks for planning a destination wedding.
1. Residency Requirements and Legal Documentation
In some countries there are actually residency requirements before your union can be legal. Make sure to read up on this before you schedule any flights or book your wedding date. (Pro tip: Arrange and re-confirm all legal documents early so you aren’t worried about it at the last minute. Or, have your “true” wedding at home, and just have a “ring ceremony” at your destination.)
2. Supply Relevant Necessities to Your Guests who are Traveling Far Away with You
Consider the items that your guests might forget or need more of when you’re planning your wedding favors or welcome bags. For a tropical destination, sunscreen, bottled water, bug spray and aloe vera would be a welcome surprise. For a winter or snowy weather wedding, consider tissues, lip balm and cozy socks.
3. Suggest a Travel Agent to Your Guests
If your destination is a bit obscure, find a reputable travel agent and share their information with your guests. Make sure they’re aware of your wedding dates, the ceremony and reception details and any other logistics so they can give your guests the best suggestions for flights and where to stay.
4. Send Out ‘Save the Dates’ Early
Your guests need to book flights, request time off work, arrange for accommodations and many other details. Make sure they have plenty of time to do so by sending out your ‘save the date’ cards eight months to a year in advance. If your date is during the summer months or over a holiday, err closer to a year.
5. Keep Everyone’s Budget in Mind
For a local wedding, you really only need to worry about your budget, but a destination wedding means you need to consider the budget’s for your guests too. The more remote the destination, the more pricey it will be to get everyone there for your big day. Keep that in mind when you choose your destination or be prepared to have guests RSVP no.
6. Make Your Guests Feel Comfortable
Even though they’ve traveled specifically to attend your wedding, remember that this event will likely also be a vacation for your guests! Go the extra mile for them by hosting a welcome reception / rehearsal dinner, or another pre-wedding activity. A well-planned activity that everyone can enjoy will be the perfect starting spot for your destination wedding.
7. Monitor the Guest List
Another topic that is extra important for a destination wedding is the guest list. Consider whether you want to allow your guests to bring children or not. If they can’t, be prepared to have them RSVP no. If you do allow children, think about offering a nanny or a babysitter for your guests to use. Also, keep in mind that older relatives might have a hard time getting to and from far away destinations. If you have senior relatives, it might be better to pick a destination that is easier for them to travel to.
8. Time it Right
When you’re selecting your wedding date, make sure to look at the weather for the destination before you commit. The best weather likely correlates with the busiest time for visitors, and that will drive up costs for both you and your guests.
9. Visit in Advance
Take at least one trip to your wedding destination before the big day. Scout out venues, accommodations and the local area so you have an idea of where things are should you need them. (Pro tip: Find the closest grocery store, pharmacy and hospital, and provide the addresses to all of them on your wedding website. Your guests will thank you later should they need to visit one!)
10. Dress the Part
If your destination is a warm one, consider that when you shop for your wedding attire. Also, keep it in mind when you’re setting the dress code for your guests. No one wants to be wearing a black formal gown or suit on the beach!
There’s just something about the vision of getting married with the crashing waves behind you and sand between your toes, right? While planning a destination wedding can seem like a tall order at the start, with these helpful tips you can pull off an event to remember for you, your new spouse and your lucky guests.
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
