Planning a destination wedding? It sounds magical and just breathtaking but there are a few things you need to know before you start with the process. When it comes to taking your family abroad to celebrate this fairytale event, here are 8 life hacks you need to understand.
1. Choose a Wedding Location
When choosing a destination wedding planner, keep in mind that it must be safe and equipped with all the necessary resources. That charming beach town where you spent your childhood summers will not work if its only hotel is unable to accommodate all your guests or their accessibility or childcare needs.
2. Consider guest accommodations
While it is not necessary to cover the cost of accommodations, it is a considerate gesture to provide enough recommendations to accommodate a variety of budgets. Organizing room blocks can help you negotiate a lower price and gather everyone in one location. Set your date only after you’ve confirmed that; there is enough room for everyone.
3. Hire a professional Planner
Locate a wedding planner or coordinator who specializes in destination wedding management. Instead of spending hours on the phone trying to overcome a language barrier or making executive decisions from afar, you can delegate everything to an expert. If hiring a planner is out of the question, look for a resort with a strong on-site coordinator.
4. Visit ahead of time
You should visit your venue and have a destination wedding planner package at least once before booking and visit again three to four months before the wedding to finalize details. If a second trip is not an option, arrive at least five days early to make those decisions and to have hair and makeup trials.
5. Meet the vendors
Set up meetings with the Destination Wedding Management and well-known florists and other rental companies in your destination, before your first site visit. If you bring in specialists from home, you should budget for their travel and lodging. We recommend staying in a clean, safe hotel within 30 minutes of your event. Negotiate these costs ahead of time to avoid them spiraling out of control.
6. Make plans for additional events
Extend the excitement of the big day by extending the itinerary. Guests will take part in some extra activities to make their trip even more enjoyable. You are not required to attend a full wedding weekend, but a welcome party to give.
7. Examine the local marriage laws
One main rule for planning a destination wedding? Look out for the marriage laws in the country! Making marriage legal is far more difficult; than simply hiring an officiant. Different countries have different requirements, requiring a slew of paperwork ranging from birth and medical certificates to letters of intent and even proof of residency. Prepare ahead of time, the Destination wedding planner packages to ensure you have enough time to put everything together.
8. Passports and other important documents should be secured
A valid passport is required for international travel, and a driver’s license is required for domestic travel. Check all expiration dates as soon as you’ve decided on your wedding date and location, and then check again!
Having a destination wedding far away from home means you’ll have a much more intimate ceremony and can enjoy a wedding and honeymoon for the price of one. However, organizing such an event is a difficult task. So, make sure to follow these guidelines and walk down the aisle without any worry. Ps. Congratulations on the wedding!
