Destination Wedding Do’s and Don’ts
A destination wedding sounds like a dream: you get to go on a trip with your closest friends and family, everyone gets to celebrate your love, and you can all enjoy some much-needed R&R. However, there’s a lot more that goes into planning for such an event than just picking out your dress or suit. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are our top do’s (and don’ts) when planning a destination wedding so that yours can be picture-perfect.
Do: Start Planning Your Destination Wedding Early
When it comes to planning your wedding, the earlier you start, the better. If your goal is to have a destination wedding without regrets about what you missed out on or didn’t have time for, then make sure that you start planning early! This way you’ll have plenty of time to find the perfect spot and arrange travel for you and your guests, who will need plenty of notice. If you wait until the last minute to choose a venue, odds are you may have to settle for off-peak times.
Don’t: Feel Like You Need to Give Up Traditional Wedding Elements
It’s easy to feel like you need to give up a traditional wedding ceremony or reception if you want a destination wedding, but that’s not necessarily the case. Don’t be afraid to do what feels right for your specific situation! For example, some couples choose to have their ceremony at home before they leave on their honeymoon. Others opt for an intimate beach-side sunset ceremony followed by a cocktail reception at an oceanfront restaurant. There are more options than ever these days when it comes to creating your own unique destination wedding day.
Do: Enlist the Help of a Travel Advisor
For those who have never planned a wedding before, the task can seem daunting. But with the help of a travel advisor, you can rest assured that everything will go as planned. Plus, you and your guests will be able to enjoy every moment in your destination wedding location. Travel advisors can help you find the best hotels for your guests to stay at and coordinate transportation from airport to hotel and back again. They also offer guidance on choosing the right vendors for photography, floral arrangements, and cake tastings so that everything looks exactly how you’ve always imagined it would look on your special day!
Don’t: Expect International Venues to Respond Immediately
Don’t expect venues to respond immediately. It’s a great idea to have your venue lined up before you go shopping for your dress and more, but this isn’t always possible when planning an international wedding. It can take a few days, or weeks, for your venue to get back to you. Be patient until they do respond!
Do: Go With the Flow
When you’re traveling to an exotic location for your wedding, it can be easy to be overwhelmed with excitement. You’ll be surrounded by so many wonderful things that you could easily go overboard with your planning and decorating. Yes, it’s important to have fun with this process, but don’t get overwhelmed by all of the new experiences. Being flexible and going with the flow is key!
Even if everything goes perfectly during your wedding day, there are many things that can happen that can affect everything from transportation to weather conditions. Make sure that everyone who needs to be there — including yourself — knows where they need to go and when they need to be there by so no one gets left behind.
Don’t: Assume Everyone You Invite Will Go to Your Destination Wedding
If you’re choosing to have a destination wedding, it’s important to be realistic about who can actually make it. As much as you want your friends and family there for the wedding of your dreams, not everyone is going to be able to make it. If you’re planning your wedding at a destination spot that is far from home, then you need to take into account the time, money, and effort required of your guests to attend. For most people, especially those with children or families, this can be more than they’re willing to commit.
Make sure that invites are sent out far enough in advance to allow people to book their flights and hotels. The closer it gets to your wedding date, the more likely it is that people will have other commitments.
Do: Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a great way to protect yourself in case of an emergency. If anything goes wrong, it’s nice to know that you have coverage. Travel insurance means you won’t have to pay out of pocket for missing or damaged items. Insurance is also a good idea if you have a large number of guests traveling from out of the country. A lot can change between booking your flight and getting on it! People get sick; flights get delayed—it happens! Travel insurance can help keep things running smoothly so that everyone has an unforgettable time celebrating with you.
Don’t: Forget About Passports & Visas
Don’t forget about passports and visas! Travel requirements for other countries vary, so it’s essential to check with the embassy of your destination wedding country to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork. A travel advisor can assist you with this. Passports must be at least six months valid on arrival date for most countries, but some require more extended time. As for visas, obtain these before travel if possible—some are only valid when purchased within a specific time-frame from entering the country.
Do: Have an Amazing Time
It may sound silly, but this is the most important thing you can do. A wedding is a time for fun and love—not stress! So if something goes wrong (or even if it doesn’t), take a step back and remember why you’re there. Remember that this is YOUR wedding, not anyone else’s. So have fun, relax, and enjoy yourself!
We know that planning a destination wedding can be overwhelming, but we hope these tips help you navigate this exciting experience. Don’t forget to enjoy the process while you’re preparing for your big day.
At Esprit Errant we are destination wedding experts. If you are thinking about a destination Wedding for 2023 and beyond, we would love to speak with you. Click here to schedule a time to chat with us!
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