It’s time to begin the process of making your dream wedding a reality, but where to start? There are important things to consider when planning a destination wedding, and we are going to examine the best ways to get ahead of them! Read on to learn seasoned advice on how to keep the process as relaxing and enjoyable as possible – while avoiding unforeseen bumps in planning a destination wedding!
Start Scouting Early
You will likely run into challenges in the scouting process and you will want to have time on your side! The more time you have to handle language barriers, international permits, visas, customs or passport-related issues, the better! Giving yourself plenty of time before your planned wedding day will relax the whole process.
Additionally, factor in the unknowns and the time needed to adequately research the area. Florida and California, for example, have beautiful beaches and a lot to offer. However, there is tremendous variation between different regions in the states. The area’s personality varies greatly from one part to another, as do the beaches, sunsets, wind factors, price tags, and venue availability. In South Florida, vibrant Miami offers nightlife and international flavor, while Palm Beach shuts down early and has a boasts quiet sophistication. Parts of North and Central Florida offer rustic charm. The sandy beaches in the Florida Keys have much smaller areas of sand and the water is calmer than up the eastern coastline. So be sure to have an accurate picture of the weather and atmosphere at your dream destination and start researching the area early!
Making it Legal – Do the Paperwork in the States
Before you set off, do your research on what paperwork is best done here at home. The legalities of marriage can differ from country to country and your marriage overseas may not be recognized in the United States. In the excitement of the ceremony, this common issue can be overlooked. So, get your homework done early and research your destination’s laws for marriage licenses and certificates. Or save the hassle and get it done stateside, so you can enjoy your time overseas stress-free!
Notify Your Guests As Soon as Possible
While you are in a tizzy planning your destination wedding, don’t forget to let your guests in on the excitement. It is essential to let family and friends know you are planning on an overseas excursion for your wedding ceremony. This will allow proper time for guests to plan vacation time, hunt for the best pricing and save for the trip.
Also, consider what kind of travel is likely for your guests. How many guests will be able to travel for only a weekend? Consider a location that is under half a day’s flying time from where your guests will be traveling. Additionally, direct flights are ideal when deciding on a location. Cutting down travel time and transferring hassles can simplify the trip and make it easier for guests to join in the celebration! If the travel time to your ceremony location is longer than half-day, assume you will host a smaller wedding as a week-long trip may be out of the question for many guests.
A good place to start finding reasonably easy weekend flights is by Googling direct flights from the closest airport. Work your way back and narrow down options quickly to save you from being inundated by the many overwhelming options!
Consider Hiring a Coordinator
Hiring a wedding planner is a fantastic way to overcome many obstacles when planning a destination wedding from afar. Avoid wasting time on the phone working around a language barrier or making decisions about ceremony details from afar. You can enlist an expert to take care of it all for you! Additionally, if a planner isn’t in your budget, look for a resort with a strong on-site coordinator. The obstacles to planning a wedding alone can be challenging – let alone overseas. Many resorts and ceremony sites offer this service, consider taking full advantage!
Knowing that the responsibility of coordinating the details falls on someone else’s shoulders can be well worth the investment. You’re able to be present in the moment on your big day, and refrain from thinking about what comes next.
Arrive Early
While you are busy planning an exciting weekend of festivities for your friends and family, consider arriving at the destination early. There are many factors to consider when traveling a considerable distance before a big event. Hurdles such as time changes, jet lag, and late arrivals can easily derail the best of intentions.
Further, arriving early enables you to become comfortable with the area. Leisurely check out the ceremony and reception areas before the celebration begins! Take these precious moments to breathe it all in before the rush starts and peacefully enjoy your final days before making it official.
The Adventure Begins
So where will your destination wedding adventure take you? Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to be stressful! With these tips in mind, you are well on your way to enjoying your time abroad, and the start of your new journey. Be sure to check out or location guides to learn more about fabulous wedding destination locations and resorts!
