Six Tips for Destination Wedding Planning
Today we’re privileged to have Zoe Zeigler, head of Fabulously Ever After Wedding & Event Planning giving us 6 tips on how to prepare a destination wedding. Destination weddings are always fun and exciting, but there’s a lot to consider.
If ideas of having your wedding on a white sand beach, French countryside or Disney castle are running through your head, you’re not alone. Over the past decade the number of couples opting for destination weddings has nearly doubled. For some, the intimate nature of a destination ceremony is the appeal. Others may find that an exotic retreat is more economical than hosting a celebration at their local digs. Whatever the reason, here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your wedding away from home.
1. All-Inclusive Wedding Packages
With the popularity of destination weddings on the rise, many resorts now offer all-inclusive wedding packages to make the planning process easier for their guests. From an officiant and ceremony decor to flowers and the cake, these packages offer pretty much everything you need to make your ceremony and reception a success, without requiring you to piece together every little detail on your own. Many packages also include a discounted honeymoon suite, so why not take advantage of them?
2. The Rule of 8
Give your guests plenty of time to save money and prepare for your big day by providing them with ample notice. For destination weddings, save-the-date cards are a must. Send them out as soon as possible, but no less than eight months prior to your wedding date. Since your guest will need more than just the date and location to begin planning their visit, start a personal wedding website where they can find additional info and include the link on your save-the-date card. As for the invitations, stick those in the mail at least eight weeks before your walk down the aisle.
3. Book in Bulk to Save Money
Save you and your guests some money by booking travel and accommodations in bulk. Many airlines, for example, offer discounts when you book in groups of 10 or more. And hotels always hand out special rates when you book a block of rooms, as opposed to a few here and a few there. By taking advantage of room blocks, your guests’ rooms are also likely be in close proximity to one another, instead of spread out across the resort. They’re sure to appreciate that as well.
4. Know the Locale Legalities
If you’re getting married outside of your home country, don’t forget to research your destination’s local marriage laws and requirements with the country’s board of tourism. In the Bahamas, for example, couples must be on the island at least 48 hours prior to their wedding in order for it to be legal. You’ll need to obtain certain paperwork in your home country and abroad, so make sure you do your homework early. Nothing’s worse than returning home from your honeymoon, only to realize you’re not legally married.
5. It’s About you, but don’t Forget About your Guests
This is your big day and the wedding and celebration are about you, but don’t forget to show your guests a good time as well. Have a welcome gift waiting for them upon their arrival to thank them for spending this special time with you. Host a pre-wedding event or activity so everyone can meet and mingle. Provide them with an optional itinerary or recommended list of activities and attractions they can experience during their stay. And give your guests plenty of free time to explore the destination on their own. Sure they’re there for your wedding, but they still want time to relax and enjoy what the destination has to offer on their own as well.
6. Visit in Advance
Take a trip to visit your destination wedding location at least once before your big day. Pictures and descriptions can sometimes be deceiving, so budget the time and money to visit the resort prior to your walk down the aisle. This is a great time to meet with your on-site coordinator and local vendors, schedule tastings, walk the venue to make sure the site meets your expectations and get a feel for the location before welcoming your guests.