Destination weddings are fabulous! We just recently returned from a luxurious beach wedding in Cancun, Mexico and wanted to share some tips with you related to planning and executing your destination wedding!
No matter what your style or budget, there’s a destination wedding for every couple. Nature enthusiasts may long to tie the knot atop a picturesque mountaintop, whereas beach lovers might prefer a more laid-back, tropical locale. Others with a taste for whimsy might choose a unique ceremony at Disney World or the even the Grand Canyon.
Whatever your preference, determine a tentative head count before making a down payment on a wedding site or reception venue. You might assume that a dozen people will make the trek, only to discover that friends and family on both sides are yearning for time away from home. To keep from filling that tiny mountaintop chapel to capacity, have an alternate venue in mind, or limit your guest list to a select few.
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, the early bird really does get the best block of ocean-view rooms. Ensure that your big day doesn’t get bumped to the second-choice rooms by booking in advance. Most resorts or hotels allow the happy couple to reserve blocks of rooms at a discounted rate for guests, so be sure to request plenty, and keep tabs on how fast they’re filling up. Also consider the all-inclusive option. This allows guests to eat and drink as they please at the resort itself, without having to worry about individual bills.
Traveling abroad, although it has its perks, does require a tremendous amount of advance planning for the couple, as well as their families and guests. Passports, vacation time from work and airfare are just a few of the considerations that have to be handled well in advance of the big day. Save-the-date cards with airport, hotel and other pertinent information should be made available far enough ahead of the event to prevent would-be attendees from missing out on the action.
A qualified, reputable destination wedding consultant can take care of many of the small but significant details we’ve already mentioned. They simply have the resources and experience to get the job done faster, easier and with more assurance than the average bride. In addition to helping a couple pinpoint marriage requirements, a professional planner often knows the local legalities for ceremony and reception planning, such as the process for obtaining event permits. They also tend to have existing contacts with well-respected vendors and can give a bride an idea of what to expect as the big day draws near. Planners and coordinators easily relieve a lot of headaches with their know-how, allowing the bride and groom the opportunity to truly enjoy the most important day of their lives.
Happy planning! Check out some images from our recent destination wedding!
