How to Plan a Destination Wedding: Everything You Need to Know

Dream Big: Close your eyes and imagine your ideal wedding setting. Is it a sandy beach with crystal-clear waters? A historic European castle with fairy-tale vibes? Or a chic New York cityscape? Make sure your destination aligns with the vision you and your partner have for your big day.

Find the Perfect Venue: Once you’ve settled on a location, it’s time to start hunting for the perfect destination wedding venue. Whether it’s a beachfront resort, a charming vineyard, or a stylish city rooftop, the venue will set the tone for your wedding. Look for a location that complements your chosen destination and offers the amenities and atmosphere you envision. Make sure to check out reviews, look for real weddings that have taken place there and verify that the venue can accommodate your guest list and wedding plans.

Weather Check: You want sunshine and good vibes, not rain clouds and soggy shoes. Research the best times to visit your chosen destination to avoid bad weather. Keep an eye on local holidays and festivals too—these could mean higher prices and bigger crowds.

Travel Ease: Think about how easy it is for your guests to get there. Choose a spot that’s accessible with good flight options and minimal travel hassles. The easier it is for your guests, the more likely they’ll be able to make the trip!

Hotel Bookings: Help your guests out by arranging group rates at hotels or sharing a list of great places to stay. Create a wedding website or handy guide with travel tips, local attractions, and a schedule to keep everyone in the loop.

Getting Around: Ensure your guests have a way to get from the hotel to the venue. Organise group shuttles, rental cars, or other transportation to make things easy and stress-free for everyone.

Legal Stuff: Some places have quirky legal requirements for weddings. Make sure you’re up to date on what’s needed to legally tie the knot in your chosen spot. This might include special document translations or specific ceremony requirements. Alternatively, to make things slightly easier, you could opt for a celebrant led ceremony (non-legal) and then do the legal bit from home, like give your notice of marriage and sign documents at your local register office.

Health and Safety: Check out any health and safety guidelines for your destination, such as required vaccinations or travel advisories, so you and your guests are prepared.

Local Experts: Work with local wedding suppliers who know the ins and outs of your chosen spot. A local wedding planner can be your best friend, helping you navigate the details and bring your vision to life.

Clear Communication: Talk openly with your suppliers about what you want, and need, Pinterest and Instagram mood boards are about to become your best friend! Make sure everyone’s on the same page to avoid any last-minute surprises. And, if there’s a language barrier, don’t be afraid to use a translator or bilingual planner.

Visit If You Can: If you can swing it, visit the destination before the wedding to meet suppliers and check out venues. Any excuse for an extra holiday is a good one! If not, set up virtual meetings and ask for lots of photos and reviews to make sure everything’s perfect.

Early Save-the-Dates: Give your guests plenty of time to plan by sending out save-the-dates well in advance. Include all the important info they’ll need, like travel details and accommodation options.

Helpful Hints: Provide your guests with tips and tricks for their trip, from visa requirements to must-see local attractions. Maybe even organise some fun group activities or welcome events to make their visit even more enjoyable. If your planning to make a week of it, you have time enough to have multiple celebrations like a rehearsal dinner and day trips to extend your wedding celebrations. Also, this allows your guests downtime to enjoy their own holiday.

Plan for the Unexpected: Travel plans can sometimes go slightly skew-whiff. Be prepared with a backup plan in case of delays or other hiccups, and keep your guests informed about any changes.

Capture the Magic: Hire a local photographer who knows how to make the most of your destination’s unique beauty. Incorporate local elements into your photos to make them even more special and memorable.

Relax and Have Fun: Remember, the planning is just the beginning. Enjoy the process and make sure to take time to relax and soak up the experience. This is your big day, and it should be filled with joy and celebration!

A destination wedding can be the adventure of a lifetime with the right preparation. By choosing the perfect location, managing logistics, and considering all the details, you’ll set the stage for a celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.

Happy planning, and here’s to an unforgettable wedding!