What To Remember When Planning a Destination Wedding
Weddings are an exciting affair, whether you’re part of the wedding party or a guest at the reception. But a destination wedding – well, that really kicks things up a notch!
What could be better than celebrating your wedding abroad amongst the glorious sunshine and all your loved ones? There are so many gorgeous wedding destinations abroad that radiate romance and a happily ever after but the success of your special day will depend on the details. Here are a few things to bear in mind when planning the destination wedding of your dreams.
Budget
Weddings are expensive in the UK, but additional costs may be accrued for destination ceremonies that you don’t get at home. You need to factor these in when constructing your wedding budget. This includes travel, accommodation for yourself and your wedding party, a wedding planner, the honeymoon and any on-the-ground experiences you want on the day.
Depending on the level of planning required, you’re looking at spending between a few hundred to £10,000+ on a wedding abroad. You can look to gain discounts by having a solid network of local wedding contacts and use a wedding planner so you don’t have to fly out to visit your wedding venue so often.
Location
The right location makes all the difference to your special day so be sure to consider the climate and season you’re marrying in. It may not be so romantic if your ceremony gets called off due to heavy snow or monsoon weather. You should also think about travel accessibility and the local attractions and accommodations located nearby for your guests.
It’s also important to consider the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen destination, as these can vary significantly from country to country.
Communication With Guests
Destination weddings double act as a holiday and celebration for your guests so be sure to provide them with all necessary information in advance. This will help them know what to pack, allow them to budget and plan efficiently, and book childcare with enough notice.
You should also keep them up to speed with any changes, including travel details, accommodation options, local transportation and any group activities around the wedding.
Planning
You should visit your chosen venue at least once before the wedding to ensure it meets your expectations. This will help you envision the ceremony, finalise details with vendors and identify any potential issues that need addressing before you walk down the aisle.
It will also help you finalise other elements such as getting the right timings for arranging airport transports for you and your guests. This could be to and from the wedding venue, or just to their accommodation.
See our Destination Wedding Experts here