Make Your Destination Wedding Easy
People opt for destination weddings over local affairs for a variety of reasons. For some, this option offers a chance for a more intimate gathering of close family and friends. For others, destination events provide an opportunity to explore a location they’ve always wanted to visit. No matter the exact reason, there are plenty of problems that can come about when putting together this type of wedding. To make the experience as easy as possible, look over these basic suggestions and learn what experts have to say about this popular choice.
Find a Planner At The Destination
One of the biggest mistakes a couple can make with a destination event is selecting a planner who has no knowledge of the area where the wedding will be held. Though it might seem sensible to hire someone in your home area, you will have a much easier time working with a planner who is local to the destination. A person who is already familiar with the area can offer personal insight into everything from what to expect from the weather to which vendors will save you the most money.
Inform Guests Early Of A Destination Wedding
The moment you decide to have a destination wedding, you need to start working on a plan to inform your guests. Your family and friends need ample time to take care of travel tasks like booking a flight, making arrangements for children or pets, and telling their jobs they will need a few days off. The sooner you let people know, the easier it will be for the people you love the most to guarantee that they can be present for your big day.
Send Essentials Ahead of You
If you plan on using specific pieces of decor in your wedding, then you must ship these items to the destination ahead of time. Waiting until the last minute increases the odds of the packages being delayed or lost entirely. Work with your local planner to learn the safest place to have these items delivered, and create a timeline that ensures everything arrives with plenty of time to spare. You should also opt for extra insurance on the packages in the event that something becomes lost or damaged while in transit.
Avoid Popular Dates
Booking a wedding for the time of year when the destination sees the most tourists is an easy way to spend a small fortune. What’s more, picking a popular date also means you and your guests will be dealing with endless crowds throughout the whole experience. Since you have more flexibility with a destination wedding, consider booking your event for a weekday when you are least likely to deal with swarms of travelers. Your planner should be able to provide a selection of dates that will keep costs manageable.
Show Your Thanks
The people you invite to your destination event will be taking on a number of financial expenses in order to be present on your big day. Show your thanks to loved ones by giving something back to them. Some couples achieve this by providing thoughtful gifts to guests, like welcome bags that include a variety of samplings from local businesses. Others will take all of their guests out to dinner the night before the event, which is a perfect choice when you’re working with a very small crowd.
Expect People To Say No
Finally, expect that some of your guests will decline your invitation. If travel is not in someone’s budget, you need to be understanding. You don’t want to sour important relationships because you take offense that someone can’t afford to attend your wedding. While destination weddings are a popular alternative to traditional gatherings, there are still a number of pitfalls to consider when putting together this type of event. As long as you start the planning process early, you’ll have ample time to work out the kinks.
