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.
The world has gone through some peculiar changes in the last few years. The biggest shift came with the rise of COVID-19. Throughout 2020, events around the planet, like weddings, were postponed or canceled outright due to health restrictions. While the regulations have eased a bit since the development of the coronavirus vaccine, the virus has mutated into a number of variants that are causing new concerns. If you’ve recently gotten engaged and want to plan a destination wedding, you may feel uncertain about the future.
Though there is no way to know what tomorrow holds for sure, you can still use what you’ve learned in the last year to make a plan for your wedding. Take these points to heart and see how to best navigate these uncharted waters.
The Destination Matters
First and foremost, where you want to tie the knot is going to greatly impact whether or not your plans are altered down the line. Some countries are handling the task of vaccinating citizens better than others. If you want to go to a nation that is seeing new spikes of COVID-19 because the population refuses to take the vaccine, then it is much more likely that travel to this nation will be impacted. The United States is a good example of this, with both cities and rural communities alike being riddled with cases stemming from gatherings of the unvaccinated.
This means that research will be the easiest way to know what to expect later. Try to steer clear of places like the United States if you want to guarantee that your plans will go the way you intend. However, this is not total assurance that your wedding will happen. Should the virus lead to lockdowns again, you will want to consider some extra points.
The Deposit Should Be Refundable
If you book a trip to a nation that puts major travel restrictions into effect, then you will definitely need to cancel or postpone your wedding. This is a point you should consider well in advance. When making arrangements, you need to talk to vendors and venue representatives about your deposit. Though faced with an unprecedented scenario, businesses are trying to make up for coronavirus-related losses in a number of ways. If you want that deposit back in case of unforeseen circumstances, you need to discuss this and make your point clear from the beginning.
The Guest List Must Be Small
Destination weddings tend to have smaller guest lists than local events. Still, you should try to make even more cuts if you’re planning an event during uncertain times. People tend to have very strong opinions about vaccination right now, meaning you cannot guarantee that everyone you invite will follow the proper protocol. To avoid spending your wedding with someone who might be a health hazard, review your list and try to only invite individuals you trust to do what is right. This provides you with peace of mind and reduces the odds of an uncomfortable interaction.
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part
When you want to get married, you don’t usually want to wait. Sadly, the strange nature of the world right now means that the smartest thing to do is bide your time. At the end of the day, you can do whatever you feel most comfortable doing. As long as you understand your plans could be altered by forces beyond your control, feel free to carry on and plan the destination event of your dreams. As a word of caution, you may also wish to have a backup plan just in case.
The world might be different now than it was a few years ago, but some forethought can do wonders when it comes to handling any situation. Consider all the factors involved with planning a destination wedding to decide if now is the best time to be going abroad for your nuptials.
When you’re planning your wedding, you’re likely not giving the honeymoon much thought. A little research can point you toward the best destination.
Getting married is an exciting and unpredictable ride. While marriage itself is said to be a wonderful journey, it pales in comparison to the freedom and relaxation offered by the honeymoon. When you’re dedicating most of your free time to planning for your nuptials, you may not be giving the idea of your honeymoon destination the energy required to make it perfect. There are a ton of considerations, from flight prices to booking activities during the trip. Luckily, there are some simple ways to assemble a fantastic post-wedding vacation. The first step? Selecting the destination.
To help you select the right place for your honeymoon, take a look at some of these inexpensive options other couples are raving about. A little research will help point you in the right direction for your excursion.
Relaxation Is a Beach Away
Some destinations are commonplace when it comes to vacationing. You’re likely to hear all about couples who decided to rush off to the Bahamas for some beach fun or to the Mediterranean for a cruise around ancient harbors. While these can be amazing trips, you also might want something a bit more unique and a lot less expensive. The more popular the destination, the higher the costs associated with the trip. Instead of rushing into the crowds, you may want to take a less-popular path for your destination.
The city of Cartagena in Colombia may be the right speed for you. A coastal city of the Caribbean, there is an antiquated charm that can be found along the cobblestone streets and endless restaurant options. Though the idyllic scenery and friendly residents tend to attract vacationers each year, the crowds are far smaller than those you would discover in places like Paris, New York, or Milan. Cartagena offers gorgeous beaches, endless activities, and an array of authentic Colombian restaurants that will make your mouth water the moment you step foot in the city.
The European Destination
Europe is an incredibly popular continent for couples looking to explore while on their honeymoons. Still, as mentioned already, a number of these destinations will be crowded with other couples, tourists, and locals. However, Europe is a gigantic place, and you don’t need to follow the tried-and-true path to have a honeymoon that enriches your life. Forget all about London, Barcelona, and Venice, cities that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. Instead, you may want to set your sights on the crystal-clear waters and unmistakable charm of Croatia.
While less crowded than some spots, Croatia is a country that sees a ton of tourism each year. To avoid the masses, you may want to aim for a destination that is a bit less popular. Rovinj, for example, is a city that seems like it was plucked right out of time. The city itself has a rustic quality, with the architecture invoking a world that was lost long ago. Plus, the views of the Mediterranean help to make Rovinj a city that exudes romance. This is only one Croatian city worth considering, so take time to do your homework.
Slightly Removed From the Crowds
Finally, don’t feel like you have to avoid popular locations should you really want to travel there. You can easily make a trip to a place like Florida work if you forego the popular spots and find a location that offers you a mix of seclusion and excitement. The same is true of Mexico or anywhere else you might want to explore. Popular doesn’t mean bad, it just means you’re in for a higher price tag and more crowded streets.
Finding the perfect destination for your honeymoon is all about considering your options. Take a look at what’s out there and see what destination is most appealing to you, your partner, and your budget.
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.
The world has gone through some peculiar changes in the last few years. The biggest shift came with the rise of COVID-19. Throughout 2020, events around the planet, like weddings, were postponed or canceled outright due to health restrictions. While the regulations have eased a bit since the development of the coronavirus vaccine, the virus has mutated into a number of variants that are causing new concerns. If you’ve recently gotten engaged and want to plan a destination wedding, you may feel uncertain about the future.
Though there is no way to know what tomorrow holds for sure, you can still use what you’ve learned in the last year to make a plan for your wedding. Take these points to heart and see how to best navigate these uncharted waters.
The Destination Matters
First and foremost, where you want to tie the knot is going to greatly impact whether or not your plans are altered down the line. Some countries are handling the task of vaccinating citizens better than others. If you want to go to a nation that is seeing new spikes of COVID-19 because the population refuses to take the vaccine, then it is much more likely that travel to this nation will be impacted. The United States is a good example of this, with both cities and rural communities alike being riddled with cases stemming from gatherings of the unvaccinated.
This means that research will be the easiest way to know what to expect later. Try to steer clear of places like the United States if you want to guarantee that your plans will go the way you intend. However, this is not total assurance that your wedding will happen. Should the virus lead to lockdowns again, you will want to consider some extra points.
The Deposit Should Be Refundable
If you book a trip to a nation that puts major travel restrictions into effect, then you will definitely need to cancel or postpone your wedding. This is a point you should consider well in advance. When making arrangements, you need to talk to vendors and venue representatives about your deposit. Though faced with an unprecedented scenario, businesses are trying to make up for coronavirus-related losses in a number of ways. If you want that deposit back in case of unforeseen circumstances, you need to discuss this and make your point clear from the beginning.
The Guest List Must Be Small
Destination weddings tend to have smaller guest lists than local events. Still, you should try to make even more cuts if you’re planning an event during uncertain times. People tend to have very strong opinions about vaccination right now, meaning you cannot guarantee that everyone you invite will follow the proper protocol. To avoid spending your wedding with someone who might be a health hazard, review your list and try to only invite individuals you trust to do what is right. This provides you with peace of mind and reduces the odds of an uncomfortable interaction.
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part
When you want to get married, you don’t usually want to wait. Sadly, the strange nature of the world right now means that the smartest thing to do is bide your time. At the end of the day, you can do whatever you feel most comfortable doing. As long as you understand your plans could be altered by forces beyond your control, feel free to carry on and plan the destination event of your dreams. As a word of caution, you may also wish to have a backup plan just in case.
The world might be different now than it was a few years ago, but some forethought can do wonders when it comes to handling any situation. Consider all the factors involved with planning a destination wedding to decide if now is the best time to be going abroad for your nuptials.
When you’re planning your wedding, you’re likely not giving the honeymoon much thought. A little research can point you toward the best destination.
Getting married is an exciting and unpredictable ride. While marriage itself is said to be a wonderful journey, it pales in comparison to the freedom and relaxation offered by the honeymoon. When you’re dedicating most of your free time to planning for your nuptials, you may not be giving the idea of your honeymoon destination the energy required to make it perfect. There are a ton of considerations, from flight prices to booking activities during the trip. Luckily, there are some simple ways to assemble a fantastic post-wedding vacation. The first step? Selecting the destination.
To help you select the right place for your honeymoon, take a look at some of these inexpensive options other couples are raving about. A little research will help point you in the right direction for your excursion.
Relaxation Is a Beach Away
Some destinations are commonplace when it comes to vacationing. You’re likely to hear all about couples who decided to rush off to the Bahamas for some beach fun or to the Mediterranean for a cruise around ancient harbors. While these can be amazing trips, you also might want something a bit more unique and a lot less expensive. The more popular the destination, the higher the costs associated with the trip. Instead of rushing into the crowds, you may want to take a less-popular path for your destination.
The city of Cartagena in Colombia may be the right speed for you. A coastal city of the Caribbean, there is an antiquated charm that can be found along the cobblestone streets and endless restaurant options. Though the idyllic scenery and friendly residents tend to attract vacationers each year, the crowds are far smaller than those you would discover in places like Paris, New York, or Milan. Cartagena offers gorgeous beaches, endless activities, and an array of authentic Colombian restaurants that will make your mouth water the moment you step foot in the city.
The European Destination
Europe is an incredibly popular continent for couples looking to explore while on their honeymoons. Still, as mentioned already, a number of these destinations will be crowded with other couples, tourists, and locals. However, Europe is a gigantic place, and you don’t need to follow the tried-and-true path to have a honeymoon that enriches your life. Forget all about London, Barcelona, and Venice, cities that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. Instead, you may want to set your sights on the crystal-clear waters and unmistakable charm of Croatia.
While less crowded than some spots, Croatia is a country that sees a ton of tourism each year. To avoid the masses, you may want to aim for a destination that is a bit less popular. Rovinj, for example, is a city that seems like it was plucked right out of time. The city itself has a rustic quality, with the architecture invoking a world that was lost long ago. Plus, the views of the Mediterranean help to make Rovinj a city that exudes romance. This is only one Croatian city worth considering, so take time to do your homework.
Slightly Removed From the Crowds
Finally, don’t feel like you have to avoid popular locations should you really want to travel there. You can easily make a trip to a place like Florida work if you forego the popular spots and find a location that offers you a mix of seclusion and excitement. The same is true of Mexico or anywhere else you might want to explore. Popular doesn’t mean bad, it just means you’re in for a higher price tag and more crowded streets.
Finding the perfect destination for your honeymoon is all about considering your options. Take a look at what’s out there and see what destination is most appealing to you, your partner, and your budget.
