Weddings are some of the most magical moments in life. Binding yourself to your loved one for eternity is something to celebrate. Some people have their weddings in friendly churches, country clubs, or backyards. Others go all out and have their weddings in unique destinations. These types of weddings require special attention so that nothing goes wrong. If you’re looking to have your wedding outside your hometown, this list of what to know when planning a destination wedding will ensure your big moment is everything you dreamt it would be.
Pick the Perfect Venue
Everything must be accounted for in a wedding venue: the décor, timing, and overall vibe all matter. You should pick a venue that speaks to you. When choosing your destination venue, I recommend you consider everything from the weather to the local culture. This is your wedding, after all. Have an idea of the type of décor that will match your tastes. Beaches are popular, but you can pick a city, resort, or castle. The possibilities are endless.
Notify Your Guests
When you’re hosting a wedding out of town, common courtesy is to notify your guests well in advance. You want people to be able to come, especially close friends and family members. Destination weddings can catch people off guard because they require more travel, lodging, and other arrangements. Do everyone a favor and let your guests know even before you send out the official invitations.
Plan for the Unexpected
Even with the most meticulous planning, unexpected challenges can arise during a destination wedding. Weather conditions, travel delays, or last-minute vendor changes can throw a wrench in your plans. That’s why it’s crucial to have backup options in place. Consider choosing a venue with indoor and outdoor spaces, keeping an emergency kit on hand, and maintaining flexible travel arrangements for you and your guests. For example, if you’re having your wedding in Mexico, you’ll want to account for factors like weather, local marriage requirements, and vendor coordination. Working with a local expert- such as a Puerto Vallarta Wedding Planner– can help ensure everything runs smoothly, from managing logistics to handling last-minute adjustments. Having a professional who understands the area can make all the difference in keeping your big day stress-free and enjoyable.
Familiarize Yourself with the Destination
Do your research ahead of time. Without further research, you should never pick a location simply because it seems nice. That’s a recipe for disaster, y’all. Different places may have different marriage requirements, especially if you’re traveling internationally. For example, some countries may not legally recognize your marriage unless you stay there for some time. Listen, I don’t make the rules. To have the best wedding imaginable, consider taking a trip with your spouse beforehand to familiarize yourself with the location. Take this time to check out local cuisine and customs.
Consult a Specialist
It’s perfectly okay to enlist a little help with your destination plans. Just as a wedding planner helps you arrange your food, entertainment, et cetera, a destination wedding consultant is the perfect resource for any questions or concerns regarding your venue. For instance, if you’re planning a destination wedding in the Outer Banks, you can hire a destination wedding company such as Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals to set up your tent, décor, tables, and other furniture. These people are a gift when stressed with every other part of your wedding.
