Things You Need To Know To Plan A Successful Destination Wedding

As the world reopens and people gather with family and friends once more, travel is again taking center stage. We travel to celebrate life, connect with our loved ones, and create new memories, so it makes sense that more-and-more people choose to get married in faraway romantic places. But, what exactly does a destination wedding mean? We call a wedding in the desired location away from the bride and groom’s hometown. The ceremony and reception generally require travel to get to the wedding. 

The Destination

Choosing the correct destination for your wedding is the most critical decision when planning a successful destination wedding. After all, the location of your wedding will influence many other choices. These include wedding dates, costs, legal considerations, and the theme/style. For example, many people choose a tropical and exotic location to get married. However, if you have to travel to the other side of the world for your dream wedding destination, it can get expensive. Small things can make a big difference when trying to curb destination wedding expenses for these occasions.

Dream destinations can be in very different locations. If you love the ocean but live in a land-locked part of the country, a destination wedding may amazing. The destination often serves as the location for the honeymoon and a vacation for your guests.

Successful destination weddings can be held in any location that you find inspiring and romantic. For example, you may decide to have your wedding in a national park, a luxury Dude Ranch, or a historical site. On the other hand, you may choose to get married in the birthplace of your ancestors and bring your closest family friends on a journey of historical discovery. Although many challenges come with getting married in a far-off place, destination weddings provide you and guests a chance to visit amazing places. 

How to make sure the wedding is “official”…

If you are planning a domestic destination wedding, make sure you contact the marriage license department of the destination county. In addition, hiring a local wedding planner will ensure that your wedding goes smoothly. The assistance of a local wedding planner on-site will make the planning process smoother and prevent hiccups during the wedding week. When planning a destination wedding, one of the most important things you have to consider is understanding the legal requirements to get married in your destination.

To get the most accurate information, you can contact the destination country’s embassy or consulate for legal requirements if you marry outside of the country. Additionally, the local hotel wedding coordinators are incredibly knowledgeable and can help you navigate the legal requirements. In addition, many prevalent destination-wedding locations offer on-site wedding coordinators equipped with a lot of great information.

Interest of Guests

Regardless of the size of your destination wedding, consider the interests and needs of your guest. For example, will they need passports, vaccinations, visas, or assistance with other entry logistics? An experienced travel advisor can help you navigate these details and ensure that you choose a destination that inspires romance while limiting stress and anxiety. 

Money

A destination wedding could mean substantial savings since your wedding ceremony and honeymoon can be at the same destination, but it can also result in many added expenses. For example, if you are getting married at a resort that is not all-inclusive, you may want to plan a welcome reception, pre-wedding dinner, and a post-wedding brunch. In addition, you may want to fly out your hair and makeup staff and your religious clergy. 

Destination weddings are certainly growing in popularity. While many couples go down the traditional route of getting married, there is no doubt that a destination wedding is a growing trend with couples wanting to tie the knot.

Why are destination weddings so popular?

One good reason is that they mean a vacation for everyone involved in the wedding. Some people keep it small and quiet with just immediate family and friends, while others travel with a huge wedding party. Destination weddings are also popular with people getting married for the second or third time or those wishing to elope. If you don’t want the stress and formality of a traditional wedding, this may be a great option for planning your successful destination wedding.

Important considerations when planning a destination wedding:

• The weather. Weddings in tropical destinations can be hot and humid, while weddings in beautiful winter climates can pose travel delays related to inclement weather. 
• Size. Will you invite only your close family/friends to come with you, or are you planning a larger wedding party?
• Can all of your guests afford the traveling expenses? Will you subsidize or cover the travel costs for some or all of your guests?
• Those left behind. Do you want to hold a second reception back home for friends and family that couldn’t travel with you?
• Is privacy important to you? Remember that when you invite people to a destination wedding, you will be spending a considerable amount of time together. Plan to arrive a few days early and stay a few days later to decompress and relax. Wellness travel is great for the mind after a wedding! 

Remember that you are inviting your guests to travel with you, and they will be looking at you for guidance. If you do not want to field hundreds of phone calls and messages about travel requirements, flights, transfers, and insurance, utilize an experienced travel advisor. 

Most likely, your guests will be paying their way and are essentially planning their entire vacation around your wedding. Therefore, you will have to consider what everyone wants to do before and after the wedding. 

Summary

In summary, destination weddings are becoming very popular. Because of this, many travel agents now truly specialize in these types of weddings. Decide on how large you want your traveling party to be and if your guests can afford it. Make sure to inform your guests if you wish to experience a few days of privacy. Planning a successful destination wedding will be a piece of cake.

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