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When you have a destination wedding far away from home, you may expect a much more intimate ceremony and essentially get a wedding and honeymoon for the price of one. However, putting on such an event is no easy task. There are several key factors to consider before jetting out to a foreign place to marry your sweetheart.
Etiquette for a Destination Wedding
When should my destination wedding take place?
Seasonal changes have a big impact, although it relies on your schedules and availability. If you want to make the most of the local environment with outdoor celebrations, check the average rainfall per month to make sure your event isn’t scheduled during hurricane or monsoon season. Be careful of seasonal travel swings; peak season means higher booking rates and more crowded attractions, while low season means deserted streets and shuttered hotspots.
Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding
Select a location.
When choosing a place, keep in mind that it must be safe and equipped with all of the necessary amenities. That lovely beach village where you spent your childhood vacations will not be returning.
Consider whether or not your oldest or least jet-setter guest will be able to travel. For your elderly grandparents or pregnant sister-in-law, a series of aircraft, trains, and automobiles may be impractical.
Save money by shopping locally.
Incorporate local blooms—think olive branches in Tuscany or exotic flowers in the tropics—and serve local dishes like conch fritters in the Bahamas or carnitas in Cabo to save costs, according to Arons. This also delivers an immersive experience in the precise setting that piqued your interest. You’re spending a lot of money on your trip, so take advantage of everything it has to offer.
Employ the services of a professional.
Look for a wedding planner or coordinator that has experience with destination weddings. Instead of spending hours on the phone, you can use this method.
Make a reservation ahead of time.
You should visit the venue once before making a reservation and again three to four months before the wedding to settle arrangements. Arrive at least five days early to make those judgments and have hair and makeup trials if a second trip isn’t possible.
Meet the merchants.
Set up appointments with the more well-known florists and rental firms in your destination before your initial site visit. Arons recommends asking your venue for recommendations; you might discover local talent you weren’t aware of—and save money in the process. If you’re bringing in experts from outside the country, you’ll have to pay for their travel and lodging. Arons recommends staying at a clean, safe hotel within 30 minutes of your event. Negotiate these costs ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Consider unforeseen costs.
Destination weddings have a reputation for being less expensive, but this isn’t always the case. Make sure to leave room in your budget for unanticipated items like non-vendor tips, airport transfers, shipping prices, and baggage taxes. Plus, throwing a welcome party or a day-after brunch will cost you money. Don’t forget to notify your credit card issuer of your vacation plans so you don’t end up paying international transaction fees or worse, having your card denied at the last minute. You’ll also want to bring some cash (in the local currency) with you.
Make your wedding gown specific to the location.
When choosing a dress, keep the weather and geography of your wedding day in mind. In hot, humid climates, breathable textiles are ideal. Lightweight lace in Mexico, as well as an embroidered ball gown at a French house, are both gorgeous. Don’t even think about putting that dress in a bag! Arons suggests bringing your outfit on the plane, even if it has to be folded. (Just make sure someone can press and steam it on the other end.)
Make a dignified exit.
Transitioning from vacation mode to honeymoon mode can be tricky, especially if you’ve chosen to stay at the same resort as visitors who have extended their vacations. Make it known when you’re leaving (even if you’re staying). Move to a separate portion of the hotel if you want privacy (without insulting your loved ones). Some resorts feature elevated accommodations that are separated from other rooms (think premium suites, over-water villas, or autonomous cabins). It’s really special to decode a destination marriage.
