Destination weddings or weddings that take place in a whole other country have become quite popular among today’s generation. You can have the wedding and the honeymoon at the same destination which I believe is an amazing opportunity. Though it seems magical, planning and making it a reality isn’t as easy as it seems. There are many factors to consider when it comes to planning a destination wedding.
The main factors you need to consider are the location, season, budget and many more.
Where and When?
Choosing the right destination and the right time is the most vital factor when planning a destination wedding. This is based on your preference. If you fancy island-like atmosphere you can select a destination like Bali or Maldives, which would give a nice romantic feel to the wedding or any other destination you prefer. However, when selecting the location, you also need to be mindful about the seasonal and the climate changes. You have to make sure you don’t select the peak season where the destination would be overcrowded and also to avoid expensive rates. Selecting a low season is also very risky as that’s the period where countries experience hurricanes or monsoons. So a shoulder season with average rainfall would be ideal.
When to invite guests?
Invitations should be sent out well in advance in order for the guests to make necessary flight and lodging arrangements. The guests should be notified to save the date at least 12 months in advance and the official invitations should be sent out three to four months before the wedding.
Budgeting
Having a destination wedding could be very costly. Therefore, you need to be mindful about your spending limits. Here’s a few things you can do to cut few expenses. You can use local blooms and other decorative materials you can use to decorate the venue rather than using expensive fancy decorations. In terms of food, you can choose local varieties and simple dishes to cut costs. This also creates an immersive experience in the very environment that captured your heart. You’re shelling out big for this destination, so you might as well fully embrace everything it has to offer.
Wedding planner
It is necessary to get assistance from an expert when planning a destination wedding. It is not easy planning an event you wish to have in a different country and there could be language barriers and other obstacles. In order to avoid this, you may need to find an expert in destination weddings or you could seek assistance from the resort, hotel or the coordinators in the venue.
Local Marriage requirements
Different countries have different marriage rules and requirements. It is necessary for you to thoroughly educate yourself well in advance to make sure you have all the necessary certificates, documents etc.