3 Tips For Planning A Spectacular Destination Wedding
For many soon-to-be-newlyweds, a destination wedding is the dream. Planning a wedding so far from home can be daunting, but it’s easier than you’d think, especially when you have experienced help. As a destination wedding planner, I know all the tips and tricks to make your wedding day (and the planning leading up to the big day) a breeze. To add a little more inspiration to your destination wedding dreams, here are three tips for throwing a spectacular destination wedding.
Experience Is Everything
When you’re considering destination options, it’s important to look for venues with wedding experience. Many hotels and resorts regularly host weddings and have the staff, services, and event spaces to cater to all your wedding needs. This experience is invaluable as you plan your wedding from afar. While there are endless beautiful locations out there, your destination needs to have the resources to house, feed, and entertain your guests throughout the duration of your stay.
This applies to hiring a wedding planner, as well. Planning a destination wedding on your own can be very challenging (particularly with destinations like Mexico, where there is often a language barrier). Find a wedding planner with experience handling the logistics for destination weddings (Hi there, my name’s Wanda and I can help!).
Choose A Resort With Amenities
By choosing a resort or hotel that offers all the amenities, there’s less worry for you around taking care of your guests. Choosing a resort with all the amenities for your destination wedding can also make the decision easier for your guests to accept your invitation and commit to traveling for your big day. When logistics like dinner and entertainment options are handled by your resort (or coordinated by your resort), you can kick back on the beach with your partner and celebrate your love.
In popular wedding destinations like Mexico, many hotels have experience hosting weddings and large groups, and they will have amenities onsite or connections to local restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions. Ask about amenity options when researching destinations or talking with a local wedding planner.
Zoetry Villa Rolandi in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Give Your Guests Advanced Notice
A destination wedding is a bigger commitment for your guests than a hometown wedding right down the street. While celebrating with your guests in a magical environment will create memories to last a lifetime, it’s important to let your guests know as soon as you can to allow them time to fit your wedding into their schedule and budget. This is especially important for your wedding party — let everyone know your wedding will be at a beautiful destination before asking them to commit to joining your party.
Before you invite your guests, make sure that you have enough space for every last invite. It’s likely that not every invite will accept, but if they do, you need to have rooms for everyone. By reserving rooms at a single resort or at a few different price options, you can offer your guests as much information as you can when sending your invites.
Beach Wedding Photo by Susan Pacek Photography
The process of planning a destination wedding is similar to planning a wedding a mile away from home. And oftentimes, the price can be comparable, particularly if you’re looking at popular wedding destinations in a large city. Your dreams of a destination wedding are closer than you think! Get in touch if you’d like help making those dreams a destination wedding reality.