Planning Destination Weddings: Top Tips and Tricks

While getting married somewhere traditional is never a bad option, what if you could do something more unique?

Whether you’re thinking about getting married on a sandy beach overlooking the ocean or a scenic vista nestled in a mountain range, destination weddings can make your special day even more unforgettable.

Of course, planning destination weddings can be a bit difficult on account of all the variables. That’s why we’ve put together this guide—to help make things as easy as possible. 

Read on for a destination wedding planner that will make the planning process a breeze. 

Start the Planning Process as Soon as Possible

The moment you and your partner first decide to tie the knot (congratulations!), you’re going to want to start planning everything as soon as possible. For example, organise the wedding suit early on to get the best fit.

Regardless of whether your destination is the next state over or on the other side of the world, all of your guests will need time to figure out how to get there. They’ll also need to take time off from work, figure out where to stay, and do so much more. 

Letting your guests know about your dates and plans as early as possible is the best way to ensure that they can get there without an issue. 

Choose the Right Location

Of course, the most important thing about a destination wedding is, you guessed it, the destination. 

The key to a destination wedding is finding a balance between accessibility and preference. You might want to have your wedding in Fiji, but if most of your family and friends live in northern Maine, how many people will realistically be able to make it there? 

You should also make sure to choose a place that’s meaningful to you. Beach weddings might be the most popular, but the world is vast. You can get married in a special city, the mountains, a lakeside—just about anywhere. 

Understand the Local Laws and Regulations 

If you’re getting married outside of the United States, take some time to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations. You don’t want to plan a fabulous wedding only to have customs bar you from entering upon arrival. 

For example, if you’re planning on getting married in Canada, the Canadian government recommends that you let a local embassy know. You’ll also want to inform the hotel or place you’re staying about your plans. 

It’s also a good idea to check the visa laws of the country you’re headed to. You want to ensure that you, your significant other, and all of your guests can enter and leave without a problem. 

Look for Areas to Save Money

If you’re getting married in the United States, you can expect to pay an average cost of $33,900 for your wedding. Depending on the destination you end up choosing, you can end up paying a lot more than that. 

Airplane tickets, hotel stays, and visa costs are some of the factors that can quickly add up. Because of those costs, you’re going to want to always look for ways to save money.

Consider working with a travel expert who specializes in weddings abroad. They’ll be able to help you figure out everything from an affordable venue to landing the cheapest plane tickets. 

Make Things Easier for Friends and Family

It’s true that your wedding is your special day. You shouldn’t have to worry about what’s happening around you. However, with destination weddings, you’re going to want to make an effort to helps friends and family members.

Make sure to provide them with a plethora of different recommendations. You (or the travel expert you choose to work with) can help them figure out where to stay, help them decide what to pack, and even provide them with a welcome bag once they arrive.

All of this ensures that everyone at your wedding has a fantastic and comfortable time. 

Go With the Flow

If you’re Type A, the idea of going with the flow might not sound too appealing. After all, what’s the point of having a plan if you can’t carry it to fruition? 

However, destination weddings are like vacations in that no matter how much thought and planning you put into something, things can still go awry. From unexpected weather to flight cancellations, try not to get upset if these sorts of events happen.

Understand that no matter what happens, you and your partner will still have a fantastic and memorable time. 

Consider Hosting a Second Reception 

If you are going to a truly exotic and remote destination, there’s a good chance that not everyone will be able to make it. Whether they can’t get off work or have family obligations, asking people to fly across the country or the world to be with you can be a lot.

Because of that, you might want to consider hosting a second, more accessible reception.

Don’t worry—this can be a smaller (and much cheaper) event, but you want to ensure that everyone can see you off on your special day. If they can’t, giving people a second chance will make you and everyone else happy. 

Planning Destination Weddings Made Easy

Weddings are stressful enough, so when you throw a destination into the mix, things can get even more complicated. Luckily, they don’t need to be as complicated as many people make them out to be. 

Use this guide to help make planning destination weddings easy. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll have no problem making your special day the event of a lifetime. 

Do you now have a better idea of how to plan a destination wedding on a small budget? If so, don’t forget to check out the rest of our site for more great content.