Many couples find that a destination wedding is preferable to a more traditional wedding at home. Perhaps it’s the lure of a tropical locale, perhaps it’s the idea of a smaller wedding; whatever the reason, planning a destination wedding still requires a fair bit of forethought. Learn the first few key steps in planning your destination wedding that will make the rest as easy as an island breeze.
Nail Down the Timeline
Setting the date is an important first step for any kind of wedding, but especially a wedding that requires time for travel plans. Deciding on a wedding date doesn’t mean that it won’t change in the future – as travel availability and prices become more apparent – but it will give you a deadline to work against.
Give your guests a general timeframe for the wedding so that they can do their own travel research. Be clear that the date may change within a month either way, but do tell your guests that you’ll let them know the specifics as soon as they come available. People will appreciate as much advanced notice as possible, and it will make it more likely that they’ll be able to attend.
Decide on the Guest List
The size of your guest list will determine a lot about your wedding – but mostly it will tell you what kind of budget you’re working with. Destination weddings are ideal for a small ceremony and reception, so you may want to make it a close friend and family-only affair.
With your partner, decide what kind of guest list to create. Peripheral friends? Best friends? Casual partners of best friends, or spouses only? Nuclear family only? Extended family?
When people find out you’re engaged, they’ll most likely try to hint around if they’re going to get an invitation. Be vague about your guest list until it’s set in stone; that way you won’t unintentionally hurt anyone’s feelings by insinuating that they’re going to get an invitation if they’re not.
Once you have decided on your guest list, stick to your guns. Be kind to anyone who isn’t receiving an invitation, but explain to them that you have a limited budget to work with. Hopefully, your true friends will understand if you want a family-only attendance, and they won’t be too hurt. You could always plan a separate party after the wedding to include everyone who wasn’t on the list.
Choose the Location
You and your partner should each decide on two or three dream locations for your wedding. Once you’ve both decided, set aside time to talk about the pros and cons of each location. Some considerations may include:
- distance that each of your guests will have to travel
- cost of accommodation
- exchange rate
- tourist activities available nearby.
It may help to print out a sheet of each of the locations with the classic ‘Pros and Cons’ list to accompany each sheet. Sooner or later, it will become clear which location is best for everyone involved.
Decide on the Tone of the Wedding
A destination wedding is normally fairly relaxed and informal, but make sure to decide if that’s what you want before you start getting into details. The reception for a formal wedding will be different than the reception after a relaxed ceremony.
Also, decide on the type of ceremony: religious, traditional, spiritual, or native. Many destination wedding locations have local officiants offering a wide variety of options to suit your personality and preferences.
Create an Organizational System for Filing Emails and Websites
When you’re ready to start organizing the nitty gritty, such as wedding colors, bridal party outfits, and photographers, create a "Wedding Planning" folder in your email to keep it all straight. Title each email accordingly, such as "Photography" and "Wedding Cake", for quick reference.
It also helps to save all of your favorite wedding websites in your wedding email folder. The devil’s in the details, and keeping it all straight is a lot easier if you have a reliable system.
Create a Wedding Website to Let your Guests Know the Important Details
As your wedding plans evolve, your guests will be interested to know what’s going on. Since they will be spending a lot of time and money to make sure they’re there to support you on your big day, they’d appreciate a heads-up on your plans.
The website doesn’t have to be too fancy, a blogging site such as Xanga or Blogspot will work fine. Some details to include are:
- your travel plans and dates
- accommodation information to suit a variety of budgets
- date and time of wedding and reception
- information on local weather
- fun activities in the area.
It’s also fun to include pictures of you and your partner, as well as how-we-met stories.
Wedding planning should be more fun than stressful – this moment comes around only once in a lifetime. By keeping on top of things, you’ll be sure to create a magical day to remember for the rest of your life.
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