Tips for Destination Weddings
What You Need to Know Before Getting Married in a Vacation Spot
By planning early, doing your research and having a flexible attitude, your destination wedding will come together smoothly and hassle-free.
Destination weddings are becoming a popular choice among many brides and grooms-to-be. With the proper planning, they can be a fun and relaxing alternative to a traditional wedding. Here are some important things to consider when planning your destination wedding:
Travel Arrangements
Of course you and your soon to be spouse have your airline tickets to get to and from your wedding destination, but have you thought about how you are going to transport items like your wedding gown, jewelry and favors or gifts for attendants and other members of the wedding party? Many brides wrongly assume that their air carrier will allow them to store their dress in the cabin closet. It is important to check with your airline well in advance to determine their policies.
Most airlines are more than happy to accommodate the temporary storage of your gown if there is space available. However, some airlines will make you check your gown if there is no room to store it on on board. In these instances, you want to make sure your gown is in a heavy-duty garment bag to prevent any damage.
As far as traveling with other fragile, delicate or expensive items, it might be a good idea to consider whether you really need them. If you decide that you do, you should keep your expensive jewelry with you at all times in your carry-on luggage, and you should carefully pack your fragile items with appropriate protective packing material. Having delicate, fragile or bulky items shipped to your destination by a carrier such as UPS or DHL is another option to consider.
Be Flexible
A destination wedding may not be the best fit for a bride or groom who needs to have complete control over every aspect of the ceremony and reception. Be willing to go with the flow and you will find that the process will run smoothly.
Consider the location of your wedding before making unreasonable demands. For instance, if you are marrying on a Caribbean island, roses may not be a practical option for your bouquet; consider tropical flowers instead. If you have your heart set on a DJ for your reception, consider using a steel drum band instead. Not only will these small changes be more easily accommodated, they will also lend a more individual feel to your wedding.
Start Planning Early
Because of their popularity, destination wedding venues get booked far in advance. If possible, book your location a year ahead of time, as this will give you plenty of time to talk to the wedding co-ordinator about options, as well as talk to other couples who have tied the knot at your desired location. Planning early also gives you the added benefit of getting a better deal. You should also let your guests know about your wedding plans as early as possible so they have enough time and notice to arrange for their travel and accommodations as well.
Do Your Research
Don't just look at a few brochures and haphazardly choose a location. This is your wedding, after all, and you want to know all you can about the destination. If possible, tour the location in person before making a final decision. If that is not a possibility, do as much internet research as you can. Not only visit the resorts' websites, but also sites where you can gauge an honest review from people who have been married there.
Ask Questions
If there is something that you are curious about and it is not discussed on any of the websites that you've researched, don't be afraid to contact the resort directly. The usually have a staff of wedding co-ordinators on hand who can answer any of your questions, as well as offer you helpful advice.
Keep these tips in mind during the planning process and you are less likely to encounter any problems and more likely to be a cool, calm and collected bride on your big day!
