Planning a destination wedding is a full-time job. Here are 6 things we suggest you “do,” so your special day runs as smoothly as possible!
Choose an Accessible Location
If you’re having a destination wedding, select a destination that’s fairly easy to get to. Consider where your guests are flying from and how many connecting flights are needed. A quick check on Google Flights can let you know what’s involved in traveling to your ideal destination. Don’t have your guests spend an entire vacation day traveling to and from your destination of choice when they could be spending extra time with you! Also, be aware of any transportation your guests will need after they land. Will they need to take a 2-hour shuttle to the resort? A cab to a ferry, which will then take them to another island? Yuck. No one wants to endure an entire day of traveling. After all, it can be exhausting!
Select an All-Inclusive Resort
Hands down, an all-inclusive is the best way to go for a destination wedding. Not only is everything from your room, meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), taxes, and transfers included, but most all-inclusive resorts even offer complimentary wedding packages that you can customize to your liking. In addition, this eliminates the need for guests to find a restaurant within their budget for lunch and dinner each day, along with the hassle of renting a car to get back and forth to your wedding festivities. It also provides a worry-free environment for your guests, allowing them to relax and enjoy their vacation and your wedding in one place.
Plan Well Ahead
For local weddings, the bride and groom typically send out their invitations 3-6 months before the wedding. But, with a destination wedding, make sure you’re sending them out at least a year in advance. That way guests have plenty of time to save their vacation days and money for travel. This also benefits you, because the earlier you get that RSVP the earlier you can finalize your own budget and start planning your ceremony and reception. Your wedding invitation should provide a link to your wedding website, which will lay out all the details they need to RSVP (aka, booking a room).
Have Events Planned for Your Group
On top of the fabulous destination wedding you’re planning, consider having additional events for your entire wedding group, so they’re plenty entertained during their stay. Host a welcome cocktail party or a brunch the day after the wedding to show your appreciation for them traveling to celebrate with you. Plan an exciting group excursion like a catamaran ride or a snorkeling outing. Many resorts also offer fun on-site group activities such as tequila or mezcal tastings, cooking classes, salsa dancing lessons, and more!
Leave a Welcome Note
Put together a fun welcome bag that’s waiting in their hotel room for your guests when they arrive or is handed to them when they check in. Personalize it with a welcome note from you and your partner and include an itinerary or schedule of the upcoming festivities that they can look forward to. You can also add in small gifts like sunblock, bug spray, a personalized shot glass with your wedding hashtag, or even a small token unique to the destination where your wedding is taking place. It’s time to get creative, now!
Work with a Reputable Destination Wedding Specialist
Lastly, work with a reputable destination wedding specialist. This will help alleviate unnecessary costs and give you peace of mind knowing you have support and guidance every step of the way. Whether it’s matching you with the perfect venue, or saving you tons of time in research and back-and-forth with potential vendors, we are your go-to travel advisors and are excited to manage all the details for you! Additionally, since we specialize in destination weddings, we have access to amazing group travel perks and exclusive amenities that save you money. We’ll also serve as your liaison for any questions you and your group might have, like contract negotiations, local laws, exchange rates, religious/symbolic ceremonies, and so much more! Now, who can say no to that?
Ready to start planning? Then, click here to get in touch with me today. I look forward to working together!