Just because you’re having a wedding away from home, doesn’t mean it has to be stressful! Here are a few tips to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible:

Do Your Research

The very first step to planning a stress-free destination wedding is to do your research. Make sure you’re aware of the details that go into planning a remote wedding, so there are no surprises along the way. Certain things like choosing a resort that specializes in weddings or the best time of year for travel can contribute largely to the overall wedding experience.

Consider Your Guest List

Since destination weddings are typically smaller in nature, you can expect approximately 40 percent of those on your guest list to actually attend. Analyze your list profile for the number of children, elderly folks, your average age range, etc. to get a better feel for the best location and property for you and your guests. Your guests will also appreciate a destination that’s easy to get to, saving both their budget and vacation days.

Plan Well in Advance

You’d be surprised how quickly resorts book up! To ensure you get your first-choice wedding date and property, you’ll want to plan on putting down a deposit at least 12-18 months ahead of time. The last thing you want is to be scrambling to find “anything available” nine months before your big day. Do your homework and plan ahead!

Know the Laws

There are two different types of ceremonies you can have for your destination wedding. The first one is a legal ceremony, where you’ll receive a marriage certificate at the destination you’re married in. This type of ceremony is legally recognized back home but it may take several months before you receive the paperwork to make it legal in the U.S. It also requires additional paperwork and fees. Some destinations will require a blood test as well. A symbolic ceremony has no legal binding and is performed just like a legal ceremony, so your guests will never know the difference. This type of ceremony makes up approximately 80 percent of destination weddings. But how to make it legal, you ask? Simple. The bride and groom typically marry at their local courthouse or church before they leave.

Book Group Travel

To make the most out of your destination wedding experience, you’ll want to book travel as a group, so the bookings count towards any benefits the resort offers…which is almost always the case! Some common perks of booking as a group include free nights, a complimentary cocktail party, a free wedding package, and more!

Seek Help from a Travel Expert

The last tip for planning a stress-free destination wedding is to work with a travel expert who specializes in destination weddings, such as myself. I’ll work with you hand-in-hand on all the little details to ensure everything runs according to plan. I’ve also visited numerous destination wedding properties and have all the secrets you’ll need to have the perfect wedding day. Now, who’s ready to start planning? I know I am! Simply click here to begin the process.