Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Planning to take the plunge miles away from home? Here are some destination wedding tips for planning your big event!
Consider a Lifeline: Yes, destination weddings can be fun and fabulous but they can also be disastrous. If you’re unfamiliar with your destination, consider using a lifeline like a wedding planner/coordinator or choosing a resort with an all inclusive package.
DO: Use a local planner that knows the area, can help arrange travel reservations, vendors etc. For example, if there’s damage to your site due to a hurricane or small fire, a local can help you assess the situation and arrange an alternate location.
Documentation: Requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary greatly depending on the country and venue. The Bahamas requires you to be on the island 24 hours before you can obtain a marriage license. In the Virgin Islands there’s an 8 day waiting period after the court receives the required documents. Mexico requires blood tests within 15 days of ceremony. And in France you have to be in the country for over a month before your wedding.
DO: Learn about your destination’s documentation requirements before setting a date. Some locations are simple while others are complicated and expensive.
Weather: So you want a June wedding? What’s the weather like in June at your destination? Hawaii’s rainy season runs from Oct.-April, Caribbean and Mexico have hurricane season from June-November. Some areas are very windy, so take this into account when choosing your dress and veil.
DO: Take weather into account when choosing your date and location.
Your dress: Second to your rings the MOST important item for your big day is your dress! Remember how long it took you to find the perfect dress, well the last thing you want to do is lose it days or hours before the big event.
DON’T: Check your wedding dress on your flight! Check with your airline it may be possible for them to place your dress in the first class closet for safe keeping. Also, DON’T ship your dress. The carrier could lose it or if it arrives before you it could me misplaced.
Photographer: Many all inclusive resorts provide a wedding photographer as a part of their package. Check with the resort to see if you have a choice of their photographers, ask to see samples of their work and make sure you’re happy with them or consider hiring another local photographer.
TIP: Research local wedding photographers. Look at their galleries and references when choosing a photographer.
Do you have any great destination wedding tips to add? Getting excited? Get more info at this destination wedding blog.