Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding:
Do your homework. Research your destination and to make sure your destination will deliver
the wedding experience you are seeking.
Take a fact finding trip if possible to see the destination in person. Use the time to interview
wedding consultant planners, determine the wedding location, plan for the reception and
interview vendors.
Use a wedding consultant planner familiar with the area. Most resorts include the consultant
as part of a package deal. If you are not using a resort or purchasing an entire wedding
package, then hire a local wedding consultant planer to do all the leg work for you.
Make sure you know what is included in your price. Read the fine print, ask for testimonials
and check them out.
Learn the legalities to marry at the destination. Make sure all your papers are in order before
you travel. If you need birth certificates, divorce certificates or consent forms, get it done in
advance. If you need a passport, apply for it immediately.
Send out save the date cards 8 or 9 months in advance to give your guests time to make travel
plans and make financial arrangements to attend.
Send your prospective guests travel information and hotel information as soon as you are able
to put together the package. Negotiate with the resort or hotel for group rates for your guests
so you can save them money. See if the resort will include transportation to the resort as part
of the package.
Show your appreciation for the guests who have traveled to your wedding by arranging to have
snack baskets sent to their rooms or by hosting a get together the night before the wedding.
Allow your guests free time to enjoy their surroundings. While its your wedding, its their
vacation! Give them a list of activities or sites for them to visit in the area.
Start assembling what you will need to take with you. If you exceed the weight limits on airline
flights, you'll have to pay additional fees. If you are flying and have a lot of things to bring with
you, consider shipping them to your destination.
Start buying destination clothing for both of you when you find sales. Don't forget that you'll
need a tote bag, sunscreen, after sun lotions, flip flops, swim wear, beach cover ups in addition
to your resort attire and wedding dress.
If you are flying, carry your wedding dress on the plane. Don't risk putting it in a suitcase and
have the airlines lose your suitcase. Read how to pack and transport your wedding dress. If
you are driving, make sure you don't leave it in the back seat. The sunlight can fades spots on
the dress through the plastic or a thief might be tempted to break into your car. Put your
wedding dress in the trunk, on top of your luggage.
Arrange to have your dress steamed at your destination. If you are going to a resort, they will
handle it for you. If you hire a wedding consultant planner, she'll get it done for you. Your dress
will need to be freshened up when you reach your destination, its not possible to transport it
without a few wrinkles or creases.
Have a Plan B in case of inclement weather. If you have a wedding consultant planner, they'll
have one formulated for you and you won't have to stress out.
Check in with your planner and vendors to make sure you are on the same page and on
schedule.
Arrive several days in advance so you can tie up lose ends, get your marriage license, spend
time at a spa day relaxing. It will also give you some time to adjust to any time changes and to
the local weather.
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