Destination Wedding Tips!

With destination weddings becoming more and more popular, we wanted to put together a list of our “Destination Wedding Tips!” Whether you’re planning an extravagant mountain wedding or intimate seaside nuptials, destination weddings can be tricky to plan from afar. Our list is here to help guide you in the right direction!

1.) Choose your destination wisely!  The location of your wedding should be meaningful for you and your fiancè. Whether you grew up skiing in Vail, he proposed in the vineyards of Napa Valley, or you both have a mutual appreciation for the timeless beauty of Cape Cod, the place you tie the knot should hold significance in your lives. This adds to the romantic atmosphere on your wedding day and your guests will be able to create lasting memories of their own at the special location.

2.) Hire a planner! We might seem a little biased, but ask any bride who has planned a destination wedding and they’ll say this is the most important tip we can give! Planning a wedding is stressful no matter what, but planning from a distance can be harder than people expect. It’s important to hire a full-service planner with stellar reviews from brides and vendors alike. A full service planner is one who specializes in helping you from the very beginning so there is no confusion on your wedding day. Chances are you haven’t planned a wedding in that location before, so your planner is the go-to for vendor recommendations, logistics coordination, knowledge of your venue, and everything in between. Not only will they help throughout the entire planning process, but you’ll be able to relax on your wedding weekend and let them worry about execution of the day. It’s your wedding day, so you should be able to enjoy it!

3.) Hire local vendors!  Just as you would hire a planner from your destination because of their experience and expertise, you should try to hire vendors who are familiar with your venue and the surrounding areas. Not only will they know the ins and outs of your venue, they will most likely be familiar with the other vendors and planners collaborating together on your day. This creates an easy going atmosphere for everyone involved. It might save you money in the long run by eliminating travel costs for your vendors!

4.) Visit your destination! If at all possible, be sure to visit the location at least once before your wedding week. Try to visit not only the venue, but the surrounding hotels, restaurants, etc. so you can feel comfortable that your guests will have a memorable experience. This will also make you more comfortable with the logistics of your day.

5.) Curate your guest list carefully! You know your friends and family better than anyone, but typically people will use your wedding as an excuse to take a vacation in the beautiful destination you’ve chosen. Don’t underestimate the amount of guests you invite who will RSVP yes!

6.) Plan more time with your guests!  Your wedding day will go by in a snap, so we think it’s a great idea to host a welcome party for your guests as they arrive for your wedding weekend, or a send-off brunch as a thank you for traveling to join in your wedding day. It also gives your guests a chance to experience more that your destination has to offer. Although it could mean you have to cut down the number of guests you invite so you’re able to host a welcome party, we don’t think you’ll regret it. If another event just isn’t in your budget, be sure to provide your guests with a list of fun activities in the area so they can experience as much as possible.

7.) Prepare your guests well! The best way to communicate with your guests from the very beginning is to create a wedding website. Keeping them up to date with lodging information, activity suggestions, and other important information is a way to make them feel prepared and at ease about traveling to your destination.

8.) Keep it personal! After all is said and done, this is your special day. Your wedding day should represent who you are as a couple no matter the location. Bring in small details to your venue that represent yourselves and showcase your tastes. Personal touches are a great way to compliment the gorgeous destination and make you feel at home.