The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning Your Destination Wedding
Photo Courtesy of Grand Velas Resorts
Like planning any event, organizing a destination wedding can be a lot of work. There are so many things to think about from who to invite, to where to when to how to...well, you get it. We’ve compiled a list of the most common roadblocks our clients struggle with. After all, planning a wedding is no easy feat, let alone a destination wedding, even for the most decisive person! See our top do’s and don’ts below, but remember, take it with a grain of salt 😉.
DO:
Have a small destination wedding and celebrate with an at-home reception when
you return.
Include a wedding website with your Save The Dates + invitations.
Send out save the dates as soon as possible! Give your guests time to plan. Don’t just pull a date out of your 🍑. A heads-up is always nice if you are planning on guests attending.
Make your guests feel welcome. Keep them up to date with all the information they’ll need.
Select a destination that is easy to get to for most guests.
Carry on your wedding dress – don’t try to pack it.
Hire a travel agent that specializes in destination weddings (oh, hey!).
Take a scouting trip to check out the venue.
Do keep things cost-effective.
Consider traditions both at home and away.
Find out if your VIPs can attend.
Negotiate.
Always have a hair + makeup trial, even if you choose the resort team. (P.S. I highly recommend you bring your own materials, but hey, it’s your world I am just here to help you =).
DON’T:
Assume that all destination weddings will be cheaper than one back home.
Feel obligated to pay for your wedding party’s travel and accommodations.
Ship anything. Nada… nothing… just don’t.
Overplan for your guests. You aren’t a tour or cruise director. Build in a few fun activities but then give them some free time to chill and hang out on their own.
Expect everyone invited to come.
Overpack.
Underestimate the weather. The Caribbean gets HOT 🏖.
Pay for the wedding photographer provided. Hire your own and bring them with you as a guest.
Pay for the most expensive wedding package. Look at all the perks and concessions.
Sweat the small stuff. Shit happens, be flexible and roll with it.
Turn into a Bridezilla – trust me, it’s not worth it.
Leave your guests hanging.
Be upset when your friends and closest family leave you hanging.
Choose a dress because it’s in style today.
Worry about getting married in hurricane season. Sure, be cautious and plan ahead, but don’t let it deter you from choosing that date.
Forget about making your marriage legal.
Be extra..making all these extravagant plans for what?! Who? And Why???
Feel obligated to invite kids, unless they are yours lol!
Forget to have fun!
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, don’t forget the biggest do and don’t of all – the planning process! As in, do enjoy it, and don’t forget about it! It is just as important as the day itself. This is your wedding day and you are creating memories that you will look back on one day. Don’t let anyone else’s vision overshadow what you want for you and your other half (within reason, of course). Suggestions are totally fine, but at the end of the day, listen to your 💜.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
