A destination wedding can be a dream come true, with swaying palm trees as your backdrop and the soothing sounds of the ocean as your soundtrack. But pulling off a perfect wedding in a far off destination is no easy feat. Between navigating local regulations, sourcing vendors, and ensuring all your guests make the journey, there’s a lot to maneuver.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through orchestrating the ultimate sunny destination “I do’s” from start to finish. By the time you slip into your wedding sandals and stroll down the sandy aisle, you’ll have the confidence of someone who’s been beachside for decades.
Choosing the perfect destination wedding locale
Choosing the perfect destination for your wedding is one of the most exciting parts of planning. Do you dream of saying “I do” with your toes in the sand? Or surrounded by lush, tropical rainforest? The options are endless, but here are a few ideas to start you on your sun-soaked journey.
If you want a laid back vibe, destinations like Hawaii, the Bahamas (or anywhere in the Caribbean), Mexico, Costa Rica or Thailand offer postcard-perfect backdrops for an intimate seaside ceremony. You’ll have your pick of stunning hotels and resorts, not to mention an array of local excursions and activities that highlight the destination. Just imagine exchanging vows as the sun sets over the ocean – pure bliss!
Making destination wedding dreams a reality on a small budget
If a beach wedding is calling your name but your bank account says, “Slow down!” don’t lose hope. With some creative planning, you can have an idyllic destination wedding on a budget.
First, consider tying the knot during the off-season or shoulder months. Places like Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean often have great weather for most of the year, so you’ll save big by avoiding the winter and summer high seasons. You’ll also miss the crowds, giving you a more intimate feel.
Another money-saving tip is keeping the guest list small. Only invite your nearest and dearest since destination weddings typically mean higher costs for guests. Let people know it’s a small, intimate affair so they don’t feel obliged to attend.
Choose a casual venue
An informal beach, garden or courtyard setting is ideal for a budget-friendly destination wedding. Look for venues that don’t require a lot of additional decor to make them wedding-ready. And don’t feel pressured into a traditional sit-down dinner – a casual reception with appetizers, a cocktail hour and cake will save you money and match the laid back vibe.
All-inclusive wedding packages
If you love the convenience of paying one price and then just going with the flow, consider booking an all-inclusive resort for your wedding. Many resorts or hotels, especially in Mexico and the Caribbean, offer all-inclusive wedding packages. These packages often bundle services like catering, decor, and even wedding coordination, providing cost savings compared to piecing everything together separately.
Negotiate
Negotiate with vendors when possible and be open to less traditional options. You might find a great up-and-coming destination wedding photographer or florist that can offer incredible pricing because they need to beef up their portfolio.
With the right mindset and a few clever tricks up your sleeve, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Focus on what really matters to you as a couple and keep things relaxed. Your guests will appreciate the chance to unwind in a gorgeous setting to celebrate your marriage!
Destination wedding planning tips: Timelines, vendors and more
Planning a destination wedding requires organization and attention to detail. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Timelines
Create a master timeline, working backwards from your wedding date. Factor in booking vendors, travel time for guests, securing wedding permits from the destination, etc. For a beach wedding, account for potential weather-related delays.
Vendors
Research vendors familiar with weddings in your location. They can handle permits, catering, flowers, and more. Make sure you get references and reviews from past clients, so you can get a good feel for the experience they provide.
Make sure to secure your vendors early, ideally 6-12 months in advance. Doing this will provide peace of mind and plenty of time to plan the wedding just as you envision it.
And don’t be afraid to hire a wedding planner to handle logistics as they have local knowledge, connections and experience under their belt. Their skills, confidence and background working in your destination and with the other local vendors will be invaluable.
Guests
Invite guests with plenty of notice about travel requirements and create a wedding website with details about location, attire, events, and travel tips. You should also help guests find affordable lodging options or consider booking room blocks at nearby resorts.
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