What You Need to Know When Planning a Destination Wedding
A destination wedding is a honeymoon and family vacation all rolled into one, and something that everyone will remember for a lifetime. No wonder it’s such a popular option! If you and your fiancé have decided on this kind of wedding, ensuring you complete certain steps can help you achieve your goals. Here’s what you need to know.
Create a Budget (and Stick to It)
Some couples choose to tie the knot abroad because it can be a great way to save money, but there’s a lot more to consider, including booking hotel rooms, arranging for activities, and, of course, getting there. All of these will add to your expenses.
Also, if you are bringing your own videographer or DJ with you, they will expect their expenses to be covered as well. All told, a destination wedding may end up costing as much or more than having your wedding at home.
So while it can be incredibly tempting to throw all caution to the wind, this can result in a lot of regret—and debt—later on. That’s why creating a budget is at the top of our list.
Essential Budget Elements
Calculate approximately how much it will cost to have your wedding, reception, and rehearsal dinners for the number of guests you plan to invite.
You’ll also want to consider who you will be paying expenses for; for example, the maid of honor, best man, wedding party, and others with tight budgets who absolutely must be there.
Once you have the must-haves and extras figured out, you’ll have a final number you can use to determine what is and isn’t within your wedding budget.
Ways to Save
The most important thing to remember is that some things simply won’t be in your budget, and that’s perfectly okay. There is nothing wrong with shortening your guest list or recommending affordable accommodations and the best websites to find them if you can’t pay for guests yourselves.
Start Planning Early
It’s true that many resorts and other locales are happy to offer destination wedding packages, but there will be many other decisions to make, such as where the best and most reasonably priced destination is, how easy it will be for everyone to get there, and whether you can book hotel room blocks for better rates, to name a few.
Planning early will allow lots of time for changes in plans and fine-tuning and also give your guests the time they need to budget, save the date, arrange for flights, and start shopping for their wedding and vacation outfits. All told, you’ll want to send your wedding invitations out a minimum of four months before the date of your wedding.
An important part of planning is to plan for the worst. You should have some kind of Plan B in place should one or more elements of your destination wedding not pan out, such as an alternative location if weather prevents a beach wedding. Accessibility should always be top-of-mind for guests who are elderly or have physical challenges.
Hire a Destination Wedding Planner
You may see big expenses when you think of wedding planners, but these professionals can end up saving you money—and a ton of stress—in the long run. Think of a wedding planner as your right-hand person, responsible for making your every wish a reality.
A destination wedding planner can handle virtually every aspect of your big day, from booking hotels and planning the itinerary to decorating and arranging all of the meals, and much more.
They possess intimate knowledge about destination wedding locations and, so, are able to answer all your questions and provide the advice you’re looking for about the seasons, typical weather, and the most affordable time of year to visit.
Visit Beforehand if You Can
Visiting your resort or wedding venue of choice in advance is something many wedding experts recommend, simply because you’ll want to make sure you’ll like the venue before you book, and because you’ll need to finalize your arrangements before your wedding.
The best times to visit? Experts suggest going there three times; twice to ensure you’ll love the venue, and between three and five months before the big day to iron out the final details.
Keep Your Guests Updated
We simply can’t say enough about frequent and thorough communication. Keep your guests as up-to-date as possible on what’s happening with your planning process, preferably all at once.
An easy way to accomplish this is via a group email or newsletter. You can also create a wedding website where the itinerary, hotel list, flight suggestions, and updates are posted, and get your guests to subscribe so they receive an automatic notice when something changes.
Your website can also include typical temperatures and other information about the destination, as well as suggestions for clothing to pack (formal and casual outfits, for example), and what the location has to offer in terms of shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Consider Destination When Selecting Wedding Day Wear
A tuxedo and princess wedding dress may be perfect for some destinations, but can turn into a nightmare in warmer climes. If you and your fiancé have definitely decided on a tropical location, you’ll both have a much better time on your wedding day if you’re as comfortable as possible.
That being said, ensure your wedding day wear is right for the destination you’ll be going to. A good way to go is to visit local shops during your advance visits.
Make It Memorable
What can you do to make your destination wedding memorable for your guests? You can answer this question by putting yourself in their shoes. From welcome goodie bags with necessities and gourmet treats to sightseeing tours and special dinners, there’s a lot you can do for your guests that will allow you to make them feel special and keep you on budget.
Inevitably, there will be people who simply won’t be able to be present at your wedding. You can make it memorable for them by hosting a second reception at home, live-streaming your ceremony, or both.
Work with Experienced Vendors
Another part of wedding planning that can be rolled into an advance visit is to get to know the local vendors, such as florists and caterers. Your venue may be able to refer you to top local talent, and you can also ask your planner, who is sure to have great suggestions.
Take the time to get a feel for the local culture, choose your favorite elements, and work them into your wedding celebrations.
Enjoy and Savor Every Moment of Your Special Day
After all the time you and your fiancé have spent planning your wedding, it can almost become a habit to keep planning throughout, but don’t lose sight of the fact that you’ve done all of this out of love; love for each other, and love for your friends and family.
Take the time to step back and enjoy the fruits of your labor, and remind yourselves that your planning is done, and it’s now time to relax, unwind, and enjoy your wedding day with the ones you love.
Gorgeous Collections That Check All the Boxes
You’ve found the perfect person to share the rest of your life with, and the perfect destination for your wedding, but some things take time, such as finding the perfect ring that’s appropriate for your budget.
If you’re still searching for the engagement or wedding ring of their dreams, The Diamond Vault has you covered. As Scottsdale’s premier wholesale diamond jeweler, we specialize in one- to ten-carat certified diamonds in several fantastic collections.
We are direct diamond importers and manufacturers and master jewelers. Our incredibly knowledgeable team combines over 50 years of experience in the diamond trade. Our brokers and cutters use their extensive experience to ensure that every customer receives diamonds with the best color, carat, cut, and clarity for the money they spend.
Whether you visit us at our Scottsdale or online showroom, you’ll have access to a vast selection of rings for weddings, anniversaries, and engagements. At The Diamond Vault, there is a ring style to suit every taste and personality because we also offer professional custom ring design.
Browse our collections or call for information about our lifetime warranty, affordable financing options, and more: 480-948-8444.