Simple Steps to Create the Ultimate Destination Wedding (With Free Checklists Inside)
Do you imagine a sky terrace, a lush garden, or a secluded white sand beach? No one can blame you if you dream of a destination wedding. This wedding is perfect for couples wanting a more intimate ceremony in a unique location.
But planning a destination wedding can be overwhelming. So, we’ve created simple steps for creating the ultimate destination wedding.
Don’t forget to check out our Free The Ultimate Destination Wedding Planning Checklist. This comprehensive checklist will help you navigate the destination wedding planning’s unique logistics and challenges. The downloadable version lets you personalize the checklist to fit your specific vision.
Choose the Perfect Location
The destination must be safe and offer all the necessary resources. Ensure there are no health concerns, political issues, or travel warnings in the area. It should also accommodate your pregnant guest or elderly grandparent’s accessibility requirements.
Set a Budget
Your budget includes typical wedding items, from boutonniere and bouquet to ceremony décor and food and beverages. But you must also consider travel expenses, such as accommodations and airfare. Knowing the currency used at the destination is recommended to keep track of costs.
Hire A Wedding Planner
If you don’t speak the local language, find a wedding planner with in-depth knowledge of the destination who can navigate language barriers and has established relationships with local vendors. This will help you with everything, from finding the ideal venue to arranging transportation, catering, décor, and entertainment.
Check Local Marriage Requirements
Marriage requirements differ from country to country. So, check the laws of your desired destination to have enough time to get everything together. The documents below are a must to get married in a different country legally:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Blood test certificate
- Tourist card or visa
- Divorce or widowed decree (if applicable)
- Names, ages, addresses, occupations, and addresses of the parents
- Witnesses’ information with copies of driver’s licenses or passports
Organize Your Guest List
Destination weddings usually have less pressure to extend invites to co-workers and acquaintances. Keep your guest list small to moderate since you must be mindful of their budgets and schedules. Be sure to notify them in advance to plan the travel accordingly.
Personalize Your Ceremony and Reception
One of the joys of a destination wedding is infusing it with personal touches. For example, you can incorporate local culture and traditions elements to create a unique experience for you and your guests. You can use local flowers, cuisine, or entertainment to add an authentic flair.
Plan Activities and Excursions
Make your destination wedding more than just a one-day affair by planning pre and post-wedding activities and excursions for your guests. This could include guided tours, group outings, or adventure sports. So, your guests feel entertained and engaged throughout their stay, making it a vacation to remember.
When to Send Save-the-Dates for a Destination Wedding?
For a destination wedding during tourist season, you can send the save-the-dates around 10 to 12 months in advance. This allows your guests to book their airfare and accommodations early. We also have Save-the-Date Wedding Stationery Canva Cards that you can quickly personalize with your wedding details and match your theme.
When to Send Destination Wedding Invitations?
You can send the destination wedding invites about 6 to 10 months in advance. Ensure to use informative wording in your invitations. You can also include your wedding website link if all details can’t fit on the invitation. To save time designing your invites, choose from our Free Canva Wedding Invitation Stationery with various styles and customizable options.
A destination wedding combines your romantic love story with the beauty of a unique location. And with the simple step above, you can turn your dream wedding into a reality, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
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