Tips on planning and preparation
1. How do I start planning for a destination wedding?
First and foremost, it’s important to hire a wedding planner. This professional will help define your wedding style based on your interests and needs, as well as establish a budget. They’ll also help plan each step of the big day and introduce you to reliable vendors.
2. Choose the venue
The ceremony location is central to a destination wedding. This task won’t be easy if you can’t visit in person. That’s why you need an expert wedding planner who knows the local area well and can inspect venues to ensure they meet your wishes and needs. Of course, this professional should conduct an online venue tour to help you envision your big day.
My tip: my iPhone is my best friend. I ensure I have the best connection coverage, as virtual tours are what I do with 100% of my clients who can’t travel when we’re searching for the venue. I also love making iPhone videos of every possible path we might take with your guests for each reception.
3. Hire a local wedding planner
A local wedding planner is an invaluable asset. They’ll be your eyes and ears on the ground, helping you make informed decisions. They should be an integral part of your team, guiding you toward the best choices for your destination wedding planning. That’s why feeling comfortable with your chosen wedding planner and having clear communication is crucial. Moreover, this professional must have extensive knowledge of your wedding region: they need to know who the best local vendors are.
My tip: If you’re planning a wedding in Provence or Lake Como, I’ll be here to help when you reach out. I’ll explain the best approach, and we can discuss your expectations in detail.
4. The planning process, online meetings, online visiting
Planning a wedding in another country involves numerous online meetings and virtual visits. Your wedding planner will likely arrange online meetings to introduce you to local vendors and showcase their work. It’s a way for you to feel more confident in the work being done.
My tip: From our very first meeting, I’ll ask about your weekly availability, preferred times, and how often you plan to fly to the wedding region. This way, I can immediately adapt the planning schedule, ensuring we’re all aligned from the start. Technology greatly simplifies destination wedding planning, keeping you connected at every step.
5. Have a budget for conversion rates/ check payment methods
Fortunately, sending money abroad and making international payments is much easier nowadays. Many tools are available to simplify your life. However, remember that conversion rates include additional fees, and currencies can fluctuate with the market.
What I offer as a wedding planner:
- Use platforms like Wise to manage payments in different currencies
- Create a payment schedule in agreement with your vendors to avoid surprises
- Negotiate the best payment methods suited to your situation A well-structured budget is key to successful destination wedding planning.
Tips on logistics and practical details
6. Logistics is very important
With a destination wedding, logistics are unavoidable. Having a wedding planner’s assistance is perfect! This professional will help manage your guests’ flight schedules and transfers to the wedding venue, especially if everyone’s staying at the same location.
My pro tip: I also handle the leisure activities you plan to do with your guests, as well as the rehearsal dinner and other festivities that a destination wedding might include. A good wedding planner will help coordinate all these aspects to ensure efficient destination wedding planning.
7. Tell your guests in advance
Since they need to organize their schedules and possibly take time off work, it’s crucial to notify them at least six months in advance. You can create a website with all wedding information and details and send them a save-the-date.
My tip: I love asking my clients to send a digital save-the-date as soon as we’ve chosen the venue and dates. Simultaneously, we create the wedding website sharing only the main information, while mentioning that formal invitations will follow. Clear, early communication is a cornerstone of destination wedding planning.
8. What are the drawbacks to a destination wedding?
Unfortunately, not everyone you hope to attend will be able to make it. This is a major consideration. Additionally, you’ll need an experienced local wedding planner to help organize everything, including logistics, as you likely won’t be able to see all the details in person. Therefore, you must work with a reliable professional who will be your eyes in your chosen country. Also, if you’re bringing items from your home country (like the wedding dress, for example), proper handling is important. Moreover, some companies might offer standardized ‘destination wedding packages’ with cookie-cutter experiences, which could disappoint if you’re seeking a more personalized celebration.
9. Wedding dress: how to pack it with you?
Good news: ALL airlines today accept traveling with your wedding dress on the plane. Your wedding dress is considered a carry-on item. However, I suggest calling the airline before flying to inform them you’ll be carrying your wedding dress and ask if there are any specific requirements. Be sure not to use wire hangers, as they might cause issues with security gates.
My tip: Make sure you have a fantastic dress consultant who isn’t just trying to sell you what looks ravishing. You’re gorgeous anyway. Embrace the destination (and the season) first!
10. What are guests expected to pay at a destination wedding?
Generally, guests pay for their expenses, such as flights and accommodation. However, couples often receive special rates for group accommodations. Certain activities and meals during the destination wedding are typically hosted by the couple, such as a post-wedding brunch or welcome reception.
Tips on human and emotional aspects
11. Are destination weddings worth it?
Absolutely. It’s a unique experience that will allow you to spend some of your best days with your loved ones. It’s an excellent opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and friends while enjoying breathtaking landscapes.
12. Do you invite everyone to a destination wedding?
Just like traditional weddings, you should only invite those you truly envision being part of the most important day of your life.
13. Expect some people to be upset with the destination wedding option
You can’t always please everyone. Not all your loved ones will be able to make the trip, whether for personal or financial reasons. This is part of the inherent compromise of destination weddings. Some of these people might feel sad about missing your wedding. Remember, you can always livestream the ceremony for those who couldn’t attend and send them a lovely favor.
My tip: If you prefer, you can host an open-house party in your home country.
Tips on legal and cultural aspects
14. Not all countries allow legal marriage for foreigners
Unfortunately, not all countries permit legal marriages for foreigners. In France, for example, one of the engaged couple must be French or have residency in the country. Know that you may only be able to have a symbolic ceremony – and in some cases, a religious ceremony is possible.
My tip: While a civil marriage is an official matter, hosting a grand reception is about love and celebrating with those you cherish. 100% of my clients have their civil ceremony in their hometown 1 week or 1 month before flying out.
15. Be flexible and happy
Destination weddings require an open mind: you’ll need to embrace cultural differences, especially in communication! After all, English isn’t always your vendors’ first language. Prepare for some twists and turns before everything clicks into place.
My tip: As someone whose first language isn’t English, I like to ask/repeat to ensure we’re both on the same wavelength regarding communication. This is my secret, as I navigate between American and British English. Precise communication is essential in destination wedding planning to avoid any misunderstandings.
While planning a destination wedding might seem complex, with careful preparation, a trusted wedding planner, and clear communication, it becomes a memorable and emotionally rich experience. The key is remembering that every detail contributes to making this day unique and precious.
