If you love to travel, then chances are you might have thought about getting married in another place from the one you live. While destination weddings are the stuff of dreams, they also come with the potential for some serious nightmares. From monsoonal mishaps to lost luggage vows, here’s some destination wedding tips and how to navigate the minefield of overseas “I do’s” with grace.
Destination Wedding Tips (and how to avoid a disaster!)
#1: Weather or Not – Check the Forecast!
If your dream is to get hitched on a sun-drenched beach, remember that even paradise can have a bad day. Before you book anything, check the seasonal weather patterns. Hurricane season? Monsoon time? Unless you want your wedding photos to feature you and your guests getting blasted by a tropical storm, timing is everything. A quick chat with the locals or a bit of Googling can save you from a washed-out wedding.
#2: Legal Eagles – Know the Law
Marrying abroad isn’t as simple as saying “I do” and tossing back a tropical cocktail. Every country has its own legal requirements for marriage. From blood tests to residency rules, make sure you’re clued in on the local laws to avoid your union being as invalid as your attempt to speak the local language after too many said cocktails.
#3: Plan B to the Rescue
Even the best-laid plans of mice and marrying couples often go awry. Having a Plan B is crucial. Outdoor wedding? What’s your indoor option when it turns out the weatherman got it as wrong as your fiancé’s dance moves? Double-book key vendors, have an on-call wedding celebrant, and maybe stash a spare wedding outfit for when Aunt Marge inevitably spills red wine down your dress.
#4: Delegate Like a Boss
Just because you’re superhuman enough to attempt a destination wedding doesn’t mean you should go it alone. Hire a local wedding planner who speaks fluent English and the local lingo. They can be your boots on the ground, ensuring your flowers aren’t dead on arrival and your beach venue isn’t doubling as a fish market on your big day.
#5: Guest Logistics
Coordinating guests for a destination wedding is a bit like herding cats, but less cute. Make it easy for them. Provide clear information about travel, accommodations, and the itinerary. Consider setting up a Facebook group or a wedding website where updates can be shared swiftly. And remember, not everyone will be able to make it – and that’s okay (really, it means fewer witnesses to the aforementioned dance moves and savings on catering costs).
#6: The Money Pit – Budget Like a Pro
Destination weddings can quickly turn from a ‘simple’ family wedding to a cash-consuming monster. Keep a tight rein on your budget. Consider what’s really necessary. Do you need bespoke napkins monogramed with your faces? Probably not. Do you need a stunning venue like The Prideaux Estate and enough drink to ensure everyone has a good time even if there’s a minor cyclone? Absolutely.
Also – don’t forget to take the exchange rate into account when preparing and keeping track of your budget.
#7: Embrace the Chaos
Finally, take a deep breath and embrace a bit of chaos. Something will likely go sideways, and that’s alright. It could even make for the best story of the day. Remember, at the end of it all, you’re there to marry the love of your life – everything else is just background noise.
We hope you have found these destination wedding tips insightful and here’s to a destination wedding that’s completely disaster-free!
