Congratulations on your engagement! Weddings are great fun to plan, but can also get very stressful, so don’t leave things to the last minute. Planning a memorable destination wedding is a different ball game. There’s a lot to take care of, from choosing the ideal destination, picking suitable travel dates, and getting reliable local vendors to provide great service.
You must cross the T’s and dot the I’s so that every small detail is catered for beforehand for a smoothly run, stress-free wedding. This article will give you a heads-up on items to think about while selecting a venue for your perfect dream wedding.
1. Budget
When selecting your ideal destination, consider how much money you want to spend on getting there, lodging, and other wedding-related expenses. Once you’ve set up a realistic budget, you can narrow down your list of locations and pick the most suitable one. List every item that you’ll spend on, from the number of rooms booked to how much the wedding cake will cost.
Also, consider whether it’ll be affordable and easily accessible for your wedding guests too, especially elderly folk. You may end up with very few guests if the destination is far away and expensive.
2. The Destination
Decide with your better half whether you want to an idyllic resort with a sandy beach and turquoise waters, a countryside villa with sprawling grounds, a vineyard surrounded by rolling hills, or a scenic mountainside resort. What’s the distance from the airport? How long would it take to get over jetlag? How many people can it accommodate? A typical wedding has 131 guests. Keep this in mind to make sure the chosen venue has enough rooms to accommodate all your guests.
3. Local Climate
Another key thing to consider is what the local climate would be like on your preferred wedding date. Being by the beach during the rainy season isn’t exactly thrilling. Check out the location’s climate trend over the last few years. Flood zones are continually being revised, and around 25% of flood damage happens in places that aren’t classified as high-risk flood zones. A pleasant climate in a safe area is a win-win. Prepare a backup plan in case a sudden storm strikes on your wedding day.
4. Vendors
You’ll need to carry out some research on the availability of various wedding vendors that you’ll need to make your big day awesome. Look into local caterers, florists, photographers, decorators, bands or DJs, and make-up artists. Will certain vendors, such as a photographer, travel with you?
The cost of each of these services provided needs to be factored into your budget, e.g., whatever your wedding budget is, it’s appropriate to allocate 8-10% of the whole wedding budget to flowers. Based on your requirements, you can adjust your budget accordingly.
5. Local Culture
Find out what your preferred destination has in terms of local culture and attractions. You and your guests may choose to sample some local places or visit any famous landmarks or cultural attractions in between wedding functions. If your guests are staying for a couple of extra days, make a list of local places to visit.
Be mindful of local culture and note the do’s and don’ts. Some places require your head to be covered and public displays of affection could be inappropriate in certain areas.
6. A Wedding Planner
Hiring an expert wedding planner will eliminate the burden and worry, leaving you relaxed and ready for your big moment. The expense of a wedding planner is well worth it.
Send out your ‘save-the-date’ invites well in advance, so your guests have a chance to make travel plans, visit the venue with your spouse-to-be to get a feel of the place, and visit local vendors and sample local cuisine. This is your big moment, so if every detail has been thoroughly looked into, all you have to do is look radiant, show up, and lovingly say ‘I do’.