A destination wedding can be a memorable and unique way to celebrate your special day with your friends and family. But planning one can be a daunting task! There are so many decisions to make and details consider. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for planning a destination wedding. They’ll help you make your big day a success, no matter where you are in the world. From choosing the perfect wedding venue, to being aware of the legalities, we’ve got you covered.
1. Choose the right location
The location you choose for your destination wedding is crucial. Consider factors like climate, accessibility, price and venue availability. You may want to choose a place that has a special meaning to you and your partner. How about where you first went on holiday together? Or somewhere with stunning, picture-perfect scenery for your wedding photos?
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our handy guide on the top 10 destination wedding locations. From a romantic Mediterranean beach wedding on a Greek island to a cosmopolitan urban getaway in New York, the world is your oyster!
2. Give your guests plenty of notice and information
When planning a destination wedding, give your guests plenty of advance notice. This will allow them to make travel arrangements and organise their holiday time accordingly (particularly important for very far-flung locations). Send out save-the-date cards at least 6-8 months before the wedding to give your guests plenty of time to plan, and the invitations 3-4 months in advance.
Be sure to include all the important details on a separate information card along with the invitations themselves. We recommend the following as a bare minimum:
- How to reach your destination and where to stay (include your venue’s address)
- Information on the weather at the time of year (so your guests can plan their outfits)
- Tips for places to visit and eat in the area (ask your venue for recommendations)
We recommend listing any extra wedding-related activities, like dinner the day before, or lunch the next day, on your RSVP card. That way, your guests can tick off which ones they’ll be attending.
3. Hire a specialist local wedding planner
Hiring a local wedding planner can be a game-changer when planning a wedding abroad. They’ll help you create the perfect wedding itinerary and handle all the necessary logistics, so you can focus on simply enjoying your big day and being present in the moment.
A local wedding planner will have specialist knowledge of the area and wedding suppliers, and can help you navigate any language or cultural barriers. Let them serve as your personal directory of recommendations, from accommodations and restaurants, to activities and attractions.
4. Choose the right wedding dress and attire
When it comes to deciding on your dress code, be sure to consider both the location and nature of your wedding. Depending on the destination, you might need to choose materials that are comfortable in the heat or cold, and shoes that are suitable for the terrain.
If you’re getting married on the beach or very hot country, consider wearing slip-on sandals or going barefoot for a more relaxed feel. If you’re getting married somewhere cold like Iceland, think long sleeves and plenty of warm layers you can change into if necessary.
5. Plan group and honeymoon activities
An overseas wedding is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your guests. You can organise a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding lunch to extend the celebration and make a holiday of it. Plan group activities to create fun, memorable experiences. We recommend beach bonfires, water sports like snorkelling, hikes and day trips, or food and wine tastings.
Or plan activities for your honeymoon, to make the most of your flight tickets and journey! In fact, with honeymoons being a top splurge for newlyweds, combining your destination wedding with your honeymoon can be a great way to optimise both your budget and your time.
6. Don’t forget the legal details
If you’re hoping to tie the knot in a foreign country, be prepared to navigate some legal requirements that might be different from what you’re used to in your home country.
- Make sure your marriage or civil partnership is recognised by the law back home. This might involve getting certain licenses or translations of documents (for example, if you’re a Brit marrying abroad, a certificate of no impediment (CNI) from the UK government).
- Make sure you follow all the necessary procedures in the country where you’re planning to get married abroad. You’ll need to reach out to the local authorities to learn what to do.
The bottom line is that you don’t want to get caught out by any legal technicalities that could put a damper on your big day. So be thorough with your research!
Planning a destination wedding requires a bit more effort than a traditional wedding at home, but the results can absolutely be worth it. By following these top tips, you’ll be well on your way to planning the destination wedding of your dreams with all of the joy and none of the stress.
