Destination weddings are some of the latest trends in the industry, as younger couples wish to marry in a non-traditional way. Therefore, they seek unique locations all around the world where they can officiate and host their wedding, so they not only travel to celebrate this special event but also avoid the hassle of planning.
Destination weddings also include a shorter guest list, usually just the family and closest friends. While this doesn’t mean traditional weddings are wrong, it just shows how trends shift, and people prefer more intimate weddings.
Couples want uncomplicated weddings nowadays so they can focus more on having fun and spending time with their guests. At the same time, they have complete control over creating the wedding of their dreams in their preferred spot, so here’s how you can do it, too.
What do you need for a destination wedding?
The must-haves of a destination wedding mostly include your belongings. Besides planning and researching, it’s best to bring some essentials when traveling, whether abroad or not. In many cases, the actual wedding necessities could be provided by the services offered at the wedding location, as many of these spots expanded their offerings to make destination weddings possible.
What you wear at the destination wedding depends on various factors, such as the theme of the wedding, the weather, and the customs. Still, you may need to bring your wedding dress to ensure there’s no possibility of it getting lost. Choose an appropriate dress that’s made of breathable fabrics, such as lightweight lace. If you’ve got bridesmaids, you could ask them to bring their own bridesmaid dresses, especially if you’re not a fan of matching gowns.
When’s the best time to host the destination wedding?
The high wedding season usually happens during summer but can also stretch to the beginning of spring. These dates tend to have the highest prices, so if you’d prefer a destination wedding on a budget, you could look into the shoulder wedding season that also includes the end of autumn
and the beginning of winter.
What’s more important is to research the climate and ensure you’re not preparing for a wedding in the middle of hurricane season, which can occur between May and November in tropical countries. At the same time, avoiding the months when the weather is scorching is ideal.
What about the officiant?
Marrying in a foreign country means different rules and requirements for the process. Check these details beforehand, as some countries ask for stuffed paperwork, such as birth and medical certificates, to officiate the wedding. Some couples prefer to get a domestic marriage certificate, where possible, after having their civil ceremony at their birthplace. Finally, don’t forget to bring your valid passport with you everywhere you travel, and maybe your driver’s license, too.
What are some of the best spots for a destination wedding?
Most of the popular wedding destinations for couples who want to elope include dreamy locations where the traditions and locals bring something special to the event, such as the following:
- The Amalfi Coast in Italy is a surreal spot from which you can exchange your vows on a cliff over the ocean;
- Santorini in Greece is famous for its whitewashed buildings in contrast with the blue sparkling water;
- Tulum in Mexico is an affordable and special place with white-sand beaches and lush jungles;
- Honolulu in Hawaii offers one of the most energetic experiences, waterfront venues, and dazzling photography spots;
What are some requirements to keep in mind when picking the location?
Newlyweds are now looking for secluded spots to have a quiet wedding, but several of these places might lack the amenities the couples are looking for. That’s why it’s essential to contact businesses from the preferred wedding destinations and talk about all your needs.
This is necessary to navigate potential challenges like recent travel warnings or health concerns in the region. Consider who is coming to your wedding, and if you’ve got elderly or friends with children traveling, make sure their stay is as comfortable as possible, with the possibility of accessing healthcare services and benefiting from appropriate services.
Should you visit the venue before the wedding?
If you want to be extra sure the wedding will go smoothly, experts advise couples to visit the destination at least once before the event and spend a few days at the venue. This is how you will determine whether the overall vibe of the location will meet your expectations and offer a unique experience to guests.
This is also ideal for meeting with vendors, including florists, photographers, or caterers. Asking for referrals should help set the budget and explore local talent for organizing a wedding, which is why getting closer to the locals and being open to collaboration is important. Meeting with venue experts could also expand the wedding planning, as some come with fun and unique ideas, such as a welcome party or a post-wedding brunch.
What about insurance and unexpected expenses?
Considering you’re hosting the wedding somewhere far from home, you should look into wedding insurance programs. They can protect your financial investments and offer assurance that regardless of what happens, the policies agreed on in the contract will cover unfortunate happenings like guest injuries, vendor issues, or lost or stolen items.
On the other hand, unexpected expenses should always be expected, especially at significant events like weddings—forecast payments for shipping costs, baggage fees, or even airport transfers. If you rely on your credit card for certain expenses, it’s best to let the company know of foreign traveling plans to avoid unexpected transaction fees or a declined card.
Ready to tie the knot?
Destination weddings are considerably popular, as they’re more affordable, personal, and fun than traditional ones. They allow couples to travel and see the world while officiating the most important day of their lives. Still, you have to prepare by comparing venues, discussing with vendors, and making sure you don’t miss any required papers and documents.
