Destination weddings can be loads of fun. Not only do you get to essentially go on vacation with your loved ones, but you then will be able to tie the knot and celebrate your union in an exotic location – while potentially spending less than you would have for a normal wedding.
However all that is assuming that things go right. If things go wrong your destination wedding could turn into a nightmare that leaves you stressed out and at wits end.
To ensure that doesn’t happen, here are 5 really common mistakes you must avoid:
1. Not Having a Local Wedding Planner
Hiring a local wedding planner is essential for destination weddings regardless if it’s a wedding in San Francisco or Mexico. The fact is you won’t be there to meet with vendors and organize things, so having someone with experience organizing weddings in that location will help a lot.
Not only will a local wedding planner familiar with photographers, videographers, and other vendors – but they will have an easier time communicating with them too. Talk to the hotel or resort you’re dealing with first however, as some will provide you with a wedding planner as part of an all-inclusive package.
2. Paying Too Little or Too Much Attention to Guest Itineraries
Aside from the wedding and reception, destination weddings offer the opportunity for you and your guest to share other exciting experiences together. This is something you don’t want to overlook, however at the same time you don’t want to be too controlling about how your guests spend their time either.
Try to find a balance between the two and pick a few fun (but optional) activities while still giving your guests ample time to do their own thing.
3. Block Booking Before Confirming the Wedding Booking
It goes without saying you’ll want to book rooms ahead of time for your guests – but you should never do this before you confirm the wedding booking. If you do you’ll end up trapping yourself and may find that you’ve booked rooms and paid a deposit but there’s no availability for a wedding on those dates.
4. Not Giving Guests Enough Notice or Information
Compared to normal weddings, destination weddings require guests to take time off work, possibly get passports, have funds to pay for travel and accommodation expenses, and make other arrangements. The later you invite your guests, the more difficult it will be for them – especially if you haven’t provided ample information.
As a rule try to inform your guests anything from 9 to 12 months in advance so they have ample time to prepare. On top of that give them as much information as you can about traveling, accommodation, currency rates, and anything else that may be relevant.
5. Not Having a Backup Plan
Although the weather at your destination may normally be warm and sunny – what if it isn’t? What are you going to do about that amazing beach wedding you had all planned out if it’s a stormy day?
Always talk to the venue and your wedding planner about a backup plan just in case weather conditions are bad or something else happens. Most hotels and resorts will have indoor locations as an alternative, but may charge extra to include them as an option.
Conclusion
If you avoid all these mistakes, your destination wedding is more likely to go smoothly and you can enjoy it without any last minute emergencies stressing you out. In that way you can have the stunning destination wedding of your dreams and will always to be able to look back on it fondly.
