Are you over the oh so typical church wedding? Maybe the warm (or cold) weather is calling your name, or you’ve dreamt of tying the knot in a specific romantic destination since you were little? Whatever the case may be, you know you want to wed the love of your life in a place you don’t call home and we’re here to help with Faviana’s guide on how to plan your dream destination wedding!
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1. Choose Your Location
Well, first thing’s first, you need to choose the destination! It’s time to do some research. A few things you should consider while choosing are some of the technical details such as budget, flights, and distance but also making sure it fits the mood you want for your wedding weekend and reflects you as a couple. If you want the waves crashing behind you while you marry the love of your life, go for a tropical location. Maybe you’re a city dweller but want to go somewhere new? Try Paris or London. Do you and your soon-to-be spouse spend your weekends in the great outdoors? A wedding in the mountains would be perfect. The possibilities are endless! Check out our article with the best destination wedding places.
2. Visit a Place
Visiting the location that you’re planning such a huge and important event in is a great idea. You can scout out the area and even create a list for your guests of restaurant recommendations or fun things to do during their free time there. You should also check out and book the vendors and venues you’ll need for the wedding such as ceremony and reception locations, hotels, florists, photographers, and caterers. You might even want to have a taste test with local caterers or a hair and makeup test run with salons in the area. Quick tip: Ask if the venues have their own wedding coordinators or wedding packages to help you along the way.
3. Picking the Date
This is so important and the date you pick is dependent on where you choose to have the big day. You may not want to have your Caribbean wedding during hurricane season or have your European countryside wedding in the midst of the sweltering summer heat. Definitely research when it is the best weather in your location. With that in mind, the best time to go to the locations will most likely be during tourist season so pick your date far enough in advance so that you can reserve hotel rooms and book flights. You also need to tell your guests far in advance about your destination wedding, which brings us to our next tip…
4. The Guests
Ideally, you’ll want to send out save the dates to your guests at least a year in advance to give your loved ones time to plan their trip and book flights to and from the location. You should also include the closest airport and a list of hotels nearby or the resort where you already reserved a block of rooms. Make your guests feel at home when they arrive by dropping off baskets in each of their rooms with weekend essentials such as suntan lotion, snacks, and a map of the area – personalize it to the area you decide to have your wedding. You should also slip in the list of fun activities and maybe even plan an itinerary or a few activities for the group like a sightseeing tour. Your guests will really appreciate the effort you put into making them feel welcome, as they have traveled far to spend this important moment for you.
Also, do not forget to inform your guests in advance about your wedding dress code, so they will be able to find their perfect wedding guest dresses.
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5. Getting Travel-Ready
Now you have to make sure you can get there! Make sure both you and your fiancé’s travel information, such as passports and visas, are up to date. Be sure to research the marriages laws in that country and how to obtain a marriage license – you are there for that reason! Don’t forget to pick out a bridal dress to match your location and bring all of your wedding day essentials. Pack your bags because you are about to embark on a trip you will remember for the rest of your life.
6. HAVE FUN!
It’s your big day and while it may be stressful, you are there to spend time with the ones you love most and marry your soul mate. Don’t forget to take a minute to relax on the beach, go to a museum in the area, or have a night on the town with your bridesmaids. You chose that location for a reason, so explore!
Looks like you’re ready for your dream destination wedding! Don’t forget you still need a beautiful wedding dress and fun bridesmaids dresses for your special day and Faviana definitely has your back on this one. We hope we helped you in this stressful process and know you will have an amazing wedding day. Had a destination and have a few more tips we missed? Be sure to comment below and don’t forget to tag us in your stunning wedding pictures on our blog’s new Instagram @glamandgowns and Faviana’s Instagram @Faviana and Twitter @FavianaNY.
xo,
Faviana Team
