8 Ways to Make Planning a Destination Wedding Easier
However, planning a destination wedding can be difficult. It can be overwhelming trying to find and deal with vendors in another location – especially when there is a language barrier to overcome. There is also the added stress of getting to the destination and making sure your guests can make it there too. Don’t be disheartened – eloping can make planning a destination wedding a breeze. Here are our helpful hints for making the whole process easier.
1 – Start Planning As Soon As Possible
It is important to give yourself as much time as possible to plan your destination wedding. This will give you time to find the best deals and do your research. It is not unusual to start planning a wedding 1 or 2 years in advance, although it is still possible to pull off a destination wedding in a couple of months. One of the most important factors is how long it will take to get all of the legal requirements in order. Check out our where to elope pages where we have summarized some of the waiting periods and other legal requirements for various destinations. We also blogged about places to avoid when planning to elope!
2 – Consider a Destination You Are Already Familiar With
If you want to make things easier on yourself then it is a good idea to select somewhere you are already familiar with for a destination wedding. Is there a special place where you took a vacation together? Do you have family or friends living in a different city? Knowing the area can help make planning your wedding and finding vendors easier.
3 – Find Out Who Can Realistically Attend If You Are Having Guests
If you are intending to invite a few guests to your destination wedding then you need to find out in advance who is likely to be able to attend. Are your grandparents too frail to travel far? Can your parents afford to take a foreign vacation? These are all factors in where you end up choosing to elope to. Ask these questions prior to booking your wedding.
4 – Choose an All-Inclusive Elopement Package
If you truly want to make planning your destination wedding a breeze then we highly recommend looking for an all-inclusive elopement package. Many of our vendors will handle more or less every aspect of your big day – all you have to do is show up!
5 – Be Realistic of the Cost (For Guests Too)
With any wedding, the budget is a key factor, but when it comes to a destination wedding it can be even more important. Not only do you have to consider your own budget, but also how much you are asking any guests to pay. They will have to take time off work, arrange transportation and book rooms. Be realistic in how much you can expect guests to pay and be prepared for some of them to say no due to financial reasons.
6 – Research the Legalities
We have already covered this briefly in section one, but do take the time to research the legalities of marrying out of state or in another country. You not only have to consider the requirements for obtaining a marriage license but also whether or not the marriage will be legal on your return to the United States.
7 – Give Yourself Extra Time at the Destination
It is a good idea to arrive at your destination as far as a week in advance if at all possible. This will allow you to fulfill any local marriage license waiting requirements. You will also have time to get to know the area and get over potential jet lag if there is a time difference. Aside from the practicalities, it is also great to have a couple of days to relax before the wedding!
8 – Take The Dress as Carry-On Luggage
One of the biggest tips we can offer when planning a destination wedding is regarding the dress. Plan to take your dress as carry-on luggage rather than checking it in your baggage. Some airlines allow an additional allowance for bridal attire. You can also ask if there is room to hang the garment bag in the Captain’s closet. It is wise to select a lightweight dress in a fabric that won’t wrinkle easily.