Stick the landing: Nailing the Destination Wedding
Before rushing to a sensual oasis (here's looking at you, Mexico) to marry your beautiful bride, remember some critical particulars exist. For your consideration, here are some pros and cons. Significant pro: A wedding miles away from your abode guarantees an intimate ceremony (with an all-star cast) that doubles as a two-for-one wedding and honeymoon. Big Con: planning such an occasion is no easy accomplishment. There are many moving parts, and people shuttling is far from easy.
Simply put, Destination Weddings are not for everyone. Yet, for those up to the task? The reward ultimately outweighs the risk. Typically in the U.S., most couples quickly become impatient waiting on vendors who chill and are laid back. Here comes another con: the relaxed disposition is prevalent with international destination wedding vendors, so if you prepare well in advance, you'll be able to stay fresh and full of energy moments before you say "I do."
While preparing for your destination wedding, there are various other factors to think through, and - for your consideration - here are my top three destination wedding tips.
Location, Location, Location!
As you select your idealic destination, lock in the basics. First of all, be safe and make sure your dollar is long. Choose a place that is friendly on the wallet and easy on the accommodations needed for your bridal party.
Preparation is critical: double-check and be up-to-date on all travel warnings or health concerns in the region so that none of your wedding guests feel uneasy due to their religion, gender, or sexual preference.
The feasibility of travel is also huge; If Nona of Pop-pop needs wheelchair assistance or a kind helper for the weekend, remember that preparation is better than desperation, and thinking ahead will reward you in the long run.
Pros of a Pro
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL! Forgive my screaming in all caps, but this is very important. If you want the event to go off without a hitch, get a planner or wedding coordinator specializing in destination weddings. When planning a destination wedding, you'll need feet on the ground before you arrive, finalizing the last-minute details so you and your guests can arrive stress-free. A pro removes much of the guesswork and will save you precious time. A few days removed from your wedding, there isn't a soul alive who wants to be saddled with executive decisions wild enough to make the Commander-In-Chief shudder, so leaving it to the experts is the best way to move. Expounding further, I think having a pro familiar with the location, venue, and vendors will also make any unseen oversights easier to manage as they occur.
Visit in Advance
In a perfect world, the bride and groom will see the Wedding venue once before booking and again right before the wedding. If a second trip isn't possible, the bride and groom should arrive at least a week early to get a feel of the location and climate to make the decisions necessary for a successful wedding.
