Do you dream about saying ‘I do’ in a beautiful, faraway land? If so, you will probably be considering the prospect of a destination wedding.
Here is everything that you need to know about this option and why it could be a viable choice for you and your spouse-to-be.
The Location
Obviously, the actual destination is the most integral part of any destination wedding, hence the reason why it is not a decision that you should make lightly. Do your best to select a location that complements the two of you as individuals and as a couple, but also factor in the additional costs involved in terms of travel and accommodation for guests, as well as the time it takes to get there. While some guests may be willing to travel halfway across the world, others may not be too keen to endure a 14-hour flight.
The Costs
Speaking of costs, it goes without saying that destination weddings are more expensive than having a traditional one at home. This is because you will have to pay for flights and accommodation for the entire time that you are there and, if you’re feeling particularly generous, you may even be settling these bills for the guests too. However, these obvious costs are not the only ones to be aware of. You will also need to consider the exchange rate and whether or not it will work in your favor.
The Timing
You will need a great deal more time to effectively pull off planning a destination wedding than a regular wedding that doesn’t require any travel. Unless you have already been to your chosen location a few times before, you and your partner may want to take a trip there ahead of time to check everything out and finalize decisions regarding your venue and other bookings.
It is also essential that you give your bridal party and guests a heads up in terms of your plans so that they can start saving up. Be sure to tell your potential bridesmaids that you fully understand if they cannot commit to the role in the event that their finances are strained.
Finally, if you will be traveling and getting wed during peak season, you will need to book various services, such as a video production company like Awingvisuals.com and your entertainment, well in advance. Some have waiting lists that extend months into the future, so give yourself plenty of time to work with in order to avoid disappointment.
The Red Tape
You may need to work your way through the legalities in terms of tying the knot in a foreign country. In many instances, they can be quite complex and different than you might expect. For example, some countries have a residency requirement in place that insists you have to ‘reside’ in the country for a specific period of time before you can get legally married there. It is usually a period of a few days, but some can extend well over a period of a few weeks.
Best of luck as you plan the most special day of your life. Here’s hoping that it’s everything that you hope it to be and more!
