Although a dream come true and thrilling in every possible way, planning a wedding can prove to be a rather stressful and frustrating time, too. This is true for any wedding, never mind a wedding abroad. The good news is that planning a destination wedding needn’t be as terrifying or as complicated as you might expect. Here are some helpful tips to consider...
Choose your destination wisely
The location is everything. Firstly, you will need to bear costs in mind at all times, not only regarding overseas wedding venues and accommodation, but also in terms of other important essentials that may affect your guests. For example, if you’re planning a fantasy wedding in the Balearic Island of Majorca, you’ll want to consider the cost of food, public transport and car hire in Majorca, as well as everything else for the wedding. Leave no stone unturned.
Secondly, you’ll also need to investigate the weather forecast in line with your wedding date. Don’t let yourself get caught out by a rainy season!
Travel there beforehandÂ
You may think that you’ve chosen the perfect wedding location, but the only way to know for sure is to travel there ahead of the big day and see for yourself. Sometimes, the actual area is gorgeous, but the venue itself leaves a lot to be desired. Unless financially impossible, travelling to the destination will help to avoid any potential disappointment when it’s too late to make changes, and will boost the chances of the special event being as magical as you’d always hoped it would be.Â
Pick your guests wiselyÂ
Attending a wedding abroad is a sizeable expense and a great effort – one that not everyone will be willing to make! With that in mind, it’s worth it to only invite your nearest and dearest. On the plus side, a smaller wedding will also end up being much cheaper and more intimate for you too.Â
Send out save-the-dates as early as possibleÂ
A destination wedding means that guests will need to make special arrangements if they are to attend. Depending on when it will be taking place, most will need to request to take leave, book their flights, and perhaps save up a bit of money in order to make the most of the experience. As a result, it’s essential that you send out save-the-dates with plenty of time to spare. We recommend letting your guests know a year in advance - they will undoubtedly be grateful for the notice.Â
Check on wedding customsÂ
A different country means different wedding customs, and it can pay to be aware of these. For instance, weddings in Italy are all-day affairs.Â
Book your flights earlyÂ
By booking your flights early, you’re likely to enjoy a discount as opposed to paying full price if you wait until the last minute – never mind the risk of not being able to secure a seat at all. Just remember to book your flights using your maiden name unless you plan to change it legally before you fly. Ultimately, a bit of forward thinking and strategic planning are all that you need in order to keep stress to a minimum and ensure that your wedding abroad is the happiest day of your life. No panic necessary!
Still on the hunt for your destination wedding? Find overseas wedding suppliers here!