When it comes to your dream destination wedding, saying yes to the location is just as important as saying yes to the dress. Choosing the perfect venue for a wedding is always an exciting adventure, especially when it’s a destination wedding! This decision sets the tone for the entire event and is the first step toward creating the most memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
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Here are 19 important factors to consider when choosing your destination wedding location.
Location
The location of the destination wedding is a crucial factor to consider. It can be a place that is special to the couple and offers the right ambiance for their wedding. It could be a romantic beach location or a picturesque mountain town. You can also pick a location that holds significant meaning to both of you as a couple. Consider a favorite vacation spot together, the place where you first met, or a location that is important to your family.
Spend
A wedding in general does not come without its costs, and deciding to have a destination wedding is a big and exciting decision. The budget is an important factor to consider when choosing a destination wedding location. The cost of travel, accommodations, and venue should fall within the couple’s budget. Knowing how much you are willing to spend for these can help you determine where you can travel for your wedding.
Hire A Local Planner
If you would like an extra helping hand, why not enlist the services of a seasoned wedding planner? Particularly one with experience in coordinating destination weddings. Opting for a local planner who possesses comprehensive knowledge of the region, its language, and vendor network is a wise move. Entrusting the planning details to a capable planner can ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Date
The date of the wedding should be chosen carefully, taking into account the destination’s peak seasons. Also think of a specific date that allows you to have the guests you have in mind for your special day without any trouble. A wedding in the peak tourist season may be more expensive and be a touch more crowded than off-season periods.
Venue
The venue is an important detail to consider when choosing a destination wedding location. You can pick your destination to be at the beach, but do you want it at a resort, in a villa, or by the seaside? It should be a place that offers the right feel and facilities for the wedding ceremony and reception.
Accessibility
The accessibility of the destination is also an important factor to consider. Inviting more than 200 people to a small village might not be as feasible, especially if you include babies and older grandparents and relatives. The location should be easily accessible for the guests and have good transportation options.
Season or Weather
The season and weather at the destination should be considered when choosing a wedding date. A destination with good weather year-round may be a better choice than one with a short wedding season. Before deciding on your final wedding location, it is important to do your research and read up on the climate and weather of every location and see how it works with your wedding date.
Guest List
The guest list should be considered when choosing a destination wedding location. Think about how many people you want to be part of your special day. You should have a ballpark idea of how many people you want to be on your special day before deciding on your location. The location should be able to accommodate the number of guests and offer activities for them to enjoy.
READ: Who To Invite To A Destination Wedding
Legalities
It is essential to consider the legal requirements for getting married at the destination. The couple should check with the local authorities and obtain any necessary documents and permits. This is important especially if you’re flying to a country that may have different laws and regulations regarding marriage.
Travel Expense
The cost of travel for the wedding party and guests should be considered when choosing a destination wedding location. This may include airfares, transportation to and from the airport, and any additional costs for transportation within the destination. Considering your travel expenses helps you set a realistic spend for your wedding and assists you in being ready for any unexpected expenses like flight cancellations or changes in travel plans.
Lodging and Accommodation
The availability and cost of lodging and accommodations for the wedding party and guests should be considered. This may include hotels, resorts, or rental properties. Thinking of and booking accommodations in advance can help you make sure your guests have enough rooms and will have a comfortable time during your wedding.
Save The Dates
The location should be chosen with enough advance notice to allow guests to plan and save for the trip. Giving out Save the Date cards will give you an idea of how many guests you will have and how many you have to cater to. This also helps the guests out in planning their travel and booking accommodations too.
READ: When To Send Save The Dates
Local Transportation
The availability and cost of local transportation should be considered, including options for getting to and from the ceremony and reception venues. It’s important to do your research and consider your options when it comes to transportation available to make sure your guests can get to and from your wedding stress-free. We recommend checking if your chosen destination has reliable ride share or rental options.
Theme
The destination should align with the overall theme and aesthetic of the wedding. Setting the tone and ambiance of your wedding is important in making the venue more cohesive and visually appealing. You can tie in unique and different activities for your guests depending on your theme. It will also make it easier for you to decide on decorations, dress codes, and giveaways for your wedding.
READ: 11 themes for destination weddings
Food
The availability and cost of food and beverages at the destination are good to have in mind, including any dietary restrictions of the wedding party and guests. This also plays a major role in the overall experience of your guests. Choosing the right food and beverages can help to make your wedding more enjoyable and ensures that your guests are satisfied and happy. Happy tummies make for happy guests.
Local Suppliers
The availability and quality of local vendors, including photographers, florists, and entertainment should be considered. Using local suppliers helps to ensure that you have access to high-quality products and services that are suitable for your wedding location. You can also help to support the local economy by going for local vendors and suppliers.
Additional Activities
The destination should offer additional activities and attractions for guests to enjoy during their stay. With additional activities and sights to see, you can help make sure that you and your guests have a well-rounded and enjoyable experience throughout your wedding.
Extra Costs
The spend should also include allowances for additional costs such as luggage fees, shipping of decorations and wedding attire, as well as hidden costs. Additionally, the current exchange rate for the destination should be considered to ensure that the expected spend is accurate and affordable. Thank us later!
Wedding Insurance
We all want our wedding to go by perfectly, but you never know what can happen during the event. The availability and cost of wedding insurance should be considered to protect against unexpected events or issues at the destination. It can help you feel safe and secure financially knowing that it can cover a wide range of issues like cancellations, no-shows, or damage to your outfit and venue decor.
As you embark on the journey of planning a destination wedding, there are plenty of decisions to make. But once you’ve selected the perfect location, everything else will fall into place with ease. By having a clear vision of your ideal venue and conducting thorough research, you can rest assured that your special day will be everything you’ve ever wanted and more.
