You may know Bali as one of the most luxurious, highly sought-after honeymoon spots in the world, but the Indonesian province is just as deserving to be the host of your upcoming destination wedding. The serene beaches, ever-sunny tropical climate, and vibrant cultural heritage will lend a gorgeous and meaningful palette to your special day. 

While the prospect of planning a destination wedding can be nerve-wracking at first, we assure you that it’s totally possible to turn your dreams into reality. Thanks to the wealth of knowledge and resources to be found in the Bali wedding industry, your fairytale celebration can come to life before your very eyes—you just need to have a strong grasp of your vision, and the elements needed to tie it together! 

Without further ado, here are 10 crucial steps for planning your Bali wedding! 

10 Tips for Getting Married in Bali

1. Plan the Wedding Well in Advance

When it comes to wedding planning, one rule always holds up: the earlier you start, the better. This is especially true for a destination wedding—the logistical considerations will cover multiple variables and moving parts, which require detailed and organized forethought. Plus, the early bird discounts offered by suppliers are always a treat! 

Earlier planning also keeps your options open, as vendors are less likely to be tightly booked 12-18 months before your chosen date. This way, you’ll have way more wiggle room to compare rates, portfolios, existing client reviews, and other qualifications important to your vendor selection process. The more time you have on your hands, the less stressed you’ll be! 

Here are some steps to help get you started: 

• Set your vision for your wedding: Define your wedding vision, theme, and mood. Discuss which wedding elements are most meaningful to you as a couple. This way, your wedding will be free from stress and distractions, and will instead celebrate your precious love story in an undeniably unique and genuine way. 
• Create a timeline: Draft a list of milestones and when you need them done, so that you can visualize your planning process in its entirety.

• Decide which tasks you want to take ownership of, and which ones will be passed to your coordinator: Maybe there are elements you would love to DIY, such as handmade souvenirs or decor. It’s all up to you! Identify these tasks early on so you can focus on pouring your heart into them, and let your coordinator handle the rest.  

2. Learn the Legal Requirements Needed to Tie the Knot in Bali

To get married in Bali, you need to comply with Indonesian travel and marriage regulations. It is essential to research this information right away, so you can immediately apply for any missing documentation you’ll need down the line. In addition to the basic requirements such as a valid passport, a visa to enter Indonesia (if applicable), and a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, other documentary requirements can be confirmed by a Bali-based wedding coordinator. 

If you need more peace of mind, you can also opt to hire a legal consultant from Indonesia with expertise in processing marriage paperwork. Best of luck! 

3. Set an Informed Budget

We believe that it is absolutely achievable to throw a meaningful, unforgettable wedding at any price point—it all boils down to what the couple wants! Having your vision and non-negotiables in mind, identify your priority elements for the wedding, and how much you are willing to spend on them. 

To get started, spend a whole day browsing vendors online and sending out requests for quotations. Compare the rates, and get the average cost of the supplier range you’re eyeing.  

Essential Budgeting Tips: 

• Prioritize Expenses: Focus on your priority areas and eliminate unnecessary expenses. Maybe you would love for a more elaborate photography and videography package. So, to accommodate the extra expense, you can cut down on things that don’t mean as much to you. 
• Set aside a contingency fund: Factor in a generous buffer amount—around thirty to forty percent of your overall budget—to potentially cover unforeseen expenses. You never know what could come up in planning a destination wedding, so cushion your budget with thick lining so you don’t feel as shocked in a crunch! 

4. Determine Your Guest List 

Now, your guest list will greatly affect your wedding planning process. A larger group will define your budget. A diverse age range, such as having a mix of toddlers and the elderly, will affect your choice of venue—you’ll certainly have to reconsider your cliffside ceremony accessible only via a semi-steep hike. Plus, finalizing your guest list will have to be one of your first orders of business as guests many months of notice to make it to your overseas event. 

For these reasons, make sure to write your guest list ASAP. Even if you haven’t exactly secured a venue and date yet, at least send out an initial notice of invite with the target week so that your guests have a plan to work with. 

5. Find a Bali-Based Wedding Planner

A Bali-based wedding planner offers priceless on-the ground vendor connections, knowledge, and niche expertise. You’ll need somebody who is able to do regular oculars, speak the local language, and navigate cultural nuances. This is especially crucial if you’ll be based outside of Bali for the majority of the wedding planning—you need a point person who’s within arm’s reach of your venue, the city hall where you’ll be registering your marriage, and has enough savvy to guard you from online scams, which unfortunately abound on social media. Hiring a qualified Bali-based dream team is key! 

READ MORE: What Is The Difference Between Wedding Planners, Coordinators, Designers and Stylists

How to Choose the Right Planner

• Check Reviews: Look for recommendations and testimonials on their official website, and cross-check their real wedding features with local wedding publications if possible. 
• Interview Candidates: Discuss your vision for your wedding and gauge whether their services and style are a fit with what you want. 
• Review Contracts: Ensure clarity on the scope of their services, rates and payment terms, and the timeline. 

Check out planners like Global Weddings, Bali VIP Wedding, Hitch’d Weddings, Happy Bali Wedding, and more! 

6. Select a Venue & Date 

Bali offers an exciting range of unbeatable venues. You have gorgeous beachfront resorts, cliffside villas, garden estates, and other lush havens that highlight the warm, abundant beauty of the tropics. Some of our most beloved venues include Jumeirah Bali, Alila Uluwatu, and Soori,  Though the options abound, you’re sure to find a venue that immediately speaks to you as a couple, calling out to you as the destined backdrop for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, make sure to consider the size of your guest list, the accessibility of the location, its amenities, and how the weather patterns on your chosen date may affect the venue. For example, April to October generally experiences dry, predictable weather, while November to March is known to see rainy days. Ensure that the venue has provisions in case of rain on the day, and will be able to switch to an alternative set-up with no cost. 

You may also check for local holidays and peak seasons, so that your extended wedding vacation won’t coincide with the crowds or the closure of tourist spots due to national holidays. 

READ MORE: 27 Bali Wedding Venues You Need to See

7. Embrace Balinese Culture 

Incorporating the rich culture of Bali into your wedding will make your special day even more memorable. Grace your party with local music, traditional ceremonies and rituals (where applicable), and sumptuous dishes. 

Your wedding planners will be invaluable information sources for this: they can give you the best recommendations, as well as guide the event toward a respectful treatment of the involved cultural elements. 

8. Choose the Best Photographer

A destination wedding is essentially two massive milestones rolled into one: it’s a beautiful union of your life as a couple as well as an extremely special overseas holiday that you’ll get to spend with your nearest and dearest! That said, it is vital that all core memories are expertly captured. Enter the professional photographers and videographers who can immortalize the essence of your wedding. Find a team whose portfolio aligns with your taste in color grading, composition, and ambiance, but also demonstrates an understanding of your story as a couple. You’ll treasure these memories forever! 

READ MORE: Destination Wedding in Bali: Embark on 7 Days of Bliss Where East Meets West for an American-Persian Destination Wedding, featuring photographer Axioo Bali. 

9. Make it Meaningful for the Guests

There’s no doubt that your guests will have the time of their lives at your destination wedding. Enrich their experience even further with personalized touches, such as special welcome gifts, activities and games tailored to the group’s interests, as well as opportunities for sightseeing around Bali. 

Coordinate with your resort for group tours for island hopping, water sports, and treks. You could also source brochures on nearby tourist attractions! 

10. Support Local Businesses 

Another question you’ll have to answer: which items will you ship out to Bali, and which will you source locally? This decision will impact your budget and logistical planning, as shipping is very costly and time-consuming. It can also end up being stressful in the case of delayed or even lost shipments! 

To save some time and energy, you may opt to shop local for your destination wedding in Bali. If you are able to visit Bali prior to the wedding, you can even contact Indonesian fashion designers and have your attire locally made! 

Sourcing locally supports the businesses in the area, and offers you the opportunity to champion artistry and craftsmanship in your destination of choice. 

We hope these tips will help you kickstart your wedding planning journey. Bali is a spectacular island province that will take your breath away, and we know your nuptials will be as enchanting as your love story. Your dream wedding in Bali awaits!