5 Essential Tips for Choosing Your Dream Wedding Destination
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, filled with endless possibilities as far as location goes! One of the most significant decisions for any couple when deciding to have a destination wedding is in selecting the perfect destination. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, a romantic city affair, a quaint countryside ceremony, or a gorgeous Tuscan villa – the location sets the stage for your special day.
Jeremy Lawson Photography // Collin Pierson Photography // Collin Pierson Photography
Here are five essential tips to help you choose the right wedding destination:
1. Consider Your Style and Vision
Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple. Do you envision a relaxed beach wedding with bare feet and ocean breezes, or do you prefer the elegance and sophistication of a grand ballroom? Maybe you’re drawn to the rustic charm of a countryside barn (spoiler alert, I always love barns!). And let’s not forget that the Tuscan countryside is a knockout location for a wedding! Identifying your style will narrow down potential locations. Think about the weddings you’ve attended and what you liked or disliked about those venues. This is a GREAT place to start when thinking about your wedding location.
2. Budget Matters
Be realistic about what you can afford. The hardest part of my job is when a client doesn’t or cannot understand that a wedding budget creates the parameters we operate within. My friend and mega talent Andrea Eppolito always says “it is not about the stuff, but how the stuff makes you feel” and I love this. Why? Well, it’s simple – within the overall allocation that you would like to invest in creating your wedding day there are going to be particular elements that are a bigger priority than others and this is important to know, especially when it comes to destination weddings.
Certain destinations may come with a higher price tag due to location, popularity, or the time of year. Consider the costs not just for the venue, but also for accommodation, travel for you and your guests, local vendors, and any additional activities.
3. Guest List and Accessibility
Your guest list size will influence your choice. A smaller, more intimate gathering opens different possibilities compared to a large, grand wedding. Also, think about your guests’ convenience. Is the location easily accessible? Are there direct flights? Consider the needs of older relatives or guests with children. An easily accessible destination ensures more of your loved ones can join in your celebration. I always suggest working with a travel concierge as well as a planner to one-two-punch of both logistics, travel, and everything else!
4. Weather and Season
Research the weather patterns of your chosen destination. Yes, I actually said that! But so true – when is hurricane season? Or rainy season? What about hot summers full of traveling families? If you’re dreaming of a sunny beach wedding, you’ll want to avoid hurricane season. Similarly, a winter wonderland wedding requires a destination with guaranteed snow. The season will affect not just the weather but also the crowd density, pricing, and availability of venues.
5. Local Marriage Requirements and Legalities
Different countries and even states have varying legal requirements for marriage. Some places require residency for a certain period before the wedding, while others have specific documentation needs. Research these requirements well in advance to avoid any legal hiccups. If it’s too complicated, consider having a legal ceremony in your home country and a symbolic one at your dream destination.
And BONUS! 6. HIRE. A. Planner!
I work with clients all over to world to bring their weddings to life, and the reason why working with a planner like me who is not “based” in the destination is so important is that I work for my clients and with my clients to create a really thoughtful, beautiful, well organized wedding planning process and ultimately, day. We speak multiple languages, have worked in multiple countries, and understand how our clients feel as “couples planning destination weddings” as much as we respect the culture and location that we are working within. Pair that with our 16 years of experience, THAT is why our clients feel confident, informed and at ease!
Choosing your wedding destination is a personal and significant decision. It sets the tone for your special day and creates the backdrop for your memories. Consider your style, budget, guest convenience, weather, and legal requirements. Most importantly, choose a place that resonates with your heart. Your wedding is a celebration of love, and the right destination will reflect just that.
Remember, wherever you decide to celebrate, the most important element is the love you share and the commitment you’re making to each other. Happy planning! 🌟
