10 Tips and Etiquette to Plan a Destination Wedding

Destination weddings are becoming more common and accessible. Although leaving your hometown or country may sound like more work than it is, destination weddings come with many perks that can streamline the wedding planning process.  If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, then today’s useful wedding tips just be the perfect planning inspiration you’re looking for. 

STEP 1: Date and Location

Obviously the first consideration in how to plan a destination wedding is picking a location! Reflect on your past travel experiences for guidance on what location might bring you the most happiness. Couples eager to get married are looking beyond the sought-after Saturday to lock in a date. The weekday wedding is having a major moment and venues are responding with over-the-top perks to cater to the midweek crowd. 

STEP 2: Average Cost

The total cost of a destination wedding varies. Prices depend on location, the number of days, the number of events, the U.S. dollar to local currency exchange rate, the time of year, the number of guests, and more. That said, the average estimated baseline cost of a destination wedding hovers around $35,000.

STEP 3:  Hands-on experienced Planner

Your wedding planner will be your go-to person throughout this process. As we mentioned earlier, a wedding planner who is familiar with your wedding destination can make the planning process much easier. Picking the right venue, caterer, and guest experiences can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with your location.

STEP 4: Research requirements for legal weddings

Be sure to research requirements for legal weddings in your location. Many couples choose to have a legal ceremony in their city before their destination wedding.

STEP 5: Manage your guest list

If you have your heart set on a remote location or a site with limited space, you’ll have to be a bit stricter with your guest list. If you’re not able to shorten your guest list, consider a destination close to your home city.

STEP 6: SEND SAVE THE DATES EARLY BEFORE WEDDING

It is advised to send notice nine months to a year before your event to give your friends and family enough time to plan for your wedding. 

STEP 7: SEND WEDDING INVITATIONS

Your official wedding invitations can be sent 3 to 4 months before your wedding date. International travel may also require additional documents that differ from domestic travel guidelines, so be sure to keep your guests well informed.

STEP 8: Consider requesting no gifts.

In light of the expenses your guests might incur to attend the wedding, you may want to mention the phrase “your presence is our present" on your website and invitations. Otherwise, if a guest wants to give you a gift, they should have it delivered to your home before the wedding. 

STEP 9: walk through essential details:

Ideally, you’ll see your venue once before booking and again three to four months before the wedding to finalize details. If a second trip isn't possible, arrive at least five days early to make those decisions and have hair and makeup trials.

STEP 10: Romantic Honeymoon

No one likes to hop on a plane home the moment the party is over. Why not extend your destination wedding into a honeymoon (or minimoon?) Play that bride card as long as you can with spa days, excursions & fabulous meals with your friends and family.