It’s true, travel advisors have planned a lot of destination weddings and honeymoons. With that experience comes a wealth of knowledge they’ve gained over time. Keep reading to get their best advice on the essential do’s and don’ts of destination wedding planning.
DO: Embrace Local Flair
One of the best parts of a destination wedding is tapping into the local culture to make the experience extra special. Incorporate the flavors, traditions and even music of the locale into your big day. Think fresh ceviche on the beach in Mexico, Champagne and macarons at a château in Provence or a locally made traditional lei po’o flower crown in Hawaii.
Local cuisine can be delicious and economical.
Delegate decorating to a professional.
DON’T: DIY Everything
It’s easy to get sucked into the idea of making your own wedding favors and table settings, but a destination wedding will just make transporting these projects more stressful. Save yourself the headache and trust your onsite wedding planner to handle the details. Some resorts have entire collections of trendy and timeless décor pieces to choose from — and it’s usually already included in the price.
DO: Avoid Analysis Paralysis
As you begin the research process, you’ll find that there are seemingly endless destination wedding and honeymoon options. Don’t stress yourself out comparing them all. Instead, talk to our agency. We can save you a ton of time by providing a customized list of filtered options based on factors such as your preferences, timeline and budget.
Our travel agents can create custom travel packages for you.
Not all of your guests may be able to attend.
DON’T: Assume Everyone Will Attend
As magical as it sounds, not everyone can swing a destination wedding. Some may have budget constraints or schedule conflicts. Don’t be discouraged if not everyone can make it. Some destination wedding couples plan a post-wedding celebration when they’re back home for anyone who missed out.
DO: Keep the Weather in Mind
Nobody wants rain on their wedding day, but tropical locales are known for surprise downpours. All-inclusive resorts know this and almost always have backup indoor options — like a garden pavilion, ballroom or wine cellar. Work with our agency to avoid rainy season and ask your day-of coordinator about backup venues, just in case Mother Nature throws a curveball.
Don't let the weather ruin your special day.
All the details are covered by the wedding planner.
DON’T: Sweat the Details
When it comes to wedding planning, it doesn’t get much easier than a destination wedding booked through a travel specialist. Not only will all your travel details be taken care of for you, but you’ll also have just one vendor for the wedding day. The resort provides an event planner to keep everything organized and they can help you make your selections for flowers, photography, hair and makeup, food, music and more. Easy!
DO: Use a Professional
There are many moving parts that go along with planning a destination wedding that you could only know through experience. When in doubt, turn to those who do this for a living. Travel advisors are essential for negotiating the best rates, organizing all the booking details and protecting your trip with travel insurance.
Experts make it effortless, trust our travel advisors.
Preview your wedding spot to help you feel more confident before the big day.
DON’T: Forget to Visit Ahead of Time
Planning a trip to your wedding location before the big day gives you a chance to meet with vendors, check out the venue and get a better overall sense of the destination. It’s an investment in peace of mind — and a great excuse for a mini getaway! Plus, many resorts offer discounted rates for wedding previews.
