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Top 15 Destination Wedding Tips

Destination weddings are enjoying an enormous surge in popularity, as more couples transport their weddings to tropical islands, favorite beach locations, mountaintop resorts, foreign countries, and big cities. Perhaps all of their relatives married in their hometowns, and they want to do something different. Or, work has taken them far away from their families and friends – who are also spread out across the country – so if everyone has to fly to the wedding, they might as well fly someplace great. From dreamlike scenery to rich cultural traditions and five-star resort service, the destination wedding becomes a unique experience for all. Here are the top tips for your destination wedding plans:

1. Keep travel preferences in mind.
   If you know that your parents don’t like to fly, consider a closer destination. If you know that you’ll only have a two-day weekend, choose an island or location that’s just a short flight away, not a 17-hour flight. Choosing the right place for your guests’ travel comfort is just as important as choosing a beautiful location.
   
   
2. Don’t rule out continental destinations.
   There’s no rule saying that you have to go to an island, so think outside of the usual vacation destinations to find a site that’s perfect for all of you. If you’ve always loved wine country, consider a destination wedding to your favorite wine region. If you’re ski enthusiasts, think about your favorite ski resort towns. Love the mountains? Check with a travel agent for special destination wedding deals in a state or town you never before considered. It’s all about getting away to a locale that’s you.
   
   
3. Know the season and the weather.
   Talk to your travel agent and on-site wedding coordinator about the perfect timing for your destination wedding. August might be hurricane season, or the super-hot season, at the locale of your choice, so you might get great advice to select a later wedding date. Know the term ‘shoulder season,’ which is the block of time right after peak tourist season when the weather’s still fine, but the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower. ‘Off-season’ usually invites weather concerns and fewer attractions open at the locale.
   
   
4. Ask what’s going on at your locale.
   The tourism department or hotel event planning staff can tell you if there will be any major conferences or festivals in town. If the city is overrun by Spring Breakers or a fireman’s convention, it could mean that your idyllic location is going to be loud and not ideal for your wedding.
   
   
5. Interview wedding coordinators at your site.
   Don’t just take the first one who answers the phone. Hire this expert with as much care as possible, since he or she is going to be the person who brings your wedding to life. Most couples travel to the destination itself beforehand to meet with wedding planning staff and tour the grounds in order to reserve their pick of rooms, gardens, poolside areas, beaches, coves and guest rooms and suites. An in-person tour and meet-and-greet is always the best course of action, rather than booking everything online.
   
   
6. Send your Save the Date cards as early as possible.
   As soon as you have your plans set, create your Save the Dates and send them to everyone on your guest list. Make sure you include your personalized wedding Web site link so that guests can find out more about your travel plans, group room rates, arrival dates and other important information for their trip booking.
   
   
7. Incorporate local customs, cuisine and entertainment.
   Pay homage to the local culture, rather than just transporting the same wedding that everyone else has had. Using the chef’s specialties and local cultural performances gives your wedding more personality and an unforgettable flair.
   
   
8. Get instructions for packing and touching up your gown.
   Designers and seamstresses have had lots of experience with this, so let them know that you’re planning a destination wedding. They’ll not only advise on the best styles of gowns for your chosen location, but they’ll help you package your gown for transport to the site (always carry it on the plane with you!) and teach you how to touch up your gown with a gentle steaming. Every gown gets a little bit smushed during transit, so don’t be alarmed if you have a flat dress when you get there. The hotel staff can also help you touch up your gown when you arrive. They too have the experience.
   
   
9. Send your props to the resort ahead of time.
   From favors to décor items and other things you’re buying at home and using at your wedding, ship everything to the resort using tracking and insurance. Have your coordinator contact you when your packages arrive.
   
   
10. Create an itinerary for your guests.
    Print up a gorgeous brochure that lists all of the pre-wedding events, as well as the timing of your wedding day, including all essential details. Add a personal note about why you chose this location, and share your happiness about their being with you for your wedding.
    
    
11. Allow for some down-time.
    Don’t overbook your guests with endless activities. This is their vacation, too, so provide blocks of open time for guests to enjoy the beach or take a tour in the city. Destination wedding guests say the #1 mistake that some couples make is micro-managing their schedules.
    
    
12. Give your guests great welcome baskets.
    They’ve spent a lot, and taken time out of their busy schedules, to join you for your wedding, so invest in their welcome gift baskets. Massage oils, gift cards to the spa, free meals at the hotel, spa socks, gourmet snacks, bottles of wine and water…indulge them with gifts that show your gratitude. And include a tour book and free passes to area attractions for their downtime.
    
    
13. Select an all-inclusive resort.
    Guests appreciate being able to pay one price and enjoy as many meals, snacks and drinks as they want without worrying about running up high tabs. At some resorts, menu items and drinks can be very expensive.
    
    
14. Provide items and activities for kids.
    Ask the hotel events planner what they have available for kids’ activities. Some resorts have great kids’ camps with adventure sports in safe environments. But don’t book the kids without parents’ permission. Some families love to spend time together, especially with extended family present. If you’ll plan kids’ activities, create special itineraries for the kids’ welcome gift baskets (and pack their baskets with their favorite snacks and drinks).
    
    
15. Celebrate afterward with a larger guest list.
    Since you may have only invited a handful of family and friends to your destination wedding, plan a post-honeymoon celebration with your big list of extended family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and others. It can be a casual party at home or at a restaurant, a dessert party, a wine tasting, or some other budget-friendly option to share your great news with all your loved ones. Send this invitation out 6-8 weeks before your return from your honeymoon, with the wording, “Come celebrate our marriage at…” or “We tied the knot in Hawaii! Come celebrate with us at our new home…”