A Few Tips for the Destination Bride

A Few Tips for the Destination Bride

You have decided to have a destination wedding, now what?! Here are a few tips for destination brides to help you have a successful wedding, wherever you go!

1. Find a coordinator.

If you have never been to your destination before, a local coordinator is a must. A coordinator will know if you need to pull a permit for your dream beach wedding, or how to obtain a wedding license and a local officiant. They can help you nail down all the details, from big to small, like what is the best restaurant to host a rehearsal dinner, or where can you get your dress steamed before your wedding.
And you can choose the level of service you want. Have a big soiree in mind? You might want to get a full-service coordinator. Heading to Maui with your fiance and five closest friends? A same-day coordinator is a cost-effective way to make sure the day goes smoothly.
For very intimate, laid-back gatherings, you may be able to get an all-inclusive package from a coordinator, or hire the few vendors you want on your own, i.e. a photographer and an officiant.

2. Plan to arrive more than one day early.

Many destination brides choose to combine the wedding and the honeymoon, so they tend to save all their vacation days for after the wedding day. Make sure you leave enough time, however, to finalize all the little details, and solve any last-minute issues. The bigger the wedding, the more days you will want to arrive ahead. Some details include: Meeting with your vendors, obtaining your marriage license, steaming or buying your clothing, dress rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, picking up any last-minute items such as gifts, flowers, decor, food or libations prior to the event.
If you are having a small wedding, arriving on a Tuesday afternoon for your Thursday wedding is perfect. For a larger one, consider 2-3 full days before for a stress-free experience.

3. Ask for advice.

Don’t be afraid to ask your vendors or coordinator for advice. We know your destination well, and we are more than happy to offer our expertise or suggestions on the best-of-the-best to you!

4. Do what YOU want!

The majority of destination couples are paying for their wedding themselves, so remember to hold true to what you want. Sit down with your fiance and separately write out a list of the things you want, and don’t want, at your wedding.  Then compare notes. Keep those notes to read any time a guest, family member, or even vendor is trying to talk you into something you don’t remember wanting. $500 for a cutout of Elvis? You would rather splurge on that trash-the-dress session during your honeymoon!

5. Have fun!

You are already in the process if you are planning a destination wedding 🙂 Remember to have fun with it and enjoy marrying the person of your dreams!