When you think of a destination wedding, you probably envision a beach. However, a destination wedding can be anywhere that is considered a vacation spot–no water required! Many couples opt to have their weddings in a different country or area of the U.S. that holds special meaning to them, among the most popular being Italy (in no particular order), California, Dominican Republic, France, Hawaii and Ireland. No matter where you choose to have your big day, there are things to keep in mind to help things go smoothly and take away some unneeded stress.
Don’t ship your wedding gown.
Never ship your wedding gown to your destination. If flying, take it with you as a carry on and keep it close (and never pack it with your checked luggage!). Nothing would be worse than having your dream dress lost along the way. Don’t worry about wrinkles, just be sure there is a dry cleaner nearby to steam your gown, just in case. Your hotel may be able to help as well.
Keep your passports in a safe place.
This is of the utmost importance! Make sure you know where your passports are at all times. Appoint a place for them and keep them there. Once you arrive at your destination, it might be a good idea to have a safe in which to store them for the duration of the trip.
Consider a wedding planner.
If you have the budget to do so, think about hiring a wedding planner who is familiar with the destination. They know the ins and outs and are typically widely available, especially if you go for a beach resort wedding. The planners are readily available on staff. All you need to do is tell them what you want and enjoy.
Have a backup plan.
Bad weather–it can instantly put a huge damper on any outdoor wedding no matter the venue. Always have a backup plan. Many brides will have a large rental tent ready or an emergency indoor space ready to be transformed. This goes back to the wedding planner. He or she will always have this covered.
Comfortable and reputable accommodations.
For the bride and groom, as well as the guests, it is important that you have accommodations that you feel completely comfortable in. If you have been to the destination before, stick with what you know. If you haven’t, be sure and pay close attention to the hotel or resort reviews and don’t be afraid to ask questions and make special requests.