Saying 'I do' in a dreamy overseas location is incredibly romantic, but there's a lot more involved in planning a destination wedding than simply booking flights and choosing a nice hotel.
Read on to discover some of our top tips...
The location of your wedding will not only impact the overall feel of your celebration, but also travel, logistics and the budget required to pull things off. Practicalities aside, we believe your wedding should say something about your personal style and passions.
Did your partner propose on an exotic beach in the Caribbean? Why not head back with your friends and family in tow? Do you love the great outdoors? A mountain wedding surrounded by breathtaking scenery could be perfect for you. Or if you're passionate about food and wine, consider the gastronomic delights of Tuscany.
While getting married outside of the UK seems like an ideal way to avoid bad weather woes, it's not quite as simple as that. For example, if you're getting married in Mexico or the Caribbean you'll want to avoid the height of hurricane season in August, September and October. Similarly, parts of Italy may be unbearably hot in July and August.
Destination weddings require extra planning from guests too, so if you want people to come, it's vital that you give them plenty of notice. Whether you send an official Save The Date or rely on something more informal ('we're aiming for somewhere in the Caribbean in January 2019'), we'd recommend giving 9-12 months warning.
Some guests won't book things like flights and accommodation until they receive a full invitation, so it's also important to send these a little earlier than you would for a local wedding.
Destination weddings often take place over long weekends and as your guests are essentially 'trapped' at your chosen location, it's your responsibility to keep them entertained. A welcome party provides the perfect opportunity to greet everyone and means your friends and family won't have to worry about where to eat on the first night of their trip. Brunch the morning after the wedding is also a good idea.
Although it's certainly not compulsory, it can be nice to offer other activities between the main events. Read our post about how to extend your wedding beyond one day for more ideas.
When shopping for wedding attire, it's important to consider the climate in your chosen location. You'll soon find yourself dripping in sweat if you choose to pair a voluptuous ball gown with a tropical climate and your groomsmen won't thank you if they have to wear a full-on three-piece suit in the sun!
If you plan to exchange your vows outside or on the beach, you may want to avoid wearing a long train or three inch heels that will sink into the sand as you walk.
Until next time,
Happy planning!
Val x
Find out more about our destination wedding services
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