Even before I fell in love with organising luxurious weddings throughout the Caribbean and around the world, destination weddings and elopements had my heart. Watching a couple get married is always special but celebrating with them in an incredible location takes things to another level. Despite being their biggest fan, I’d be the first to admit a destination wedding isn’t the right choice for everyone. If it’s an option you’re considering, here are some things to think about before making a firm decision…
In general, overseas weddings tend to be laidback, intimate affairs. If you choose a beach location, you’ll need to consider the climate and terrain when selecting outfits for yourselves and the rest of your wedding party. Although a formal dress code isn’t out of the question, sadly ball gowns and sand dunes aren’t a good fit! A destination wedding can be just as special and stylish as any other celebration, but you need to be sure the look and feel aligns with the vision you have for your wedding day.
If your guests are travelling overseas for your wedding, it’s partly your responsibility to help them have a good time once they arrive. If you’re not comfortable organising daytime activities and hosting extra events in the evenings, a destination wedding might not be for you.
Organising a wedding from afar is a very different experience to planning an event closer to home. You may have less control over certain elements. For example, it may not be possible to visit the venue or meet suppliers prior to your wedding. Make sure you’re OK with this before moving forward with your plans or enlist the help of an experienced destination wedding planner like me who can tour venues and liaise with local suppliers on your behalf.
This can be a deal-breaker. Whether due to financial, health or schedule constraints, it’s likely there will be guests unable to attend your wedding if it’s taking place overseas. Some couples can make peace with this, others can’t imagine saying, ‘I do’ without certain people looking on. Only you can decide, but you may want to discuss your plans with friends and family first. Do they feel able to make the trip? Are they excited to plan a holiday around your wedding? Once you know where they stand, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
You’ll find more destination wedding planning advice via the following links:
Whether you’re getting married in the UK or overseas, Benessamy can help! Discover our Wedding Planning Services or get in touch to arrange a consultation.
Val x
Photography credit: Bex Photo Pro
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