Baby It's Cold Outside! How to Plan a Destination Wedding
What is a Destination Wedding? A Destination Wedding is a wedding at a location away from home. The location can be in a nearby city or town, in another state, or another country. Destination weddings usually include travel and overnight stay, even if only for one night. We have provided services in locations such as Barbados, Jamaica, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and California. We are experienced with providing our services “long distance” and can assist couples in the planning of their very special event.
Why do couples choose a Destination Wedding? Number one reason – it’s romantic! Formerly the exclusive domain of celebrities and the ultra-rich, Destination Weddings have in recent years become accessible to more and more couples looking to add an "exotic twist" to their special ceremony. Number two reason – to save money! Properly planned, a destination wedding can not only save your client upwards of $20,000 off the cost of a traditional wedding, it can also turn their wedding day into an unforgettable "mini- vacation" for them and their guests.
Things that make a Destination Wedding successful:
Planning, planning, planning! Planning should start at least nine months in advance. Twelve to sixteen months is even better. The wedding party and most guest will consist of family and close friends (those willing to make the trip) so ample time should be given to all participants for planning and budgeting purposes.
Helping the couple prepare a realistic budget for their Destination Wedding and sticking to it by presenting cost-saving ideas. There are many ways to save money away from home.
Careful site selection. The site should fit the couple’s personality (i.e. don’t plan a tropical wedding if the bride hates sand). Many places offer very special packages to couples in an effort to improve tourism. Compile a list of options in the couples preferred destination for comparison.
Comprehensive travel plans. Careful selection of main source of transportation, and transportation to and from points of departure and arrival for the couple, wedding party, parents, wedding team and guests needs to be made as far in advance as possible.
Legal requirements pertaining to the wedding need to be investigated and complied when planning weddings in other states and countries. Document preparation, government and administrative fees are additional points of interest.
Additional services (photographer/videographer, wedding cake, make-up artist, hair stylist, dj, band, etc.) need to either be carried with you or arranged for at the destination prior to departure. Careful research is needed in either situation. Finding vendors that provide the level of service the couple expects can be difficult long distance if choosing vendors at the destination, or finding vendors at home that can transport their services to another location successfully.
Challenges:
Finding home-based vendors experienced with destination weddings. Some vendors – like photo and video – should be contracted close to home so that you can continue to receive services after your wedding.
Arranging for services “sight unseen”. Travel to site prior to wedding if possible.
Anticipating weather during travel times – at the destination and through travel zones.
Logistical planning around other events (ball games, festivals, parades, etc.).
Finding supplies and equipment that may not be available at the destination.
Navigating through security and baggage requirements at airports.
Anticipating and planning for travel delays, cancellations, lost luggage, etc.
Unforeseen illness, injury, etc.
Whatever you choose to call it, an elegant setting can turn an ordinary event into the extraordinary. Historical buildings, gardens, parks and waterfront settings all lend a sense of luxury and style. The Washington Metropolitan Area is home to a beautiful assortment of rental sites available for weddings, receptions, and other events. Each site can become its’ own “Destination” for a beautiful wedding to remember!
