It might not seem like it at first, but planning a destination wedding needn’t take any more effort than organizing one at home. Having organized my own four-day celebration abroad, I can say with confidence that it can actually be easier…
Key Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Location, Location, Location
Naturally, deciding on a destination is the first step. There are three main ways to do this: pick a place that’s meaningful (perhaps the country where you met or where family resides), work backward according to your budget, or simply find somewhere convenient to both you and your guests.
I’d planned to get married in the Philippines, my mother-in-law’s home country, but it would have blown our budget. We settled on Lombok in Indonesia because it was near enough to our Australian guests but far enough away from popular Bali to provide a new experience.
Plan a Research Trip
If time and budget allow, visit the destination before the wedding. Research potential accommodation and ceremony options in advance, make a shortlist, and then head there a year before the big day.
A hotel website isn’t always the best indication of facilities, and you won’t know how helpful staff are—or about extra costs—until you meet in person. A reconnaissance is also a good opportunity to scope out your guests’ travel path. You might discover that flight delays are common or that certain modes of transport are preferable over others.
Consider the Weather
This is important both for the timing of the ceremony and guest attire. If you’re hoping to get married somewhere tropical, try to avoid the peak of summer and rainy season for your best chance of a clear sky and general comfort. In cooler climates, prepare for all eventualities—yes, rain is always a possibility.
When choosing your wedding outfit, dress for the climate and encourage your guests to do the same. At our beach wedding, I went barefoot and swapped silk for lace, while guests kept cool in linen suits and flowing summer dresses. Giving guests proper guidance on attire is essential, such as advising against high heels because of uneven terrain or suggesting they bring an extra layer in locales that get cooler at night.
Sort Out the Legalities Before You Go
There are certain requirements you’ll need to fulfill for the marriage to be recognized on home soil. Not only do you have to ensure that your marriage is valid in the country of your wedding, but it may also need authentication when you return. Be sure to check your local laws and those of the country where you plan to wed.
If it all seems a little overwhelming, many couples choose to have a small civil ceremony at home either before or after the destination wedding, which takes the pressure off.
Carry Your Outfit Onboard
It’s not worth thinking about the possibility of a wedding dress or suit in checked luggage getting lost in transit. Don’t risk scrambling to find another outfit or damaging your clothes; most airlines will happily hang your suit bag for the duration of the flight.
Make sure you have something to protect your outfit when you go through security, as the x-ray conveyor belt can leave black marks on both the covering and light-colored clothing.
Keep Things Simple for Guests
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or inviting over a hundred people, try to give guests 12 months’ notice so they can plan time off work in advance. Consider organizing your wedding during school holidays, so any parents on the guest list don’t have to worry about taking their kids out of school.
Once save-the-dates have gone out, put together an information pack to send with your invites or via email to make the journey as easy as possible for those attending. Include information on flight routes, transfers, any recommended medication, required visas, and general information about the destination. Not everyone will be able to afford to travel, so be sure to mention that you understand it’s a big ask.
One of the reasons we chose Lombok is its affordability. Indonesia is relatively cheap to get to for Australians, and being outside of busy Bali meant that we were able to cover a few nights’ accommodations as a sweetener for the same cost as the average wedding back home.
Create an Itinerary
The same way a hotel might leave a welcome note, it’s nice to provide an itinerary for guests as they arrive. Thank them for making the trip and provide information and timings for the wedding day. If your wedding trip takes place over several days, plan some optional activities for guests to have fun and get to know each other.
We asked friends and family to host yoga and meditation each morning, threw a welcome cocktail party, and organized a day trip to a nearby island.
Manage Your Own Expectations
I’m a bit of a control freak, so it might come as a surprise that getting married overseas was the best thing for me. Arranging things from afar meant that I had lower expectations than if I had been on the ground during the planning phase.
Although things may not go as planned, being away from home can make it easier to accept circumstances beyond your control. So long as you have supportive staff and ensure the day goes smoothly, it will. Don’t let hiccups ruin this significant moment in your life.
Remember It’s About You, Not The Destination
Little touches can make all the difference at a destination wedding. Treat it like a holiday, but remember that everyone is there for you. It’s essential to acknowledge your roots and incorporate meaningful elements into your ceremony, making it a unique experience for guests.
