If you’re looking to have a destination wedding, there are a few things to consider for your big day!
While you may have your heart set on saying vows in a dreamy faraway land, depending on your actual wedding needs, this may or may not be suitable to your plans.
From guest size to hurricanes, here’s a helpful list of 7 ways to help you decide on having a destination wedding.
1. Guest size – the smaller the guest list, the farther your destination
According to TheBudgetSavvyBride, the international wedding size is around 100 guests. This is important to note so that you won’t run into any invitee limitations when selecting an international venue. For instance, if you’re looking to share your special moments with over 500 of your family and closest friends in Jamaica, you may find it harder to select the perfect destination as some venues, such as the Ocean Cliff Hotel, can only hold up to 250 people.
2. Budget – more money, more travel destinations
No matter where you plan to share your nuptials, costs add up pretty quickly. However, when you add travel costs and extended hotel stays, costs could jump at lightning speed. Whether you decide to prepare for the big day in your room at The Cove Luxury Resort in the Bahamas for $781 a night, or further away at their sister resort in Dubai, don’t forget to research these expenses. Currently, one night of experiencing luxury at Atlantis – The Palm Dubai starts at 2,771 (AED) or $755 a night.
3. Honeymoon matchup – save time to spend more moments with your spouse
Speaking of luxury, you and your soulmate may have your hearts set on treating yourselves to a well-deserved honeymoon. You can get a head start honeymoon by saying “I do” at the same location. After dancing the night way and making the most of your reception, you can wake up in paradise.
4. Wedding date – the closer the date, the closer the destination
You’ve dreamed about this day since you knew that they were “the one” so the sooner the better, right? If so, remember that you have to coordinate travel for your wedding party, select compatible round-trip tickets, get time off from work, and – I know there’s so much to consider, but fear not, you can always extend your wedding date for what makes the most sense to you.
When you wish to tie the knot two years from today, a destination wedding may work, but a ‘save-the-date’ under three months may run into complications. While this may not completely rule out a destination wedding, you may have to choose a closer destination. If you live in California, Mexico might work better than Egypt for you.
5. Professional allowances – check your employee handbook for this one
We’ve covered how expensive weddings can be and because they aren’t free, we can’t forget to take any career responsibilities into account. Maybe you’re a lawyer with a huge case coming up, a writer with a deadline due next winter, or a member of our military awaiting a change of station – these are important duties to take into account.
Schedule conflicts should be avoided in general when planning a wedding so when you’re also traveling, remember that you need more time away from your desk for travel. Zola advises that the best way to ask for time off is to ensure your employer that you can continue to meet your expectations and finish your projects ahead of time.
6. Vendors – will your must haves travel for the big day?
Aside from your actual wedding party and guests, will you be able to include your vendors? You may taste test the perfect slice of cake just to find out that that cake isn’t suitable for cargo travel. Or maybe that one makeup artist that you’ve been excited about booking is afraid of planes. If you have strong ties to your vendors and they are on your must-have list, then a destination wedding may not be the most compatible.
7. Climate – the date and the climate should be compatible
You both agree on an early June ceremony so that you can take pictures under the glowing sun in Hawaii – but wait! Don’t forget about the climate differences in your destination. Hawaii’s hurricane season starts in early June and ends on the last day of November each year, as confirmed by Hawaii’s Office of Public Health Preparedness. You can always check local government agencies and weather organizations to determine if the weather will work for your ideal date.
Quick Recap:
The following list features great starters to help determine if a destination wedding is right for you and your partner.
- Guest Size
- Budget
- Honeymoon
- Wedding Date
- Professional Responsibilities
- Vendors
- Climate
You can still make your dream destination wedding come true even with 850 guests, just keep this criteria in mind so that you decide on having a destination wedding, accordingly.
Plan away!
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Destination Weddings are one of a kind weddings. They can be intimate and small, or large. No matter what direction you go in, make it your own. In the Florida Keys I have worked lots of destination weddings, from people that visit from all over. Each couple expect and want something different. Opening up to peoples wants is what is most important.