TOP 5 REASONS WHY EVERYONE SHOULD BE PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING
If you have found yourself here, it’s more than likely you are at least curious about a Destination Wedding.
So what exactly is a destination wedding? Well, it’s pretty simple actually. It’s a wedding held somewhere other than your home town. And to be quite frank, it is anything you want it to be. Many professionals may even interchange “destination” for “elopement”. Don’t let that scare you! What once may have been looked at as taboo, is now becoming a popular alternative for hundreds and hundreds of couples all around the world. FOR VERY GOOD REASON. If I were getting married today (instead of 10 years ago) my husband and I would have absolutely gone the destination/elopement route...and let me tell you why:
1. COST EFFECTIVE
Don’t be mistaken, destination weddings are still an investment, and they can charge you as much as any traditional wedding... if you want it to. But for most of our couples, they have been able to save hundreds less in comparison to a traditional or local to you wedding.
HOW? Well, I'm glad you asked.
When booking a destination wedding, you will see that the many destination venues are located at all-inclusive resorts. This means: meals, tables/linens rentals, decorations, cake and sometimes a few hours of complimentary photography coverage are all included in your package price. These prices, compared to local venues, are significantly lower and offered at reasonable prices.
When booking your destination location - you can go ANYWHERE. A flower lined aisle leading to crystal blue waters? Vows in front of a waterfall? First kiss on top of a mountain? Castle fairytale? When you choose destinations like these, you don’t need to budget in the additional decor to create your dream look. It’s already there!
Because the location is not typically close to home, this can also significantly lower the number of guests in attendance. By doing this, not only does it become much more intimate, but it lowers the price of rentals and food!
If you choose not to celebrate at a resort, that’s ok too! There are many destination vendors (like myself) that not only offer special rates for intimate and unique ceremonies, but can also send over vendor recommendations, assist in obtaining the proper permits and assisting in getting your marriage license.
2. IT’S EASIER
I know what you might be thinking …”there’s no way planning a destination wedding, states or seas away is easier than the wedding venue up the street”. And I am here to tell you: YES WAY!
Unlike standard local venues, when planning your destination wedding, those all inclusive resorts that we touched base on up there ^ offer FREE planning help to couples with an abundance of package options. Shout out to on-site wedding coordinators and pre-designed “all inclusive packages” to best fit your dreams. The back and forth between vendors back home and the overwhelming amount of options is basically non-existent. Once you have narrowed down your location and choosen a package that best fits your hopes, dreams, budget and guest list...you are virtually DONE. All you have to do is show up!
Many couples I have worked with are often anxious about how to organize travel for their guests and it is my absolute pleasure to send them to one of my favorite travel agents to arrange all of it! That’s right...flights, transfer from airport to resort and back, as well as lining up the resort room bookings. They can even organize excursions for you and your guests such as snorkeling trips, sightseeing, ATV rides and more. Take advantage - they are there to do just that, and they do it well! Your guests will have easy access and communication with your agent and will have everything they need to travel safely there and back...and you won’t have to lift a finger.
3. QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR VIPS
Do you know how many couples say “that went by way to fast” or “I don’t even remember who all was there”? I’ll tell you...almost all of them!
Traditional or local weddings tend to create quite the challenge to speak to each person in attendance. You may get 4-5 hours to fit in all the hugs, dancing, cake cutting, dinner and trying to introduce each side of the family to one another. Whereas, a destination wedding usually means your guests arrive days prior to your wedding allowing more quality time together. This time spent together allows for incredible memories and adventures that are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Every one of our destinations have yielded a more interactive and relaxed celebration in comparison to our typical weddings. There is just something about having that extra time to be with all of your VIPs.
4. HONEYMOON ADD-ONS
After all of the big celebrations - you are already one step away to start your honeymoon! Many resorts will offer additional savings and packages for couples who add on to their stay for a honeymoon. Many couples have received free upgrades on their rooms as well as spa credits while staying.
It is also very common for couples to choose to change to a new location nearby. Hawaii Wedding? Easy to hop to a new island. Tuscany wedding? Short flight into Paris. The options are endless and make streamlining straight into your vacation as newlyweds THAT. MUCH. EASIER.
5. THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUNNING PHOTOS ARE ENDLESS
When deciding to have a destination wedding, keep in mind that breathtaking and magical photos are around every corner. This is one of the main reasons so many couples are choosing a destination over traditional. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to dress in your best and profess your love at the bottom of a waterfall or on the edge of the ocean.
You will want to make sure you have chosen the perfect photography and/or videography team to have by your side. This team of professionals will spend the most time with you on wedding day, as well as the adventures you choose to have before or after the exchanging of vows. They are usually the last ones you see before walking down the aisle and the first ones to offer you congratulations after the “I do’s”.
We suggest first looking through their portfolio. You want to like their work, of course. Do their images make you feel like you were there? Do they inspire you? Make you smile? If so - then reach out to them for a consultation. You want to make sure that they make you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wanting. We also suggest finding a team that has experience in destination photography. Destination weddings and Traditional weddings differ in that there is a lot more required in the planning process for perfect pictures. Many wedding photographers will take on destination weddings - but someone who specializes in them will not only have experience in the “wedding” part, but will also be your guide throughout the entire planning process. Finding the perfect spot, making sure you have the proper permits, sending over vendor recommendations and giving you tips like “how to pack my wedding dress”! Having someone on your side to walk you through preparations for epic images is absolutely necessary!
And there you have it, friends. There is no better day than the day you say “I do”. Why not celebrate it exactly as you want it and in your dream location. If you have decided that a destination wedding is right for you, it’s time to start planning! I would love to help you start that process and to make all of your wedding dreams come true!