Planning a Destination Wedding

By Amy Hoover

Perhaps when you envision the perfect wedding you don't see yourself walking down the aisle in your family's church or standing in front of a judge. Instead, you might picture an exotic beach wedding or one high on a mountain top. If so, you will be planning a destination wedding.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding requires extra time and effort on both you and your spouse's parts. Whether you go into the wedding with a specific location in mind or you're open to anywhere, there are a few things that must be dealt with, no matter where you end up going.

Cost

Usually, the further away from home you go, the more costly the wedding adventure will be. In addition to paying for plane tickets and accommodations, you may also incur some additional costs or higher prices you wouldn't necessarily have back home. For example, you may get married in a church for free if you're a member, but at a destination location, you may have to pay a fee. Making and transporting any decorations or other do-it-yourself items will be virtually impossible or extremely expensive, meaning you'll have to buy or rent it all once you are at the location. While you can find inexpensive wedding packages, you are still usually paying more for a destination wedding than you would have for a local wedding.

Pack up and get married!

In addition to the cost to yourself, consider the cost to your guests. Unless you are able to pay for everyone to fly and stay at your chosen location, the guests will be footing the bill. If your immediate family and closest friends cannot afford to make the trip, you may be having a very intimate wedding. Decide if this option is okay with you and your future spouse.

Legalities

The next thing to check into is the legalities of getting married. If you are simply going to another state, just check the local county courthouse's website for information on what you need to bring in order to obtain the license. However, getting married abroad or in another country is often complicated. You'll need to make sure that not only are you allowed to get married in that particular country, following all of their laws, but that you can make it legal in the United States upon your return.

Wedding Date

The wedding date you choose depends on your destination. If you get married in Florida or the Caribbean, it's best to avoid hurricane season and spring break season. Getting married on a cruise ship off the coast of Alaska is best during the spring and summer months. If you want to get married in London or Brazil, make sure you plan around any national holidays or festivals so that tourist attractions are open, your wedding date is available and that finding a place to stay is easy.

Save-the-Date Cards and Invitations

Destination weddings are expensive for guests, so it is important to let them know as far in advance as possible of your plans. This allows them time to save money for the trip and get time off work. Send out save-the-dates at least six months to a year before the wedding to give them proper notice. Destination wedding invitations should be sent eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date.

Destination Wedding Attire

Attire for everyone in the bridal party is another consideration. Brides will have extra charges and worries if they plan to bring an elaborate dress on a plane. Consider shipping the clothing to the destination beforehand. Choose simple bridesmaids dresses that can be easily transported in luggage. Groomsmen and the groom can rent tuxedos from a local retailer to make things simple.

Wedding Details

Finally, don't forget the small details. Even if you're planning a destination wedding, you still need to have a photographer, flowers, centerpieces and other decorations and food for guests. Look into coordinating with someone at your ceremony and reception venue, hiring a wedding planner at the destination or using a wedding planning checklist to keep things running smoothly.

Popular Destination Wedding Locations

If you don't have a special place in mind, there are plenty of locations around the world that are perfect for a destination wedding. While planning a beach wedding is probably already on your list, it's good to consider all your options. One of these locales might be just the place for your wedding:

Choose the location of your dreams.

Las Vegas: Known for its weddings, Las Vegas has something for everyone. In addition to wedding chapels for every lifestyle and budget, those seeking to get married in Sin City can also enjoy a themed wedding or even a drive through wedding ceremony.
California Wine Country: Weddings in a Napa or Sonoma Valley vineyard are becoming more commonplace. Centuries of tradition and romance surround this elegant wedding destination. A reception held at a California winery is sure to be talked about for a long time to come.
Yosemite National Park: Yosemite offers a majestic beauty that could not be manufactured anywhere. With flowing waterfalls, meadows filled with wildflowers, panoramic views and snow-capped mountains, Yosemite offers year-round beauty that cannot be compared.
England: England is an elegant country, so it is the perfect place to get married overseas. Beautiful estates and historic sites offer luxurious places to wed with a rich history.
Thailand: Exotic adventurers will find plenty to love about a wedding in Thailand. Add Buddhist elements to your ceremony for a cultural element.

Dream Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding of your dreams is within your reach, as long as you keep some important information in mind. With the entire world open to you in your new lives together, it is fitting to start it by turning your wedding into a destination adventure.