destination-wedding

Planning a Destination Wedding: Etiquette

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    It can be stressful to organise a wedding at a faraway location. There's a lot to do, and it's simple to lose sight of the forest for the trees. Dream weddings don't have to break the bank or take a lot of time and work to plan, but they do require some forethought and preparation on your part.

    While the focus of the wedding should remain on the happy couple, there are certain etiquette guidelines that can be followed to ensure that all of the guests have a wonderful time at the location. Think of who you want to invite, how much time off work you and your future spouse will need, how you'll get everyone there and back, and how you'll handle transportation.

    One of the most important questions to answer while organising a wedding is, "Where will we get married?" What should I offer at my reception, if anything? How should we go about organising and funding our honeymoon? Please tell me the steps I need to take to make my dream a reality. These inquiries cover only the surface of what may be the most thrilling period of your life.

    Including a honeymoon in your plans means extra money and more preparation. It's overwhelming to consider all of your options for your wedding day when there's so much information available. Please feel free to contact us regarding this blog article.

    There are several factors to consider when organising a wedding at a far-off location. There's a lot to think about, and that might make couples anxious. If you want to have a wedding in a destination, here are some suggestions to help you organise it.

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    Suggestions for the Couple Who Will Be Getting Married Abroad

    Invites to weddings need to be sent out far sooner.

    If you're having a destination wedding, you can disregard the rule of thumb that says invitations should be sent out two months before the big day. In its place, your invitees will need to arrange time off from work and save up for transportation costs.

    Sending out Save The Date cards as least six months before the wedding gives guests plenty of time to make arrangements or politely reject. The real wedding invites should be sent out no later than four months prior to the wedding.

    It's important to give your guests plenty of notice so that they can arrange travel, lodging, time off work, and maybe child care in order to attend your wedding. A local wedding usually requires at least two months' notice for invitations to be sent out. Invitations should be sent out at least three to four months in advance for a destination wedding.

    That's why it's important to send out save-the-dates eight months (or even a year) in advance, rather than the usual 6-7 months. The earlier you let the people you want to attend your destination wedding know about it, the more likely they are to be able to attend, especially the more remote the location of your wedding.

    The Timing Is Perfect

    The nicest weather in major holiday spots, however, tends to coincide with tourist season, when there are often more crowds, fewer hotel and venue availability, and higher costs all around.

    Booking your wedding location and guest rooms in advance through a website like Hotel Planner is essential if your big day falls during this busy season. It's possible to save money on lodging for both you and your guests by travelling during the shoulder seasons.

    While there may be fewer visitors in the off-season, bad weather is always a possibility. As a result, many businesses may be forced to close their doors. Need help planning your wedding? Check out our list of Wedding Event Planners here. 

    The invitations should reflect the theme of the wedding.

    You can't expect your guests to understand that you're having a laid-back beach wedding by sending them an elegant invitation in engraved ivory with handmade calligraphy addresses and showing up in shorts and t-shirts.

    Extremely conventional and formal wedding invitations call for an equally formal ceremony and reception. Your wedding invitations are your first chance to make a good impression on your guests, so make sure to include all the pertinent information, such the dress and a brief outline of the day's events.

    destination-wedding-beach

    Make a Detour

    Plan on making at least one trip, and ideally two or three. Your first visit should consist of securing contracts with local vendors including caterers, florists, and photographers, as well as securing ceremony and reception locations.

    Once you've decided on the details, it's time to set up "tastings" with the caterer, bouquet viewings with the florist, hair and beauty trials at a nearby salon, and guest activity planning. 

    Throw an after-wedding brunch or a get-together for guests.

    The hosts of the wedding can show their gratitude to the guests by throwing either a pre-wedding or a post-wedding party, or both. Invite all of your guests to join in on the customary rehearsal dinner to kick off the festivities and give you and your soon-to-be spouse additional time to get to know each other before the big day.

    You could also throw a goodbye brunch the day after, replete with a last "thank you" toast and lots of hugs for everyone involved.

    An adult-only wedding is acceptable.

    For sure, this can be a source of conflict with anyone you know who is a parent. But here's a little secret: it's actually your wedding. It's fine if you don't want kids there; maybe money's tight and you don't want to pay for an extra set of little mouths to feed, or maybe you just don't want a child's tantrum to steal the show.

    To avoid coming out as unpleasant, don't call anyone's kid a brat; instead, explain that you're unable to accommodate children at this time due to financial constraints. One thing to think about if you want a ring bearer or flower girl at your wedding is that some people can see it as favouritism.

    Your guests will thank you for being so diplomatic on your wedding day, and you'll be able to enjoy the day without worrying about any fights breaking out.
    Check out our Top Wedding Planners here to help make your special day as smooth as possible.

    Secure deals on vacation packages

    Destination weddings can be a lot more expensive for guests than local ones. Even if you can't afford to pay for everyone's plane ticket, you could at least give them a discount.

    When you reserve a room at an all-inclusive resort, the hotel will give you a discount (and sometimes even throw in free airfare) if you have a certain number of people staying at the hotel at the same time. Keep in touch with the hotel you plan on having the wedding at if you are having the ceremony somewhere out of the ordinary.

    Similarly, when ten or more people purchase flights for a wedding, most airlines provide a discount of five to ten percent. Also, remember to add a note with this information in your invitation packages.

    Visit an all-inclusive resort for the price of a day pass.

    This piece of advice is not relevant to all couples having destination weddings, but it is essential for those who are considering having their ceremony and reception at an all-inclusive resort. Many visitors will likely choose to lodge on the premises.

    If any wedding guests choose not to stay on the resort's premises, it is your responsibility to provide them with the necessary day ticket at your expense. (Your wedding planner or the resort's coordinator can help you set this up in advance.)

    Arrange for your guests' stays ahead of time at a variety of hotels.

    Your guests will likely cover their own expenses related to attending your destination wedding unless you are covering those costs yourself. You can aid your visitors in finding a suitable location to stay if you do some research on local lodgings before sending out invitations and include that information on your website.

    Make sure you provide a range of options for guests to choose from, including those at varying pricing points, within easy travelling distance of your location.

    In addition, you may go the extra mile and help customers find and book cheap flights by locating possibilities for them or offering links to websites where they can do so. Reduce your guests' anxiety about their trip by doing anything you can to make preparations easier.

    Invite your guests in and treat them like VIPs.

    Your loved ones want to be there to share in your joy, and a wedding website will make it simple for them to do so. Include information such as group rates for airfare and hotel rooms, directions to and from the airport, fun things to do in the area, and a travel arrangements of the weekend's events, including the rehearsal dinner, welcome party, and Sunday brunch.

    Provide them with welcome packs stocked with sunscreen, water, and bug spray when they check in.

    Reassure everyone that there is no need to bring presents.

    We warn you that this may be a delicate subject, but please hear us out. Involving multiple people in a wedding can add up quickly in cost.

    It's a well-known fact that weddings can quickly rack up a hefty bill, what with the bride and groom's families chipping in, the bridal party purchasing new outfits and accessories, and the guests purchasing gifts. In addition, they are eager to part with their money for these items because they care about you so much.

    But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do all you can to cut costs, and telling guests they aren't obligated to bring gifts is a significant step in that direction. All we need is their presence! So that no one is put in the position of having to have a forced conversation, be sure to provide a short and sweet statement on your website and invitations. (You probably still will get a few, though!)

    arch-destination-wedding

    Build a travel guide into your wedding website.

    Let's say you're planning a trip to a foreign land. If so, you and your guests will need to account for factors like different time zones, cost of living, cultural norms, and potential threats.

    Remember to keep track of all this data when you discover it during the preliminary research period of planning, when you will most likely be looking into all of them. Create a dedicated area on your wedding website to house all the information your guests will need to plan their trip to your wedding.

    Guests would appreciate a printed infographic with helpful information about the area included with the welcome gifts if you really want to go all out (if WiFi is spotty). You could also include suggestions for nearby restaurants, tourist attractions, and anything else that could enhance your guests' stay.

    Check the legal requirements in your area

    Legally tying the knot in another nation might be tricky. Many nations have what is called a "residency requirement," which states that you must have lived in the country for a particular amount of time prior to your ceremony.

    Typically, this only takes a day or two, but it may take longer in other cases. For example, in France, you need to get there forty days before your wedding day. If getting it legally recognised at your destination of choice is really unlikely, you may want to consider getting it done from home.

    In this way, not only will your guests be present on your wedding day, but they may also rest assured that it is the real deal.

    Seek assistance

    Beware, control freaks: if you want to have a wedding in a faraway place, you'll have to leave at least some of the planning to other people.

    If there is a language issue, a wedding consultant at the resort can help the couple find and book local vendors, handle logistics (such as tent accommodations and light), and put out any fires that may arise in the weeks leading up to the big day.

    You can also hire a coordinator to handle the logistics of your trip while you enjoy yourself. This person will ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, from preparing welcome gift bags to meeting and welcoming guests at the airport.

    If you can't be physically present at your event, a local planner with ties to the location is your best bet. If you're set on hiring a planner from your home country instead, it's important to verify that they have prior expertise with destination weddings and that you'll be responsible for covering their travel expenses to and from the location of the ceremony and reception.

    Think about the materials

    When organising a wedding at a faraway location, it is crucial to prepare for the unexpected. Make sure to discuss lighting with your event planner or location, for instance. When the sun goes down, you'll need a plan B if your coverage is outside (and for safety too).

    Consider draping your space in market lights or lighting hundreds of candles to generate a mood of romance. Additionally, the guests care about hearing your vows, not the sound of the waves. Think about using lapel microphones, and ensure the DJ or musician has enough gear (and juice) to keep things going all night.

    If you're having an outdoor ceremony on the beach, consider providing your guests with flip-flops, and if it rains in the late afternoon, make sure they have umbrellas.

    Take a stand

    I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but when it comes to organising a wedding, the long-distance affair is like the Olympics. If you can only afford to make one or two trips for planning purposes, you will need to be twice as organised as a local couple and think through every detail in advance.

    Therefore, before meeting in person, it is recommended to conduct any necessary research, schedule any necessary appointments, and conduct any exploratory meetings through email or telephone. Keeping the big picture in mind and not letting the distance get in the way will make the planning process go more quickly and easily.

    Tips For Destination Wedding Guests

    Don't bother the newlyweds if you can't make it to the wedding.

    A destination wedding is a great time because it combines a vacation with a joyous celebration of love. However, you might not be able to afford to take time off work or travel to the wedding.

    Do not try to sway the couple's minds about having a destination wedding, even if you are the bride's best friend. Find out in advance how much money you may expect from the couple. Before making a final decision, be sure to do the math. It's like a vacation, but with a must-see attraction.

    Remember that the focus of this gathering should be on them, not you. No doubt the happy couple would love to have you there, but if they had to please everyone who wanted to go, they'd never be able to decide on a date. Don't put further pressure on them; they already have their hands full with wedding preparations.

    tropical-destination-wedding

    Awaiting an invitation should not be assumed.

    We understand that you are the cousin of a cousin's cousin's cousin's cousin's cousin's cousin's cousin's cousin's cousin. Therefore, you presumed that you would be invited to her daughter's engagement party.

    That's not how destination weddings function. Not every couple thinks "the more, the merrier" when it comes to inviting people to their wedding. Not everyone will be able to attend the wedding, especially if the happy couple chooses an all-inclusive venue that has a limited number of guest slots available in their bridal packages. It would be best to check with the pair first before booking flights and picking out clothing.

    And if you aren't close to the bride, groom, or their parents, don't play the victim. Instead, keep in mind that nuptials can quickly spiral out of control financially, necessitating some tough choices about who to invite.

    Concerning accompanying persons...

    These days, guests are more likely to be added to the list when the wedding is held locally. The guest count is also considerably more firm for destination weddings. Avoid inviting your own party to a stranger's nuptials. It's an incredibly impolite thing to do. Do you really want some random person to come over and devour all your food and drink?

    The fact that the wedding is out of town shouldn't give you licence to invite anyone who isn't on the guest list or who hasn't been given permission to attend. Wedding gatecrashers aren't cool. It's safe to assume that whether you're married or in a long-term relationship, you'll both receive invitations.

    In the case of a close friend or relative, it is safe to presume that a plus one is welcome, but it is polite to enquire nevertheless. Do not decide to invite someone to the wedding long after the RSVP time has passed unless you know for sure that the couple is alright with last-minute additions.

    It's best not to bring wedding presents

    This would be a useless gesture unless you also gave the happy couple money or a gift card. Despite its good intentions... The majority of newlyweds would rather not have to deal with the trouble of returning register items to their homes following a destination wedding.

    Those presents aren't important. If you are able to make there, the bride and groom would appreciate your presence more than gifts. Don't bother bringing it with you, but if you really have to, at least have it shipped to the recipient's house.

    Don't hesitate to take advantage of their registry's many benefits. Why not give in to their wishes if that's what they're telling you? If you want everyone to be happy in the end, do what's on the list, which they've already made easy for you to follow.

    It's not about you, so stop acting like it. Don't forget to take some time out of your busy schedules to show the happy couple how much they mean to you. Don't spend all your time staring at your phone or riveted to the sand or the bar. Get to know other people and join in the fun.

    Also, why would you want to bring it along on all your trips? Instead, bring the present with you to the bridal shower. Send the package directly to their house. Let this be a meeting where love is celebrated.

    Conclusion

    Planning a wedding in a remote location requires careful attention to a number of details. Following these rules of politeness will guarantee your guests have a fantastic experience. Here are some tips that can help you plan a fairytale wedding in a foreign land.

    Sending out Save the Date cards six months in advance offers visitors plenty of time to either accept and attend or politely decline. Send out invitations for your destination wedding at least three to four months in advance.

    If your wedding is scheduled for this time of year, it is imperative that you book your hotel and guest rooms well in advance to avoid disappointment. Following the completion of the planning phase, it is time to schedule "tastings" with the caterer.

    It's fine to have an adult-only ceremony. Although it would be ideal to cover the cost of everyone's plane ticket, if that is not possible, perhaps you might offer a discount. One option for a wedding location is an all-inclusive resort.

    Before sending out invites, make sure you've looked into local housing options and posted that information on your website. Set up your guests in a variety of hotels in advance. Make it clear to visitors that presents are not necessary, and offer to help them plan their trip by creating a custom itinerary on your website. Traveling to a foreign country requires research of the local laws. You'll have to delegate certain tasks if you want to have a destination wedding.

    The resort's consultant can assist the couple in locating and booking local vendors, organising the event's logistics (including tent accommodations and lighting), and putting out any flames that may erupt. If you are unable to attend the wedding, please do not contact the newlyweds.

    Determine in advance how much money the couple is likely to give you. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to make it to the wedding, even if the happy couple goes with an all-inclusive location. Don't make it about you if you don't want to.

    Remember to make time in your hectic schedules to express your appreciation for them. The happy couple would rather have you there than any present you could give them.

    Content Summary

    • Including a honeymoon in your plans means extra money and more preparation.
    • There are several factors to consider when organising a wedding at a far-off location.
    • If you want to have a wedding in a destination, here are some suggestions to help you organise it.
    • The real wedding invites should be sent out no later than four months prior to the wedding.
    • A local wedding usually requires at least two months' notice for invitations to be sent out.
    • Invitations should be sent out at least three to four months in advance for a destination wedding.
    • The invitations should reflect the theme of the wedding.
    • Once you've decided on the details, it's time to set up "tastings" with the caterer, bouquet viewings with the florist, hair and beauty trials at a nearby salon, and guest activity planning.
    • Throw an after-wedding brunch or a get-together for guests.
    • The hosts of the wedding can show their gratitude to the guests by throwing either a pre-wedding or a post-wedding party, or both.
    • Invite all of your guests to join in on the customary rehearsal dinner to kick off the festivities and give you and your soon-to-be spouse additional time to get to know each other before the big day.
    • One thing to think about if you want a ring bearer or flower girl at your wedding is that some people can see it as favouritism.
    • Destination weddings can be a lot more expensive for guests than local ones.
    • Build a travel guide into your wedding website.
    • Create a dedicated area on your wedding website to house all the information your guests will need to plan their trip to your wedding.
    • Legally tying the knot in another nation might be tricky.
    • You can also hire a coordinator to handle the logistics of your trip while you enjoy yourself.
    • If you can't be physically present at your event, a local planner with ties to the location is your best bet.
    • When organising a wedding at a faraway location, it is crucial to prepare for the unexpected.
    • Make sure to discuss lighting with your event planner or location, for instance.
    • Do not try to sway the couple's minds about having a destination wedding, even if you are the bride's best friend.
    • Find out in advance how much money you may expect from the couple.
    • Avoid inviting your own party to a stranger's nuptials.
    • This would be a useless gesture unless you also gave the happy couple money or a gift card.
    • Get to know other people and join in the fun.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Having a destination wedding allows for your clients to be on vacation with all their loved ones at the same time. They are not only in an exciting destination, but they have their favorite people there to share the moment with. Having a destination wedding can save your clients money.
    Most destination weddings have around 60 friends and family attending. This kind of wedding is bigger than the intimate wedding mentioned above, but is still small enough to be able to plan on your own.
    Typically when it is a very small or family-only affair, guests are not expected to pay. If you do want your guests to cover their own accommodation that you've already paid for you can set up a PayPal link on your wedding website.
    This is because many people cannot take the time off work or afford the accommodations required for a destination wedding. For these reasons, couples planning a destination wedding will typically keep their guest list small—with an average of 86 people.
    Semi-private reception venue, such as a restaurant on the resort grounds. Catering and bar service. Romantic touches for the wedding couple, such as late check-out, a complimentary room upgrade, couple's massages, or even a candlelit dinner on the beach. Complimentary honeymoon stay.
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