15 Tips for Planning an Epic Destination Wedding

Destination weddings offer the bride, groom and their guests an unforgettable experience. However, there is a lot of planning and preparation involved to make sure the event goes smoothly. Here are 15 important factors to consider when planning a destination wedding:

1. Think in advance about the high cost of such an event and make sure that your most important guests will be able to afford it.
2. An event like this requires advance planning so be sure to give guests plenty of time to book their flights and accommodations. Traditional etiquette says you should send out invitations at least nine months in advance, preferably longer.
3. Choose a dress code to match the destination. If you are getting married on the beach, you don’t want your bridesmaids teetering around in stilettos.
4. Check the weather for the destination to ensure you are not arriving during monsoon or tornado season.
5. Pick a destination that will appeal to your guests, as this is likely to be their big vacation for the year.
6. For your gift registry, have gifts shipped to your house after you return so you won’t have to worry about packing them or shipping them home.
7. When giving gifts to your guests, make sure that they are small and easy to pack so guests can take them home.
8. Choose a resort that has an in-house wedding planner or choose a planner who is intimately familiar with your chosen destination.
9. Leave room in your guest list to accommodate your guests’ children, as they may not be able to find long-term childcare while they are away.
10. Send thank you notes within a month of returning home. Your guests spent a lot of money to attend your special day, so it is important to convey your appreciation.
11. Don’t pack your dress. Have it packaged and shipped professionally so it won’t get damaged or wrinkled.
12. The same goes for bridesmaids’ dresses. Ship them for your bridesmaids, or choose a material that is easy to pack and unlikely to wrinkle.
13. Choose a resort or hotel that is large enough to accommodate all of your guests so that everyone is in one central location.
14. Pick an area that has lots of activities for your guests to enjoy outside of the wedding.
15. Don’t stress about the tiny details. This is supposed to be fun!

A destination wedding can be the most memorable experience of your life if you plan it right. Follow the tips above to make sure your wedding is an event that you and your guests will be talking about for many years to come.