We work with many destination couples, and traveling is hard enough, but so is making important decisions from a far. Therefore, we are here to help and give you some advice on stress free planning! There are several factors involved in a destination wedding. Make sure these factors won’t effect you and your guests before you decide to book.
Research Your Destination Space
Researching your location is super important! Down here in the Sarasota area we know it’s already beautiful! The wedding industry is BOOMING with several amazing vendors. However, there are things we may not be able to control, for instance the weather. Researching when the hurricane season is important in any location! Are there any safety, accessibility, or health issues that could be a deal-breaker? Sharing information about health, safety, travel, and political issues with your guests can effect their attendance. It’s a little bit of extra leg work—but it shows guests that you care about their well-being. It also avoids awkwardness during your wedding weekend.
Creating Your Guest List
Your Guest List is one of the main factors that will result in choosing the perfect location or not. Satisfying every guest will be near impossible, but the “Grandma Test” usually helps in making that right decision. For instance, is there wheelchair accessibility or on-site childcare at your location? Can your guests travel on plane, ferry, or car with ease to this location? In Conclusion, this attention to detail will show your guests your genuine hospitality. If you’re planning to get married during a high point in the tourism season, it could be crowded or potentially congested. This also results in higher priced air fare, hotel, and travel expenses.
Communication Is Key
Giving All Information Well In Advanced is the most important factor in destination planning. Save the dates should be sent 9-12 months ahead of your date. For destination weddings, allow for ample time for guests to confirm time off from work. Also to save money, apply for a passport or visa (if necessary) and score travel deals. Offering room blocks, discounted room rates, and free transportation to and from venue is a great tool for your guests. Printing out “direction cards” or “timelines” for your guests when they check in can ease the stress for them too. If chosen to do a wedding website, direct links to air fare, hotels, and other travel necessities makes for a quick RSVP.
Receiving Gifts
When it comes to gift-giving etiquette, the rules can be different for destination weddings. After all, your friends and family have expenses to attend your big day, so you may decide to scrap gift-giving. Travel can get so expensive and equal out to the same cost as a wedding gift on a registry. We suggest making guests feel comfortable about this by letting them know that their presence is a gift and they shouldn’t feel obligated to bring something extra.
If you do continue the gift-giving tradition, keep it simple and virtual. After all, no one wants to haul bulky gifts on airplanes or pay extra baggage fees—including you. That can end up being a headache, in addition to your hangover. Consider making a registry of only gift cards or using a service like HoneyFund to have guests contribute to an experience of some kind.
All though this may not be budget friendly for some, but providing an open bar or fun favors for your guests is a great way of thanks in return.
