There’s something unbelievably magical about tying the knot in a far-off land, surrounded by the people you love the most, and enjoying the idyllic scenery together as newlyweds. Maybe it’s the intimacy that comes with being in an unfamiliar place, or perhaps it’s just that everything feels so new. But one thing’s for sure—a destination wedding is an unforgettable experience.

One in five couples gravitates toward the idea of saying “I do” in a destination wedding. In 2021, around 19% of couples traveled to an exotic locale to celebrate their marriage. And it’s no wonder why!

If you and your partner are sure about having a destination wedding, this guide will help you with the planning.

Find a Location to Make Yours

Have you always wanted to get married on a picturesque pink sand beach in the Bahamas? Or saying your vows amid a lush yellow buckeye forest in the Great Smoky Mountains? Then, there’s sure to be a location that fits your vision.

However, before you lock the dream destination, check for any travel restrictions, political instability, or natural disasters that might make it difficult or dangerous to travel to. You’ll also want to consider the weather conditions. For instance, snow in late October should be on your radar if you’re getting married in the Smokies. Once everything is settled, find the specific venue. The wedding venues in the Smoky Mountains are as varied as the locations themselves. You can choose an all-inclusive resort or even a cabin in the woods.

Alternatively, if you’re searching for a unique blend of picturesque landscapes and vibrant city life for your wedding, then the San Diego Experience could be exactly what you’re looking for. San Diego is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and lush parks, providing countless stunning backdrops for your big day. Its diverse venues range from luxurious resorts to quaint beachside chapels, and offer unparalleled service and comfort. Enjoy the perfect climate, delectable local cuisine, and immerse yourselves in the charm of the city, creating unforgettable moments to cherish for a lifetime.

Consider Your Guests

Your guests are your cheerleaders and well-wishers on your big day! So, choose an easy-to-get-to location that’s convenient for all your guests. If you have international guests, consider a location that is less expensive to travel to and has direct flights from major airports. You’ll also want to look into comfortable lodging options for your guests. And the dates, don’t forget to check the dates! You’ll want to avoid major holidays and events that might make travel difficult or expensive.

Once you’ve considered all of your guests, send out a “save the date” as soon as possible. It will give them plenty of time to plan and book their travel.

Your Budget

Just like any other wedding, a destination wedding requires a budget. So, it’s obvious you need to pay proper attention to it. First, you’ll need to account for travel expenses. It includes airfare, lodging, car rentals, and other transportation costs. You’ll also want to look into the cost of the venue, the food and drink, décor, flowers, and entertainment. And don’t forget the marriage license!

When budgeting, it’s essential to be realistic. Start by getting quotes from vendors and venues. And be sure to ask about any discounts or deals they offer. You can also look into wedding packages that include various services at a discounted rate. Finally, if you want to save big, consider getting married during the off-season. It can help you score great deals on everything from airfare to lodging.

Find a Professional

Planning a destination wedding is a lot of work. There’s a lot to think about, from finding the perfect location to dealing with travel logistics. You might want to, but you can’t handle it alone, so hiring a professional is necessary. A destination wedding planner can take care of all the details, which will help you relax and enjoy your special day. They’ll also have a network of vendors they’ve worked with in the past, which can save you time and money.

Before making an advance payment to a planner, there are a few things to be sure of. First, make sure they’re reputable, have experience planning destination weddings, and are familiar with your chosen area. Your wedding planner should also understand your requirements and value them, no matter how big or small. Finally, if a planner isn’t in your budget, look for a venue with an on-site coordinator.

Embrace the Local Culture

One of the best things about destination weddings is that they offer a unique opportunity to embrace the local culture. The cuisine, the music, the décor, and even the fashion can be influenced by the location of your wedding.

If you’re getting married in Mexico, you could serve traditional Mexican food, have a mariachi band play during the reception, and decorate with colorful Papel Picado. Or, if you’re tying the knot in Hawaii, you could serve a luau-inspired menu, hire hula dancers for entertainment, and wear Hawaiian leis. Working with the local vendors will also save you time and money. They’ll be familiar with the area and will be able to help you find the best deals on everything from catering to transportation.

Plan Additional Events

Are you planning a weekend-long event for your wedding? If so, you’ll need to arrange additional events for yourself and the guests. For example, it could be a bachelorette party or a fun-filled day of activities for the guests. But whatever you do, make sure it’s something everyone will enjoy.

For the guests, consider planning activities that are unique to the area. For example, if you’re getting married in wine country, you could arrange for a private tour and tasting at a local vineyard. Or if you’re getting married in the city, you could arrange for a private tour of the city’s sights. These are just some basic ideas to get you warmed up. You can also ask your wedding planner for recommendations. They might have some exciting options you wouldn’t have thought of alone.

Conclusion

Weddings are special events that are meant to be enjoyed by all. But the planning process can become a nightmare if you’re not careful. You could shell out a lot more money than you wanted to and still have the dreaminess missing.

To avoid this, it’s essential to do your research and plan. It will allow you the wiggle room to make changes along the way. For instance, if you miss out on something, like a photographer or DJ, you’ll still have time to look for another vendor.

And remember, don’t get bogged down in the details. The most important thing is having a good time and enjoying your wedding day. Everything else is just icing on the cake!