6 Tips to Kickstart Your Destination Wedding Planning

There's a slew of benefits to planning a destination wedding, like hosting fewer guests, checking off a bucket list destination or going back to a place that holds special meaning to you and your fiance.  Plus, you get a "twofer" wedding and honeymoon all in one.

However, planning from afar has its own logistical intricacies and you have to put a lot of faith in professionals you don't have immediate (and local) access to.  Without the proper planning and guidance the nuances of a destination wedding can be complex and stressful .  We've outlined some tips and planning considerations to curb any anxieties and pitfalls.

First, let's define what is a destination wedding?  According the The Knot, a destination wedding is a wedding that takes place outside of the city or town that the soon-to-be-married couple currently lives in! So whether you're planning a romantic simple beach wedding a few towns away or an exotic wedding overseas, both are considered destination affairs.

If this sounds appealing to you keep reading for some practical recommendations.

1. Visit your ideal destination before committing to it.  If your schedule and budget allow it you will have more peace of mind and clarity of your wedding day vision if you can visit your location in advance, especially if it's a plane ride away.
   
   

   

    

2. Once you decide on your location create your destination wedding checklist.  This will help you stay on track and budget and will guide you in delegating responsibility to your planning team.

   
   
   

    

3. Send save-the-date cards ASAP.  Give your loved ones plenty of time to rearrange their schedules and save up for your wedding.  The addition of a wedding website with important information about your destination will be a huge help to your guests and minimize texts, calls and emails from everyone.
   
   

   

4. Hire local professionals who know the wedding landscape and requirements of where you're getting married.  This may include a destination wedding planner, photographer and entertainment. They have the scoop and connections to make your wedding unforgettable (for all the right reasons).
   
   

   

    

5. Indulge in the details and guest experience.  Hosting a destination wedding may require your guests to be present for multiple days and if your location is far away traveling can be a hefty financial investment.  An unforgettable all around experience may include welcome baskets of treats specific to the region, festive pre-wedding activities, and relaxing or intimate day-after-wedding events.
   
   

   

    

6. Ship ahead & arrive early.  If you're planning on shipping decor or other items make sure you give yourself plenty of time (2-3 weeks) in case of damage or lost packages. If you can arrive 1-2 days early to do a walk through with your planning team you'll be able to decompress and relax before all the whirlwind of wedding fun kicks off.
   
   

   

   
   
   Looking for the best destination wedding resorts?  We recommend this list from Trip Advisor.
   
   If you want to do destination on a budget check out this list of all inclusive wedding venues from U.S. News.