The time has come when you and your significant other have decided to walk down the aisle and say “I do.” Amongst the many things buzzing in your mind, the foremost question often is: Where in the world should you tie the knot?
Traditionally weddings were celebrated in the hometown of the bride, but that concept is a thing of the past. Nowadays, couples prefer to pick a destination of mutual interest to each other to kick start their happily ever after in a memorable fashion.
If you have made the important decision of having a destination wedding, the next crucial step would be to decide where to have it. While the experience is undeniably unforgettable, identifying the location is no easy feat!
If you find yourself stuck in choosing the perfect wedding destination, stay with us as we are sharing five things to consider, which will help you select the wedding destination of your dreams
1) Backdrop
Are you a beach type of person or do the mountains appeal to you more? Would you want your wedding to take place on a tropical island, or do you like cooler temperatures? Big city or rustic town? These are the questions you and your significant other should be asking each other when deciding the destination for your “I dos.”
If you dream of sandy beaches and picture-perfect sunsets, then you could opt for the Caribbean islands. Jamaica is a favorite of many as it has so much to offer, aside from the infamous sandy beaches. Look out for Rose Hall weddings as an option that can appeal to those who would instead prefer traditional heritage locations.
If you are looking for unique destinations, then Spain is another brilliant option to consider due to its rich culture and scenic beauty.
2) Budget
The key to planning any wedding, be it a destination location or not, is to establish a budget for the event. If you have decided on a destination wedding, this step becomes even more critical.
In terms of breaking down the cost according to who is paying for what, it generally is the same for all types of weddings. However, with a different location involved, there are additional expenses that need to be accounted for, for example, the cost of travel and hotels.
Once the budget is decided, then only can you determine what locations can be considered in terms of affordability. If working with a tight budget that does not leave much room for costly air tickets, so you should choose a location that does not require a massive spend.
You will also need to decide the time of year that is affordable for you as prices tend to double during the tourism season in most parts of the word.
Another element that is determined by the budget allotted is the type of venue that you can go for. Will you be able to rent out a private villa, or will you be going for an inclusive resort that offers a wedding package?
3) Guest List
Another important consideration when selecting your wedding destination is the number of people you wish to invite to witness your vows. Covering this aspect will help you determine the cost and the feasibility of the location. If you are opting for a private ceremony, you have a greater range of options to chose from as you save money on the overall expenses.
Choosing to travel with a smaller group of friends and families will help you save money on tickets, hotel accommodation and the wedding venue itself. If you are taking a lot of guests, then surely there is a cost involved.
Once you decide on the invite list, it will help you determine the location in terms of logistics as well. If you have decided to fly off to a remote village in Costa Rica, you must ensure that it has the right infrastructure to handle the number of people flying in.
If choosing a hotel, a tip would be not to overestimate the number of attendees. It is better to book a smaller number of rooms and add more books as you receive confirmation. This will ensure that you do not overbook and waste money.
4) Safety
Planning your celebrations abroad also comes with an added responsibility of ensuring the security of your traveling party. So, once you decide that you are planning a destination wedding, you should do your homework beforehand.
Your research should include possible travel restrictions that broadly fall under two categories, health and safety. Look into the potential concerns, for example, certain virus outbreaks, to ensure that you select the countries that pose minimal risks.
It would help if you also researched the crime statistics of a country so that you can make an informed decision on where to travel for your big day.
Some due diligence can go a long way in giving you and your guests peace of mind.
5) Season
Wherever you decide to tie the knot, seasonality is something you need to consider when it comes to selecting the location as the weather and climate can truly make or break your big day. If you have decided on the date, then choosing a location with prime weather is the next step.
Look at hurricane patterns to decide where to go. The Atlantic hurricane season, for example, stretches from June to November and could affect the East Coast and the Caribbean Islands. Hawaii experiences a heavy rain season from November to March. If you are considering Mexico, it is best to avoid the summer months since the weather is known to be very hot and humid.
Before making the final call on your wedding destination, look up the annual climate and weather forecasts for the countries on your list and see which best aligns with your set date.
To ensure that your big day is easy-breezy, select locations with sunny and mild weather all year round. Some options could be Greece, the Canary Islands, and even Barbados.
Once you go through these five foolproof steps, you are ready for the next big step towards your happily ever after: locking down the destination of your dreams. We hope you found our suggestions useful to begin planning the perfect day with your significant other.
Do you have stories of planning a destination wedding to share? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below.