When planning a destination wedding, there are multiple factors to consider other than the fun bit – choosing your location. Whilst sorting out all of the details and fine print aren’t as much fun as focusing on choosing the stunning natural backdrop for your big day, they are important and will heavily influence which destination fits the bill.
First, you must have a good idea in your mind of the type of setting you’d like to get married in. Do you dream of white, sandy beaches and glistening turquoise waters lapping at your feet whilst you tie the knot? Or do you imagine you and your beloved dancing the night away beneath majestic mountains, with cosy fire pits and blankets for those sipping wine around you?
Whatever your preferences, here are our top tips to help you pick the best wedding destination for you.
Location, location, location
There are many venues and outdoor wedding locations across the globe, and they all have something a little different to offer. From beachside villas with long tables of freshly barbecued seafood and dancing on the sand until the early hours, to lush woodlands with fairy-light-lit trees and barn conversions to shelter you from the cooler midnight air. Due to the popularity of destination weddings, there is almost no limit to the imaginative venues available for your big day.
You will need to narrow down your options to a theme which best suits you as a couple, to help focus your research on the best destinations for you. Not only do you need to consider which country you favour, but also which region would suit your wedding best as a naturally beautiful setting.
Distance
It’s important to take a moment to consider the distance you and your guests would be willing to travel for your wedding, especially if you have friends and family with children, care needs or a limited budget. For some couples, it’s possible to fly their nearest and dearest to a tropical destination and have them only contribute to the cost of food and accommodation. For others, you may need to discuss your plans with your closest friends and family well in advance to understand their limitations. Sending save the dates early is a must when it comes to destination weddings.
Whilst a wedding in the Maldives sounds luxurious and idyllic, there are places closer to home such as the coast of Spain, Italy and France which offer equally incredible wedding venues and tropical settings. Staying relatively close to home could be the key to having the destination wedding of your dreams, but not breaking the bank for you or your guests.
Budget and theme
Budget and theme are two elements of wedding planning that go hand in hand, as both heavily rely on each other. If a destination location is your priority, you may find that you don’t need much in the way of decoration, due to the natural beauty of your chosen wedding setting.
When it comes to your wedding attire, beach themed weddings tend to favour bohemian style dresses, which can be bought for far less than traditional wedding dresses, plus they can be worn again. Not only is this more eco-friendly, but it gives you more funds to put towards having your wedding where you want it to be.
To keep costs reasonable when feeding your guests, consider using local produce and suppliers as much as possible. Not only will the food taste better as it will be fresher, but it will cost less to transport and help to reduce the carbon footprint of your day.
For many destination weddings, your guest list will comprise a smaller number of the most important people in your lives. You can tie this in with your theme by making each favour and element of your wedding more personalised and unique.
Visit first
Wherever you decide to tie the knot, be sure to have visited your destination at least once before you confirm your booking. If possible, meet with the hosts of your venue either face to face or via a video call, to ensure your chosen location is everything you want it to be. Whether it’s in a mountain valley or on an oceanside pier, follow these steps to ensure you pick the perfect wedding destination for you.
Guest article by Clara Rose
As a lover of all things wedding, an avid traveller and a free-spirit, Clara loves to inspire and encourage couples to make their wedding dreams come true with practical and money-savvy advice.