Just like your love story, your wedding day is totally unique. No matter how many couples have stood in the same venue as you before, no celebration will ever be quite the same. Whilst knowing this can make your wedding day extra special, when it comes to choosing a destination at the planning stage, it does mean there’s no cut-and-dry response to which gorgeous location is best. So how do you choose?
Top Tips for Comparing Each of Your Potential Wedding Destinations
Of course, there are all the regular considerations such as capacity, cost and aesthetic, but when it comes to getting married abroad, there are a few extra items to add to the comparison list. In this post, we take you through some of the top things you’ll want to discuss with your future spouse when planning your dream wedding day.
Work Out the real cost of the package!
When it comes to cost, it’s easy to get taken in by the number that comes with booking the venue. Especially if that price is lower than expected, you may eagerly sign off, without really looking at what is included. Does the cost cover the venue hire on the day only? Do you need to pay extra for setup days? Do you get chairs, tables, lighting etc included, or will you need to organize that separately? What about food and drink?
Depending on the style of wedding you’d like to have, an all-inclusive venue may actually save you stress and money, compared to booking everything separately. However, if you’re planning a day that varies from a traditional wedding with a sit-down dinner, it could be cheaper to simply pay for dry hire and sort everything out yourself. Just remember to factor in the time needed to organize everything, especially when using local vendors in your chosen country. Prices will vary from country to country too, so make sure to set your budget ahead of time, to avoid getting carried away.
Consider guest logistics!
When you’re asking friends and family to travel abroad to be with you on your special day, it’s important to consider the logistical aspects of their trip. Unlike tying the knot in your home country, you can’t just assume everyone can find a hotel themselves, drive themselves to the wedding, or call and get a taxi when they’re ready to go home.
So, when you’re comparing destinations, think about things from your guests’ perspective. Can they stay at the venue, or will they need to drive/get a taxi? Is it far from the airport? Will they have to eat at restaurants, or can they self-cater if they want to? Are there plenty of things to do outside of the resort? Whilst the day should be about you, taking these things into consideration can help everyone have a good time.
Remember the weather!
Many couples who get married in foreign climes get carried away by pictures of beaming sunshine, crystal-clear water lapping at pristine sands, and the idea of cocktails in front of a glorious sunset. Whilst you’d hope that’s what you’ll experience, it’s important to do some research on the weather and the best months for travel. If your annual leave dates are dictated by the school holidays, for example, you’ll need somewhere with good weather at those times – otherwise the paradisaical ideal runs the risk of being a washout. If you’re choosing between several countries at the start of your planning journey, look at the average rainfall in your preferred month. Equally, you’ll need to consider the heat if you want to get married in the tropics at the peak of summer. Taking these practical considerations into account might not seem romantic, but they’ll help you get the day you’ve been dreaming of.
What about you, where are you planning to get married? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Photos by Sarah Nader and The Chaffins on Unsplash)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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