Planning a Destination Wedding? Here are some tips…
The notion of a destination wedding is a very romantic one, and if planned well it can be a truly magical affair. If not planned properly it can be the stuff bad movies are made of. Putting a wedding together is sometimes the first real test faced by couples, and weddings far far away can be even more testing, so we have put together some tips.
1) Start Planning Early
If you are considering a destination wedding it is vital that you start planning way ahead of the event. Once you have set a date and decided on a location, start the ball rolling. The sooner you begin planning and organising the less hassle there will be closer to the time.
2) Research
So, you want to get married on a beautiful tropical island, or in the middle of a forest in the jungle. That’s great. But, there are several things you need to look into. The weather is one of the most important factors – no bride wants a monsoon wedding. You also don’t want to get married when it is too hot either. Other factors to consider are accessibility and tourist season. Getting married during peak season is a nightmare. First of all, everything is much more expensive – flights, accommodation. Moreover, peak tourist season means lots of tourists, so hotels are full and there are people everywhere. Just before season or just after are the best times to get married, but be aware of local weather patterns.
3) Save the Date
If you are planning on getting married in some far flung corner of the world and you want your friends and family there it is very important that you let them know at the earliest possible moment. So, once you have a date and a location, draw up the guest list. Once you and your partner have agreed on who’s coming send out a save the date. This will give your guests ample warning and time to prepare – save up and put in leave. It is an idea to also ask your guests at this point whether or not they think they might be able to attend as it will give you an approximate idea of numbers.
4) Get Help
Hire a local wedding planner. Get someone who is familiar with the venue, the area and has local suppliers. Ask your wedding venue if they have a wedding planner or if they can recommend someone. If the destination you have chosen is far from home you are definitely going to want someone on the ground at all times who is representing you.
5) Take a Trip
You have set a date, decided on a location and potentially appointed a wedding planner. You need to take a trip to where you are planning on getting married. It is important to check the venue out first hand. You are also going to want to meet your wedding planner – whoever you appoint will need to meet you both as a couple to get an idea of who you are and what you want. Going to the venue will also give you an idea of what facilities and activities there are available in and around your wedding location.
6) Plan for your guests
One of the things about having a destination wedding is that you do need to look after your guests. As a couple you need to make arrangements – but not pay for – for flights and accommodation. Try and arrange block bookings on both flights and with hotels and you should get considerable discounts. Your guests are also coming along way to spend this special time with you, so it is important to plan events and activities for them during the time away. This is not only great fun, but also give guests a chance to mingle and get to know each other.
7) Send out the invitations
It is important not to leave it too late to send out invitations. You have already sent out a save the date and have an idea of who might or might not be able to come, but you need confirmed numbers as soon as possible. This just makes the planning so much easier.
8) Make a website
If you are getting married in a place that is unfamiliar to most of your guests, it is important to give them as much information as possible. The easiest way to do this is to put up a website for the wedding. Here you can give information about flights, accommodation, things to do, places to visit in the surrounding area, information about the local customs and culture too. A website means that you won’t be fielding hundreds of calls from various guests wanting to know what to bring, what the local currency is or whether there is a McDonalds near by. Give them as much information as possible.
9) What to wear
This one is particularly for the bride. When you are deciding on your dress, consider the local climate. You do not want to get married and a long sleeved dress if you are on a tropical island. Also consider the weather for your guests when you are deciding on a dress code. Suits are totally impractical in 40 degree heat.
10) Post-Wedding Reception
There are always people who can’t make it to destination weddings, whether it’s because they can’t afford it, have kids or can’t get time off work. There are also people who you’d love to invite, but because of numbers you just can’t. A great way of dealing with this is to have a party when you get back home. Don’t leave it too long after the actual event as it will feel like an afterthought though. Send out the invitations before the wedding so that these guests know they were considered. This is great way to include everyone, and keep the wedding bliss going just a little bit longer.
With suppliers from South Africa to Argentina, from the UK to Ireland, Germany, France, most of Europe, China, Australia and a whole lot in between you can be assured that Tentickle Stretch Tents have you covered in style on your memorable day. Visit our website today for detailed contact details of all our suppliers in over 30 countries worldwide!
