Tips + Planning

The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning A Destination Wedding

destination wedding in santorini

Many couples dream of faraway destinations in connection with the ultimate wedding backdrop.

A destination wedding offers you the opportunity to exchange your vows in an extra-special setting. It’s also a way to roll your nuptials and honeymoon into one and bring your guests along for the fun. The unique scenery will create an unforgettable backdrop for the ceremony itself and gorgeous photos to look back on with delight for the rest of your life.

For those who prefer to stay closer to home, but want to add a touch of exoticism without traveling check out the new and trending pearl engagement rings.  But if you’re kicking around the idea of a destination wedding, the following do’s and don’ts can help turn your dreams into reality.

destination wedding ceremony

1. Do Give Your Guests Plenty of Notice

Planning a destination wedding involves adventure and romance. Choose the place of your dreams, expect the unexpected, and be open to new adventures. A wedding coordinator will plan every detail, months in advance. Send out save-the-date cards telling your guests that you are planning a destination wedding. That way, they can start sharing in your excitement and they can have time to make their own arrangements in order to attend.

save the date for a destination wedding

2. Don’t Dress Just As You Would at Home

It’s time to find your sexy and carefree beach wedding dress. The whole point of traveling to a faraway land is to do things differently. If you’re going to a tropical local, skip the heavy satin gown and go for something that is not only beautiful but also comfortable for hot weather. Ditto for the shoes. There are plenty of gorgeous bejeweled sandals out there that will be more appropriate than heels for dancing the night away on the sand.

destination weddin gowns
Rebecca Ingram wedding dresses
Photography : Nancy Aidee Photography

3. Do Use the Destination as Inspiration

Just as your dress should match the locale, so should everything else. With a spectacular backdrop such as a sandy beach or a lush garden, you don’t need décor that takes up too much visual space. A chuppah veiled in sheer flowing fabric or delicate arbor makes for a very romantic setting. A customized aisle runner, hurricane lanterns, and organza covered chairs set the scene for romance. Pomanders can mark the aisle way and create a visually striking effect. Mix flowers with other elements to create interesting and beautiful arrangements. Every detail, from invitation cards and bonbonnieres to the bridal bouquet and wedding cake, will set the tone of your special event and create unforgettable memories. You didn’t pick Bora Bora so that you could have a plain wedding, right? Think of heaven-scented jasmine leis, ukuleles, and a traditional Ma’a Tahiti feast!

destination wedding ceremony

4. Don’t Neglect the Logistics

Holding your wedding far from home will require more detailed planning. Don’t schedule anything too tightly and always take into consideration local variability when it comes to things like promptness. Many cultures around the world take a more relaxed approach to time.

planning a destination wedding

5. Do Book Your Venue First

For destination weddings, we recommend booking your venue 12-16 months out. That being said, different venues will have different requirements. If it’s a super popular destination wedding spot, they may be booked out for 18 months in advance. Make sure to secure your date before scheduling flights or accommodations. You’ll find some of the latest one-of-a-kind trends here.

DESTINATION WEDDING VENUE
bride with veil destination wedding
destination wedding ceremony

6. Don’t Stress

A trip is always an adventure; allow some room for the unexpected. If you’re open to it, everything comes to you. Leave room for surprises. This is probably the most challenging part, but there’s bound to be a few hiccups in your plans, so try to remain calm. You won’t be able to manage every single detail. Be sure to communicate with the event planning team at the resort. They are there to help you.

Carla Jonas is a content writer and editor at Pearls of Wisdom by top high-quality pearl retailer The Pearl Source. Passionate about everything jewelry and fashion-related, Carla is ready to bring you the latest updates on hot trends, style tips and more.

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