Destination wedding: you can get there from here!
So you're contemplating a destination wedding . venturing away from the everyday to the exotic, historic, offbeat, or just plain "someplace different." But where in the world do you start (and end up)?! Have no fear; we've compiled a few thoughts you'll want to consider in planning your journey, whether it's 50 or 5,000 miles away. Some things you'll want to consider:
• As when planning any wedding, the first thing to do is determine your budget. Cost considerations may or may not actually dictate what type of celebration you may have, as well as where you want it to be held, but setting a budget is always smart.
• Since everyone will be traveling, it's a good idea to map out your guest list early. Approximately how many people would you like to invite? Can your favorite aunt & uncle who are in their 80s make the trip? Are the locations you're considering easily accessible? And can these locations accommodate your chosen number of guests? These are all things to think about.
• Now that you've gotten your invitees all set, it's time to get down to the good stuff — your location of choice! Perhaps a Caribbean island, or possibly a cruise ship. Or you may want to take advantage of the many charming Californias coastal or mountain areas that people so often enjoy for their vacation travel. Wherever you decide to hold your celebration, be sure it is suitable for the number of guests, wedding style, and time of year you desire.*
• Unless you're planning on making numerous trips to the site, it's a great idea to find someone who's local to help you. This person will definitely become a programmed number in your cell phone, so make sure that he or she is willing and reliable. Oftentimes a resort will have an Event Planner; or you can find your own Wedding Coordinator who can help you take care of all the details that you will (and trust us, you will) need assistance with.
• And of course, you'll want to give your guests a heads-up, and make sure it's a reasonable amount of time. Sending a Save-the-Date card anywhere from 4-6 months allows ample opportunity for days to be blocked and arrangements to be made.
*Don't forget — wherever you plan to marry, you should check on marriage license rules and regulations, and you may need to get a passport if you're headed to another country. Your Wedding Coordinator or Event Planner at the site should be able to supply you with information or direct you to the appropriate sources. Be sure you don't wait too long to investigate these aspects of your planning, as there may be some unforeseen requirements.