Destination weddings are a great opportunity to make your special day a memorable occasion for you and your guests. Not can they prolong your celebrations with your closest friends and family but they allow you to create an unforgettable experience for your wedding and the days leading up to it. But how to choose the perfect destination when there are endless options to consider? Whether you’re considering a handful of preselected destinations or completely overwhelmed by a world of possibilities, here are 5 key questions to ask yourself before beginning to refine your search!
1. How easy is it for your guests to reach your destination?
More often than not the presence of loved ones plays an important role in decision-making. If you would like to have a good turnout for your wedding, it is important to consider whether a destination is easily reachable for your guests. This means considering factors such as distance from the nearest airport, the average cost of flights to that location as well as the frequency of flight options.
2. Nearby Accommodation
You may also want to think about possible accommodation for your guests. While you may not be providing accommodation for your wedding, choosing to marry in a secluded location might mean that there are only guests houses or small hotels nearby. These types of lodging may not be able to accommodate the number of guests that you would like and having guests staying at multiple accommodations could make transportation arrangements to the wedding more complicated.
3. Vendor Availability
The location of your wedding might also limit your vendor selection. Choosing a remote venue might mean that opting outside of the package offered by your wedding venue might be difficult or costly. Additionally, it is important to understand that the charming cultural differences that you might value in your wedding destination might go beyond what you were expecting. If for instance, the country you have chosen for your wedding does not typically follow a tradition that is prevalent in your country, you might not be able to easily find that service locally. Which brings us to our next point…
4. Your budget
While an unlimited budget greatly increases your options, that is not a reality for most people. So it’s important to think about whether the country you choose for your wedding has a higher cost of living that might increase the expenses relating to the wedding. Also, if your must haves include items that are not typical to that region, such as a special type of food, flower or particular wedding favours. Procuring those items locally or transporting them from abroad might come at a higher cost.
5. Communication Barrier
Lastly, it is important to remember that most countries have their own native language and traditions that might make communication difficult. Communicating your wishes to local suppliers may be tricky and they may have their own expectations based on local culture that might lead to misunderstandings. While of course it is easier to choose a country that speaks English or your native language, this is also where the services of a wedding can be particularly helpful. Familiarity with the local culture, experience with reliable local vendors or knowledge of the local language can help you to marry in the destination of your dreams while providing a smooth and stress free planning process.
We hope that you find these tips helpful! And remember, while destination weddings may have their challenges, with good planning and smart choices there are always ways to make it happen… no matter the destination.
