Destination weddings are not new. They’ve been around for centuries, but they’ve never been more popular than they are today. One reason for this is the rise of social media and the ability to share pictures on Instagram or Facebook with all your friends and family back home. But another big reason is that destination weddings offer couples a chance to do something different, memorable, and special in one of the most romantic places on earth.

Of course, planning a wedding in an exotic location can be difficult, but here are some tips to make the process easier.

1. Define Your Budget

When planning a destination wedding, the first thing you need to do is figure out your budget. Destination weddings can be more expensive than traditional weddings because you’ll have travel costs and, depending on where you go, there might be additional costs for services and licenses.

2. Set a Date

When setting your wedding day, keep in mind the weather and peak travel seasons that might impact costs and the availability of venues and vendors. A lot of places have their peak season during the summer months, so you might want to consider a winter or spring wedding instead.

3. Understand the Legal Requirements for Getting Married in That Particular Country or State

Different countries and states have different legal requirements for getting married in their jurisdiction. Some require a license and others don’t. Some might let you buy the license on the day of your wedding while others might want proof that you’ve been together for more than a certain number of months before letting you marry. Knowing exactly what the legal requirements are beforehand will save you a lot of trouble on the big day.

4. Choose Your Guest List and Send Out Invitations Early

One of the most important things to think about when planning destination weddings is how many guests you want on your guest list. You might not be able to invite everyone you want but you definitely want to make sure that the guests on your list are people who can afford to travel.

You should also send out invitations well in advance of your wedding date because many guests need time to save up for their trip and get all the necessary documentation. You don’t want anyone to miss out on your wedding just because they didn’t have enough time to plan.

5. Shop for Your Wedding Dress Early

Wedding dresses can be expensive. In 2019, the average cost of a wedding gown was $1,600 and prices have only gone up. You, therefore, don’t want to wait until the last minute to buy a dress because you might not find what you’re looking for.

Destination weddings are a great way to do something out of the ordinary and memorable. But they also have their challenges, so you need to thoroughly plan if you want everything to go just the way you want. Call us today for professional help planning your wedding.