Planning A Destination Wedding: Everything You Need To Know

With a beautiful vintage ring and scenic view to match, many people love a destination proposal. After which, the concept of a destination wedding becomes the next big thing that comes to mind. A wedding abroad is something many couples dream about. After all, it means you can have a much more intimate ceremony and even enjoy a wedding and honeymoon in one.

While the idea of tying the knot abroad may seem complicated, it just takes a little planning and organization before you can say I do. Whether you have your heart set on a romantic ceremony in Bali, a tropical celebration in the Bahamas, or to say "I do" in a castle in Europe. Here's everything you need to know about planning a wedding abroad.

Choosing The Destination

Of the 25% of weddings held abroad each year, the weather is key in choosing a destination wedding. But you also need to think about accessibility for your wedding guests. Consider how feasible the traveling would be for your guests and whether the hotel can accommodate all your guests' childcare and accessibility requirements. You also need to ensure there are no recent travel warnings, health concerns in the area, or political issues. Make sure you inform all your guests if there is anything they should know before they travel.

Check Marriage And Travel Requirements

Different countries have different marriage requirements that can include a raft of paperwork, including birth and medical certificates, proof of residency, and letters of intent. Make sure you know well in advance what paperwork you need so you have time to get it all collated. You may find that it's easier to get a domestic marriage certificate and civil ceremony in your state before you travel. You will, of course, also need a valid passport for international travel and at least a driver's license if you are choosing a domestic destination. Be sure to double-check expiration dates.

Notifying Guests Of Your Overseas Wedding

If your wedding is overseas, you'll need to give your guests plenty of notice to make necessary arrangements. Aim to send out your save-the-dates around eight to 12 months before the wedding and then follow up with the official invites no later than four months before. You shouldn't be required to book travel for your guests, but try to make the process as easy as possible by recruiting a travel advisor to take over group reservations.

Guests traditionally cover their own travel and accommodation costs, but you'll need to make this clear as gracefully as possible. Your save-the-dates and wedding website will be the best way to get the information out to your guests.

Catering and Local Cuisines

When planning a destination wedding, incorporating local food and candies for wedding into your menu can offer your guests a unique and memorable dining experience. This not only makes the event more authentic but also allows you and your guests to immerse yourselves in the local gastronomy.

Consider incorporating a tasting session of local sweets and desserts into your wedding itinerary. This can be a fun, casual event separate from the wedding day, where guests can enjoy local delicacies and sweets, further enhancing the destination wedding experience.

There's a lot to think about when planning a wedding, especially if you've got your heart set on tying the knot overseas. But with some careful planning, you can look forward to saying "I do" in your dream destination.