So you want to get married AND have the vacation of your dreams?
A timeless wedding and memorable travel go hand in hand...As a luxury wedding photographer, I photograph weddings across the world. I've seen it all: flying to Italy, Costa Rica, Paris, Mexico and more to capture the beautiful moments of someone’s special day. I’ve seen all the incredible, meaningful, magical moments that allow a couple to connect with each other and the scenery around them… I’ve also seen some things to avoid. Destination weddings are other worldly, but like any wedding, they have their own set of tricks to create the extravagant day of your dreams.
As someone who sees all the romance, in many different shapes and forms, here are my best tips for destination wedding planning:
Tip #1: Google Can't Select Your Location
The first and potentially most essential task when it comes to destination weddings is to choose a location. I believe that there is not one place that is best for everyone. Not one wedding should be the same. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to find your perfect destination:
- What do I see when I close my eyes and picture my dream wedding?
- What places have I been that I’ve loved?
- What scenery do I want to see on my wedding day (ocean, beach, mountains)?
- How far am I willing to travel?
- When do I want to have my wedding? What are the climates like in the places I am considering then?
- Will I be tying in my honeymoon to my wedding? If yes, where do I want my honeymoon?
- What aspects are on my priority list for my wedding? Are they available in the places I am considering?
- What is my budget?
- What is more important to me: The venue or the destination?
- Do I want a package? Do I want to plan it myself? (I’ll touch more on this later)
Make a list of the places you are considering and ask yourself these questions to see which one aligns with you and your partner most. In the end, trust your intuition.
Tip #2: Put in Extra Work While Destination Wedding Planning To Make Your Day More Special
There are a few extra steps I’ve seen couples take before their wedding to make their day more peaceful and special for all.
Go above and beyond for Your Guests
If you are choosing to elope you can skip this step (and see some of my favourite elopement inspo here, aaaand here!), but if you are bringing a guest list you should consider that your family and friends will be traveling across the world to attend your special day. Little things that show you appreciate their travels will take your wedding from okay to iconic.
If you want to go over the top, create a welcome guide for your guests that includes options for stay, itineraries/things to do, and a little bit about the location you are staying at.
If you are staying at a resort and have purchased a destination wedding package, then most couples will have a room block for their guests that allows for a lower price. However, consider that even then, some guests will prefer lower or higher-priced resorts so you can go above and beyond by offering a list of suggested stays within a few kilometers.
Don’t be afraid to create *optional* events throughout the weekend for guests who might not want to spend time planning an exciting trip themselves. Killer welcome parties, beautiful group hikes, and mimosa mornings, won’t disappoint. Guests don’t have to join in on your fun (but i'm sure most will!).
Communicate with your Vendors
Make sure to have plenty of communication with ALL of your vendors beforehand. Get to know them, ask them questions about their experience, the location, and anything else that helps to create a rapport. Having a pre-existing connection with them will save you so much stress and energy on the big day. All Life as She Knows It couples receive my complimentary Intentional Wedding Guide that includes a list of questions to ask your wedding vendors!
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
A destination wedding can mean more moving parts. It is important to have people in line to help things go smoothly.
Who will be picking up and delivering florals or decor?
Who should vendors speak to the day of with questions or concerns?
Who will take charge if there have been any errors?
Who will be traveling with any pieces you are bringing from home?
Your friends and family (or a wedding planner) are there to help. Putting in the time beforehand to lock in these details will save you so much stress on the day of.
Tip #3: Choose a Destination Wedding Package or Go Solo
As mentioned, some destination wedding couples opt for a destination wedding package. These usually take place at a resort and include a venue, an on-site coordinator, floral arrangements, decor, and a dinner.
This choice depends on what you are looking for in your wedding. If you are not one to be specific with your choices and like to go with the flow, then going for a package is a great way to save money and enjoy your time as a soon-to-be-married couple.
But, if you like to be in control and have a specific vision, stay away from these packages and instead plan it yourself or hire an independent wedding planner. If you are choosing to go solo, it can help to start with one vendor that you absolutely love their work and then ask them for their vendor recommendations! A Lot of the time they will have people on their list that have a similar style and/or personality.
It can be scary starting the planning process from scratch. Remember these key elements: Photo/video, food/beverage, music/entertainment, and decor.
Tip #4: You SHOULD Book an Experienced Wedding Photographer
I think it would be some kind of cardinal sin for me not to include this..
Ultimately, you are choosing a destination wedding for the memory of celebrating your love in a stunning location. There is no better way to hold onto that memory than through the art of photography.
By hiring a wedding photographer that can deliver timeless memories and a luxury experience, you are guaranteed stunning photographs that truly capture the intimate and unique emotions of your wedding.
You can find photographers who are willing to be with you every step of the way and have an amazing portfolio from all across the world (like me!). There's nothing better to spend your money on than memories of your wedding day.
Whether you elope in the mountains or have a 200 person wedding in a chateau, choose to be in Capri or Sayulita, I hope your wedding day is perfect in every single way.
Lots of love,
- Carly, Life As She Knows It Photography