Planning a destination wedding can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it yourself. Let us be your backup! Wondering where to get started? Our easy-to-follow guide provides you with all of the steps necessary to plan your perfect getaway!
1. What Inspires You?
Think about noteworthy symbols in your relationship. Are there certain songs or movies that are a significant part of your story? Are there elements of your heritage or family traditions you’d want to incorporate? What’s on your Pinterest board? What are your favorite vacation spots? Consider all your sources of inspiration. Get together and compile a list of things that resonate with both of you.
2. Schedule a Meeting With Us
Bring us your Inspiration List, photos, and Pinterest links to share with us so you can start planning! We are certified travel advisors and wedding destination specialists.
3. Consider Your Guests
Compiling the guest list might be the hardest part of your planning journey. Some couples choose to involve their respective families while others sort it out themselves. However works best for you, get a finalized list together and consider your guests:
- Who will be attending? Mostly singles, couples, or families with children?
- Will there be older folks or people who may need accessible options?
- Where are the guests located geographically? Is it near a popular airport hub?
- What destinations are easily accessible for them? Is there flight availability?
- What is appropriate for your guests’ budgets?
4. Set a Budget
Your wedding only happens once, so it’s important to consider which elements are worth splurging on and which are unnecessary expenses. Opt for upgrades that will enhance your overall experience and make a lasting impression on how you and your guests remember the big day. We have relationships with top resorts, cruise lines and destinations with insider connections to help you get the most out of your budget. Destination Weddings are the trip of a lifetime, and we want to make it absolutely unforgettable!
5. Explore Resorts & Destinations
There are countless beautiful locations to explore from the sugar sand beaches of the Caribbean to the aquamarine waters of Mexico or tropical flora of Hawaii. Which locations stand out to you? What activities would these locations provide you and your guests? What scene do you envision as the backdrop for your wedding photos? We are familiar with the benefits of each destination and have the technical knowledge of local wedding license requirements. We can help you pick the perfect destination that meets all your must-haves!
6. What About Amenities?
What kind of experience are you and your guests looking for? Action and adventure? History and culture? Gourmet food and wine? Luxury services and a world-class spa? Depending on what your interests are, we can arrange group activities, private tours and even special gatherings, like a private scuba lesson, for the wedding party.
7. Confirm Your Plans with a Deposit
We will reach out to the resort you have chosen to secure your wedding date and venue as well as block enough rooms for your estimated number of guests. We will also confirm your plans with a deposit, to ensure everything stays as you envisioned.
8. Save the Date
As soon as you have confirmed your plans, send out Save the Dates to all of your guests! Be sure to include our contact information to make it easy for your guests to book in the same group.
9. Create a Registry
Let your guests help pay for a jungle zip-lining adventure, a tour of a medieval castle or a relaxing beachside massage. We will help you set up your registry, complete with a customized website all about you and your destination wedding plans!
10. Start Packing
You don’t want to forget anything, like renewing your passport in advance, printing your travel itinerary, prescriptions and chargers for your electronics or converters if you are traveling outside of the country. Pack your wedding attire as carry-on luggage, as your flight attendant will put it away for safekeeping until you arrive at your destination.
11. Share Your Experience
Share your favorite destination wedding moments like the exchanging of your vows on the white sand beach or your sunset dinner that was gifted to you in your registry on social media. Don’t forget to review our services and recommend them to your friends!
12. Live Happily Ever After
You did it — now it’s time to celebrate! We will be with you every step of the way to ensure everything goes as planned. So sit back and enjoy your destination wedding. Soon enough, it will be time to start planning your first-anniversary trip!