Pop the champagne and let’s start to plan your dream destination wedding
Congratulations! Your ring finger sparkles with a dazzling promise, and your heart bursts with excitement for your next adventure – you’re going to have a destination wedding! But amidst the whirlwind of champagne pops and phone calls buzzing with news, you might start to have a little bit of anxiety: where do you even begin? Fear not, lovebirds, for this guide will be your compass, leading you through the top 5 things to do after your engagement to plan your dream destination wedding!
1. Celebrate!
Yes sounds obvious we know but bask in the glow! Before diving headfirst into spreadsheets, savour this joyous time. Announce your engagement with dazzling photos on Instagram (yes, ‘hashtag!#engaged), start your Pinterest board for inspiration (are we thinking dreamy beaches in Cancun or charming castles in Tuscany?), and maybe buy yourself a wedding magazine to enjoy with a cuppa. Wait, do they still exist? These little steps will spread the joy and get you excited for this adventure you’re now on with tickets to wedded bliss.
2. Location, location, location
Always a tricky part of destination wedding planning, the world is your oyster right? It may be that you’ve dreamt of a romantic Italy wedding for decades, or you might just know you want a wedding abroad, but don’t know where yet.
True story, when we were looking at our honeymoon, we had a budget and a timeline and that was it. We went into our local branch of Kuoni and told them we had x amount of money and wanted to travel for a month. Their response? Here’s some brochures, go and narrow the locations! It was a downer at first but they were right, it’s quite different to start if you don’t even narrow it down. Do you want an easy to travel to location in Europe? Or maybe you dream of a barefoot elopement in Costa Rica? Even if you narrow it to 2-3 countries, that will assist your team (see point 3!) in working things out with you further.
3. Dream Team Assemble!
Now comes the practical part: building your dream team! Google your heart out for experienced destination wedding planners who specialise in your chosen location. Read reviews, compare styles, and don’t hesitate to schedule video calls – finding the right planner is like discovering your soulmate’s twin! Many destination wedding planners will work across multiple countries, but do check in on their connections in each location. Working in another country is hard if you don’t know the language or customs, and a great destination planner will have contacts. Ask the questions! Similarly, seek out photographers and videographers who capture the essence of your chosen paradise, whether it’s the sun-kissed sands of Ibiza or the rustic charm of Puglian Trullo wedding. Remember, stunning visuals are your memories secured for life, so prioritise portfolios that resonate with your vision. Even better, just choose us!
4. The Wedding Budget
Ah, the budget. Be honest, it can zap any excitement out of you right? But fear not! Sit down with your beloved with a nice bottle of something or a good cuppa and talk it through to come up with your ballpark figure. Unless money really is no object, most people start off with an ideal budget. A little bit of research can go a long way. Look at average costs for your chosen destination, factoring in flights, accommodation, venue fees, and essential services – as well as levels of luxury! You can utilise online planning tools and budget planners, but remember, flexibility is key! This is where working with a wedding planner can be a lifesaver as they will likely already have an idea of costs and considerations for your day – and remind you to put in the contingency!
5. Venue Vision Quest
Now for the pièce de résistance: your wedding venue! Whether it’s a clifftop ceremony overlooking the Aegean or a candlelit vineyard in Napa, Google is your treasure map. Use specific keywords like “unique wedding venues in [destination]” or maybe even “destination wedding packages” to discover hidden gems. Many venues now have virtual tours that allow you to view from the comfort of your sofa and browse social media pages for a real feel of the atmosphere. For example, remember to look at the ‘tagged’ tab on Instagram for non-venue owned photos which will give you authenticity. Once you’ve narrowed it down, you can either contact the venues directly or work through your chosen wedding planner. When working with a planner, they will likely set up site visits for you, this is a lovely excuse for a legitimate weekend away, so you can really get a feel for a place before putting down your hard earned cash.
Bonus Tip: Create a dedicated email address for your wedding that both you and your partner have access too. This is great for keeping all the information for your destination wedding in one place, accessible to both of you.
So, there you have it! You’ve embarked on the first steps towards your dream destination wedding. Remember, the key is to celebrate the journey, embrace flexibility, and most importantly, have fun! Now, go forth, explore, and remember to come back and tell us where we’re going!
Happy planning!
