5 Tips for a Successful Destination Wedding

Photo courtesy of: Jerad White

As a destination wedding planner in the Caribbean, one tip, which I have touched on in previous posts is the need to hire a local planner in the destination of your wedding who has relationships with vendors such as caterers, hotels, restaurants, local vacation rentals, etc. I will not include that in my top 5, instead, this post is geared towards those of you who have opted to plan your own destination wedding!  Planning a destination wedding from afar can be difficult but can also be a lot of fun if done correctly.

Why a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings can be amazing but there are lots of moving pieces that you must stay on top of to make it a success, not only for you but for your guests. For example, nothing can ruin the experience of a destination wedding like your mother in law to be staying 30 minutes from the rest of the group or someone not reserving a rental car when it is the only way to get around the island, etc. There are some possible problems with destination weddings that could happen but by being prepared to plan your destination wedding you are one step ahead.

1. If you aren't hiring a planner, then hire your destination wedding officiant first, a lot of times they work with vendors like photographers, florists, etc. and offer add on options that you can purchase through them and/or they can make the referral to these vendors.  
   
2. Do you know a friend or family member who has had a destination wedding? or even a friend of a friend? Ask them for advice, talking to someone who has been through it may save you headaches later.
   
3. Lodging - In many cases, not all guests will stay at the same hotel, especially if your wedding isn't at that hotel.  This is totally fine and is actually really nice because guests have the vacation experience they want this way. Although many of your guests may be travel technology savvy, make sure you post links to local vacation rental companies as well as sites like Airbnb, VRBO and Homeaway, also make sure to let your guests know where the festivities will take place so they can try to find somewhere nearby.  . 
   
4. Setup a destination wedding website that will get your guests excited for your wedding, after all, a destination wedding isn't just your wedding for your guests, it is also an opportunity for a vacation.  Make sure to include lots of photos of the destination,  information about the wedding including lodging recommendations, area information, pointers, etc.  Take the time to find links to helpful websites and blogs, write your own blogs, etc.  Your guests should be able to use your destination wedding website as the hub for booking their flights, rental cars, lodging, planning tours and excursions, etc.
   
5. Don't assume that you will be able to find supplies that you need at your destination. Remote/island/tropical destinations have limited options for stores and the more remote they are the harder it is for them to receive shipments.  For example, you may decide to make your own floral arrangements and just buy things like floral tape or pins for boutonnieres when you arrive but when you arrive, the one store that carries what you need is closed due to a death in the family or that they are sold out until their next shipment arrives in a week?  If you need something supplies, order them ahead of time on Amazon or for decor, favors, etc. buy them ahead on Etsy or Zazzle and pack them in your bags.

This is a small sampling of many pointers that I could give but these 5 tips for the perfect destination wedding could be enough to make a destination wedding everything you have dreamed of and to make your destination wedding fun for your guests.  Looking for more pointers and advice? We offer hourly consulting options that can help to set you up for success on your special day.  Email us with your questions for more information! 

As a top Caribbean destination wedding planner and a Virgin Islands wedding officiant, these are just a few of the tips and pointers I could give.  These 5 tips for a perfect destination wedding in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Fiji or wherever you decide, could be enough to make your destination wedding everything you have dreamed and at the same time, they will help make your destination wedding a memorable vacation for your guests.