Destination weddings: Tips for planning the perfect getaway wedding

A destination wedding provides an opportunity for couples to spend a dream location under once-in-a-lifetime union celebrations, making memories they'll carry with them throughout their lives. However, hosting such a wedding requires rigorous planning and intricate details. From the venue selection to the comfort of where your guests will be staying, these are some tips that will help you plan the ultimate destination wedding.

1. Have a family discussion
Laying out with your family the discussion on where to get married can get a wedding ball rolling. Remember to keep the bride's and groom's preferences at the center of the discussion. Do they dream of exchanging vows on a sun-kissed beach or amidst towering mountains? Each location carries a unique flavor, and this initial discussion will guide you to narrow down your choices.
Determine costs upfrontIt is necessary to make a preliminary research of the price lists for each destination in order to have an idea of what you can expect financially. The clear picture of possible costs for the future will prevent any unpleasant surprises and will help all the guests be on the same wavelength with the budget.

2. Think about your guest listThe number of guests you will be inviting dictates the ideal location for your wedding. Not to forget older or disable family members; you may need to select a venue that can comfortably accommodate all your guests. Some venues will prove to be more welcoming than others, so you should choose a suitable place to hold your wedding that meets the requirements of every guest.

Evaluate travel logisticsPick a location you will find feasible for travel plans for your guests. A location that is quite far away may sound fairy-tale-like, but some of your guests may not appreciate sitting in a flight for several hours or have intricate travel plans. Consider selecting a place that is simply stunning yet can be accessed by most of your guests.

3. Consider hiring an experienced wedding planner
Once you have narrowed down your destination choices, it is smart to engage the expertise of an experienced wedding planner. They can give you truly great insight regarding venue availability and local vendors, but also the nuts and bolts of hosting an event in a foreign location.

Share your visionGive your wedding planner a list of possible venues, along with what you envision your wedding to be. This will give them room to research extensively and then narrow down options for you, taking a little pressure off their shoulders and ensuring that you make the right decisions.

4. See the venue before you tie the knotThough online research will give you some useful preliminary information, nothing will be as useful as visiting the venue itself. Pictures of a destination may make it look absolutely perfect, but when one goes there, the reality is likely to be very different. See it for yourself; visit the venue and get a feel of it; then only can you rightly understand the atmosphere and suitability of the venue for your wedding.

Visit the venue during the day and at nightScouting the place will let you know the credibility of the venue, hospitality of the staff, and overall feel. This personal visit will give you confidence in your choice and ensure that the venue aligns with your expectations and vision.

5. Activities for your guestsThe guests are likely to spend some days of actual celebration before the wedding. In this respect, with a destination wedding, you can make the experience even more memorable by planning additional activities that your guests could participate in during their stay. There is guided tours, group excursions, or welcome dinner to make the experience stand out.

Make your guests feel welcome
By developing activities, you are not only entertaining your guests but also making them feel valued in having traveled from their place to attend your wedding. This adds that extra hospitality to ensure them a marvellous time beyond the ceremony itself.

6. Put the details in their capable hands-the planning teamLeave the details to your wedding planner and his team as soon as the major decisions are made. They know just what to do to ensure spick and span every aspect of your special day.

And so, with careful consideration and the right input from experienced wedding planners, destination weddings can be ideal smooth events. Refer to the tips above, and you shall set up an utterly spectacular celebration that you'll never forget, neither will your guest.

Authored by: Aarti Manocha, Podcast host of 'The Wedding Podcast', and Founder & Managing Director of Milestones to Memories (MtoM)