Destination Wedding FAQs: Valuable Answers From the Experts

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you really need some advice from the pros so you don’t make any mistakes that will ruin your special day. Here is a list of frequently asked questions about destination weddings complete with answers from the experts.

Should I get a pre-owned dress for my beach wedding?

If you’re looking for the perfect gown for your beach wedding, a pre-owned gown is a great idea. It can save you 60 percent or more compared to a brand new dress. What’s more, many pre-owned bridal gown stores have a range of designer dress starting at just $100.

What items should I ship to my destination wedding?

Wedding planners generally recommend that you don’t ship anything to your wedding destination. It’s much easier to bring along an extra, large suitcase to carry the stash of wedding items you may not be able to find locally. It’s also much less expensive to bring an extra case than to ship, and there’s much less chance of your case arriving late or case getting lost.

When should we send out invitations?

Bear in mind that guests will have to make travel and accommodation arrangements and pay for costs, so it’s best to give them as much notice as possible. Send out wedding invitations 6 months prior to your special day. If you like, you can send out “save the date” notices two months before that. Social media is a good way to do this.

Who will plan our destination wedding?

Some popular destination wedding resorts offer a wedding coordinator as a courtesy service when you book your event there. Alternatively, you can hire your own wedding planner at home and take them along with you. This will depend on your personal preference and your budget.

What preparations should we make in advance?

If your destination wedding is outside of the United States, make sure your passports are up to date. Bring the originals and leave photocopies with a friend in case they get lost or damaged. Get your vaccinations and insurance up to date before you leave.  Don’t forget to pack and medications you take routinely. Take extra glasses or contact lenses. Don’t take unnecessary valuables or irreplaceable items. Depending on where you’re going, you may also have to make specific arrangements relating to your wedding, so be sure to look into the marriage requirements at your destination. You made need blood tests or to reside in the country for several day or weeks prior to your wedding.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about planning your destination wedding, the best thing you can do is hand it over to an expert.  Hire an experienced wedding planner who knows the right questions to ask the locals at your destination.  That way you can be sure that your wedding will take place seamlessly and you won’t have the stress of making all the wedding plans.

Sophia Wallis absolutely loves being a wedding planner! She enjoys passing on tips and insights to brides-to-be as she knows how nerve-wracking the experience can be to the uninitiated.