6 Insider Secrets to Planning the Perfect Destination Wedding

As shared by the wedding planning experts at A Charming Fête

A Charming Fête, Photography: David Bastianoni Studio
A Charming Fête, Photography: Tone Woolfe

Since launching A Charming Fête in 2011, planners Lisa Costin and Somer Khouri have brought countless dream weddings to life across the U.S. and beyond. Seasoned professionals with impeccable taste, they know exactly how to craft a celebration that flows effortlessly from welcome cocktails to the final farewell. With the support of a trusted network of creative partners, Lisa and Somer are known for designing cohesive environments where every detail feels carefully curated. Exclusively for THE WED, the duo shares their most essential, experience-backed tips for planning the perfect destination wedding.

A Charming Fête, Photography: Jenna Martin
A Charming Fête, Photography: Jenna Martin

Hire a Seasoned
Destination Planner

If budget allows, it’s crucial to work with an experienced planner who specializes in destination weddings. Ideally, they will have strong vendor relationships globally, extensive travel experience, cultural fluency, and local connections to ensure that things run smoothly. Their expertise will allow you to remain calm and confident throughout the planning process, knowing every detail is being handled with precision and care. And if any issues arise (as they often do), they will be resolved calmly and discreetly. The best wedding planners are master problem-solvers and borderline magicians! They routinely operate as “the invisible hand,” solving problems before they happen, pivoting gracefully, and never missing a beat with zero disruption to the event.

A Charming Fête, Photography: Joseph Rogero
A Charming Fête, Photography: Cedar & Pines

Choose a Destination with
Intention & Meaning

Don’t just pick somewhere because it’s beautiful or trending. Select a location that means something to you and your partner. Maybe it’s where you first traveled together, somewhere that connects to your heritage, or simply a destination that inspires you. When a destination carries meaning, every moment becomes more intentional and memorable. Your guests will feel that authenticity from the moment they arrive.

Make sure to be careful of locations that present overly complicated logistics, which may cause a nuisance or headache for your guests. Be realistic in terms of cost and what your budget will allow, and also be conscientious of logistical challenges. For example, venue site distance from the airport, limited transportation options (such as being accessible only by boat), or insufficient accommodation/lodging options could prove disastrous for your wedding weekend.

A Charming Fête, Photography: Lauren Gabrielle
A Charming Fête, Photography: Cedar & Pines

Prioritize Guest Experience

A destination wedding is a multi-day, multi-sensory experience. Think of it as a journey, one that begins with a memorable welcome moment, peaks with an iconic legacy celebration, and ends with a joyful and gracious farewell experience. We want guests to feel an elevated, concierge-level sense of hospitality at every touchpoint. Every transition should feel seamless, from guest arrival to local excursions to the after-party. Thoughtfully curated details and small personal touches will make the experience unique and memorable. Guests can feel when an event is organized, and they can definitely feel when it’s not. Clean logistics and smooth guest transfers and transitions are everything. When the timeline flows effortlessly and seamlessly, everyone can be fully present and enjoy the moment.

A Charming Fête, Photography: David Bastianoni Studio
A Charming Fête, Photography: Joseph Rogero

Keep a Flexible Mindset &
Embrace the Local Culture

Some regions move at a slower pace, and that’s okay. For example, be prepared to embrace an elongated dining experience in Italy—after all, that’s the whole point! Don’t sweat the small stuff or allow small nuances to ruin the experience. Some localized areas may have limited resources, so specialty curated decor or specialty foods may need to be brought in. Embrace the local, seasonal options. In tropical locations where wind or rain may present an issue, be prepared with a plan A, B, and C. Keep an open mind and maintain flexibility throughout the process. When you embrace the culture and flow of the destination, your celebration will feel more authentic and beautifully in tune with its surroundings.

A Charming Fête, Photography: Abby Jiu
A Charming Fête, Photography: Niki Marie

Let the Location Inspire the Design

Let the location and setting inspire the vibe and guide the design aesthetic. This should be your starting point. At the same time, the location should also make sense with who you are. For instance, nature lovers hosting an intimate ceremony with views of the Rocky Mountains near Aspen, a beachfront celebration near the bride’s family vacation home, or an iconic Italian celebration at a prestigious villa overlooking Lake Como. The architecture, landscape, colors, and textures of the environment will set the tone. When the design complements the destination, it feels effortless and timeless.

A Charming Fête, Photography: Tone Woolfe
A Charming Fête, Photography: Tone Woolfe

Budget for the
Unseen and Unknown

No matter how much you plan, there will always be surprises. Shipping fees, additional travel costs, additional power needs, or last-minute vendor partner requests, tenting for Plan B, emergency services, and so forth can pop up along the way. Build in a cushion for the unexpected. A good planner will help you anticipate these things before they happen, but having that flexibility in your budget (and mind) makes everything smoother.