It's no surprise why more and more couples are opting to have their wedding at a dreamy destination alongside their close family and friends. The celebration becomes an immersive experience that encompasses the union of two people, a picturesque backdrop, adventure, intimacy and a built-in honeymoon.
If you’ve decided to go the route of a destination wedding, there are a number of important details and logistics to keep in mind along your journey. International wedding photographer Zai Laffitte is here to help, sharing her top 6 tips to give thought to as you plan your unforgettable affair.
Research Season-Related Factors
As a wedding photographer based part-time in Miami, I recieve a lot of inquiries from out-of-towners planning a wedding in South Florida in the midst of summer. What they don’t realize is that Florida summers are not only exceedingly hot, but it’s also hurricane season. That said, it’s important to look into climate-related specifics of your destination before landing on a date.
It’s also important to consider the area’s travel season or holidays/ events happening locally. These factors will greatly impact the travel experience you and your guests will have, as well as determine the cost of travel. It is always ideal to plan your event just before the area’s busy season, or toward the end of it, and steer clear of sporting events and the like. And don't forget–if you or any key guests need a passport to travel, make sure all passports are valid for the date of the wedding, or that there is plenty of time to order or renew them prior.
Hire Professionals Who Can Serve Your Cultural Needs
When having a wedding in an international country, you must keep in mind that you are bringing your own set of cultural needs, traditions and expectations for your wedding based both, on the country you live in and your families’ customs. Some vendors - mostly your planner, photographer and DJ - should be experienced or knowledgable in serving those needs. For example, a tradition common in Western countries is the first look, in which the couple sees each other prior to the ceremony. This, however, is not something commonly done in European weddings. A first look is an intimate and important moment that requires some planning and guidance, and having vendors that understand that is vital. Other examples that vary widely from country to country is the wedding day timeline and order of formalities. That’s why, when hiring vendors in a destination, it’s important to communicate your cultural needs and expectations to make sure you find your perfect match.
Be Selective with Your Guest List
One of the most common things I’ve heard from clients who had a destination wedding was that they received more RSVPs than they were anticipating. Sending out a few “courtesy” invites to distant family or friends, assuming that they won’t travel far for your vows may backfire, because lots of people love a destination wedding as a joyful excuse to vacation with people they know. So if you want to keep it an intimate affair, invite only the people that you truly want in attendance. Remember, your guest count will determine things like venue options and budget, as well activities that can be planned throughout your celebrations.
If you must leave some family and friends out of your destination guest list, or if there are important people who can’t make the travels, you can opt for a celebratory dinner or gathering before your destination wedding. This will make them feel included in your celebrations.
Consider a Symbolic Wedding
Making your marriage legal in a foreign country can get complicated. Every country has different requirements and laws for ensuring the legality of a marriage - including how many days you must be present in the country before the ceremony, who can marry you, proof of birth and medical certificates, and many other necessities. Language barriers can make it even more so confusing!
The easiest and most stress-free way to go about it is to have your legal marriage back home, be it a big celebration or intimate courthouse ceremony, and then have your symbolic union at your destination of choice. But if you do choose to legally get married at your destination, make sure to hire a wedding planner who is familiar with the process and can help guide you.
Separate the Honeymoon from the Wedding
One of the best aspects of having a destination wedding is that you get to also have a built-in vacation with all the people you love, as well as a honeymoon at the destination you’re getting married at. The key, though, is having a clear boundary between the two, because the last thing you want is family and friends lingering into your honeymoon time. Make this clear by using specific language on your wedding website as well as your wedding weekend itinerary noting the dates for which you will have family and friend time, and the official start date (maybe even time) of your honeymoon. Then offer a list of suggestions for things to do for your guests once you and your new husband or wife separate for alone time.
Pack the Essentials in Your Carry-On Luggage
To ensure that your wedding day essentials make it to your destination with you, you must pack them in your carry-on luggage. This includes, of course, your wedding day attire as well as any other irreplaceable wedding day must-haves. You may opt to have your wedding outfits in a waterproof, solid garment bag in lieu of a carry-on bag, and all other essentials in your partner’s carry-on luggage.
If you are packing your wedding attire, it will be wrinkled once taken out, so make sure you set up any steaming or ironing services well in advance. Also, having priority seating on a plane - as with business class or first class - will ensure you are able to place your valuables within sight, and you avoid the possibility of having to check your luggage in the event overhead space runs out.
