The Complete Destination Wedding Handbook for the World Traveler Bride

by Jenn

So, they finally popped the question… now what? You can never start planning for the most exciting day of your life too soon. While treasuring the “engagement” phase is an essential step in savoring this unforgettable milestone, initiating a conversation about whether you and your partner would like to have a long or short engagement will help take the mystery out of your big day. Because wedding nuptials often require a color-coded calendar and a wedding planner who swears by a thinking-two-steps-ahead approach, no question should be left unanswered. 

Depending on the timeline of your wedding, post-engagement planning may be non-negotiable. After you and your fiance’s picture-perfect engagement (complete with a breathtaking diamond from a jeweler like Diamonds Forever San Diego) makes its debut on Instagram, it’s time to hit the ground running and kick-off wedding planning in full force. 

Having a destination wedding will gift your spouse and your guests with priceless memories that’ll last a lifetime. To ensure the big day lives up to its title of “the most important day of your life,” let your creativity shine during the planning process. For your destination wedding, checking to-do list items like choosing the venue, booking caterers/vendors, and shopping for your dress as far in advance as possible is vital. Once you pick your destination, the rest will fall into place. 

Choose a meaningful location

Picking the perfect location for your destination wedding is an essential part of your wedding planning journey. Think about a place that means something to you and your fiance and represents you both as a couple. To make your big day worth celebrating, pick an exotic destination that you’ll want to revisit in the future. That way, you’ll have a go-to anniversary  retreat for years to come.

Take a trip there in-person

If you can, taking a trip to your prospective destination beforehand will settle any distracting doubts or second thoughts. If booking a pre-wedding trip isn’t financially possible, scroll through pictures and available video footage to learn as much as you can online. That way, you’ll feel prepared for your big day and equipped to identify Instagram-worthy photo ops. 

Research local marriage laws

An unexpected element of a destination wedding is following local marriage guidelines and laws. Obtaining proper permits is sometimes necessary, and taking care of all of those steps ahead of time will make wedding planning a cinch. 

Don’t stress about the small details

When getting married and planning a wedding, there are always bumps that occur along the way. Unfortunately, a bride-to-be’s risk of running into unforeseen roadblocks can spike when tying the knot in an unfamiliar place. Realizing that the small details will not make or break your wedding will help take undue stress off of your shoulders, allowing you to treasure this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. 

Do in-depth research

Research, research, research! Covering your bases is an integral part of planning a destination wedding. Looking into flights, highly-reviewed hotels, and local restaurants will help your guests feel thought-of as they embark on their overseas journey.  It is also vital that you take time to research a wedding coordinator, makeup artist, caterers, and other vendors that will be specific to your selected destination.

Before the I dos

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but planning ahead will help brides-to-be realize their wildest wedding fantasies. Still undecided? If so, remember that a destination wedding is a perfect pick for you, as it’s a memorable and cost-effective way to celebrate your lifelong partnership. 

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