WHAT WILL MAKE YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING PERFECT
So you have decided to give up on the traditional stay-at-home, big fancy wedding and take the plunge and travel out of the country for your special event. This sounds like a great idea! Whether you decide it's a private occassion with just you and your loved one or an event in which all of the family and friends are invited, here is a list of things that will aid you a having the most successful destination wedding.
•Find Expert advice: Everyone knows the internet is an excellent source for researching the destination and hotel but leave the expert advise to your travel agent. They are easily accessible and are there if you should ever encounter problems. They keep up-to-date and knowledgeable about the destination and the product and can also find you travel deals that may otherwise be found. As this may be your first time in planning a destination wedding, it may be their hundredth time so their experience and expertise will benefit you in the end. Be sure to ask the agency who is their designated destination wedding expert and work with them in planning and booking your holiday.
• Choose the right destination: Choosing the right destination is key in making your wedding dreams come true. Do you want to exchange your vows on a beach in the tropics or a historic castle in Europe, at a world famous landmark or in a quaint and secluded retreat? Whatever you choose, make sure that you don't stray from that original dream that has been dancing in your mind since the engagement.
• Choose the right property: Choosing the right property is as important as choosing the right destination. Many people look at the bargain hotel in the list of hotel options but avoid the ones more up the ladder but that are probably going to give them more of a positive lifetime memory. Aspects to look at are a hotel's star rating, it's location (beachfront, close to shopping etc.), how big of a property it is with the facilities to suite your needs, and if it is well experienced in planning weddings.
• Choose the right time: Things to look out for are peak travel times, such as holidays, when the resort is at it's busiest and the likelyhood of the free room upgrade for the bride and groom are next to nil. Although the chances are slim that a hurricane will land up on your doorstep, at your hotel, at your destination, on your wedding date, it is still important to be aware that the hurricane season in the Caribbean is from August to October. Eventhough you may seek the sun and sand, you may want to pay attention also to the hot season of the destination or you may melt away in your wedding dress out there on the beach.
• Book early: When it doubt, book as soon as the rates become available. Anything from six to eight months in advance of your wedding date should suffice. You also don't have to wait for everyone to get it together. Like the old Pied Piper would say, "Lead, and they will follow."• Stay on budget: Although this is your dream holiday and once-in-a-lifetime special day, you don't want to be grumbling for years afterwards as you continue to pay off the trip. Stay within means. If you're flexible and work with the experts, you will find the perfect place and wedding package that will be sure to please and that won't break the bank. This doesn't mean down-sizing or giving up what's important for you, it just means then changing dates, duration of the stay, destination, or hotel that will suite your budget.
• Stay focused on your dream: After months of planning, many people begin to loose their main dream and focus especially given all of the steps and factors of planning a wedding. As soon as you have decided to make your wedding a destination wedding, you and your spouse together should write out a list of what would make your 'dream destination wedding' come true. When you're about to book, re-visit the list and ensure these items are still being met.• Do what makes you both happy not what makes everybody else happy: Although auntie Grace may need an operation at the time of your wedding or mother-in-law claims she will melt away if the ceremony is on a beach, you have to keep in mind that this is your wedding day, not theirs. In most wedding plans you will not be able to satify everyone so why is it any different for a destination wedding? Like chicken or don't like chicken. Like the Bahamas or don't like the Bahamas. It's all up to you. For those who then can't (or won't) make it, you can have a party for all on your return.
• Go with the flow: One of the greatest aspects of planning a destination wedding is that it's less stressful than planning a wedding at home. Keep up with this mindset and things will flow better. Many places down South have quite a laid-back attitude so let it rub off on you too. If the icing on the cake in the middle layer ended up chocolate and not vanilla, let it be. If you're working with a reputable hotel with an on-site wedding coordinator, they will ensure ALL of your wedding dreams come true. If something does go astray that isn't palatable, let the wedding coordinator know immediately and it will be fixed.
So good luck and enjoy not only the wedding itself, but the process of planning it. The day should be as unique and special as you are and offer you a lifetime of memories and stories to talk about at the dinner table for years!
Author: Laurie Keith
copyright 2006
Want to learn more on how we can help you plan your destination wedding or honeymoon? Romantic Planet Vacations has been specializing in destination weddings and honeymoons since 2004. Let our expertise work for you! travel@romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123.
