Many couples have visions in their heads about what they want their wedding to be like. If you are one of the many that has spent your life dreaming of jet setting to an exotic location to exchange your vows, a destination wedding is the perfect option for you. And with so many couples choosing this fun and personal way to exchange their vows, there are many resources in popular locations that are able to help you. Still, before you dive into the planning process, you must choose the perfect location for you and your soon-to-be spouse’s dream wedding.
Here are five important factors to consider when choosing a location for a destination wedding.
Season
The weather on your wedding day plays a crucial role in how the entire event kicks off. It is important to consider the driest months of the year for the location you select in order to avoid getting rained on, or rained out of your first choice option. You also do not want to send yourself and your guests into uncomfortable extreme temperatures. Research averages for temperature and rainfall before deciding on a specific location.
Ambiance
Next, it is important to consider the type of ambiance you want. This should be suited to you and your future husband. If you both love the water, a beach setting is likely a good choice. If you both are wine lovers, try looking for a location on a vineyard. Regardless of where you choose, the ambiance should match the tastes of both you and your spouse.
Accessibility
It is important to remember that guests will be coming from all over to experience your special day. The accessibility and ease of finding transportation to the location is important. If the location is difficult to get to, there is a good chance that some of your guests will not be able to attend. If you do have your heart set on a very remote and personal location, plan to host your guests for a longer period of time and extend the duration of their trip so that they feel like they get the most out of their vacation and time at your wedding.
Guest List
For your guest list, be sure to invite enough people that you know will attend, but not too many that you feel overwhelmed. Also, consider the people you are inviting. When you are making your count, be sure to invite everyone you want to come, but also be prepared for a larger number of people to decline the invitation simply because of the long distance. This will leave you with a more intimate group for the wedding, but it may also exclude a few of the people you most hoped would be able to come. If this is the case, consider having a reception back in your home town at a future date once you have exchanged nuptials.
Budget
With destination weddings, just as with all weddings, costs seem to add up quickly. While you likely have a good idea of what you can expect as far as location costs, food, and drink, also set aside some money for unexpected fees, such as extra luggage you may need to take with you, or souvenirs for the guests who do make the long trek to your wedding. By taking these into consideration, you are able to plan accordingly and hopefully come in under budget, instead of having to endure the stress of extra costs.
A destination wedding is the perfect way to exchange your vows and share your love for your soon-to-be lifelong partner in a unique but meaningful and intimate location. Use these tips to find the right one for your family.
About the Author:
Tess Pajaron is part of the team behind Open Colleges. She has traveled to many different countries and loves to discover new and exciting places.