A wedding is really hard to plan on its own, so now imagine having to plan it abroad! You have all the normal problems of finding a dress and location, except on an island far from home. It’s very daunting to embark on such a journey! It doesn’t have to be though, because I’ll give you the right tools to get started! Here are a few quick tips to plan a destination wedding.
Choose a location
Which should be really easy! Pick a beautiful place with wonderful sights, refreshing air, and the sun shining all day long. Anywhere is fine, but you should really consider the tropical paradise that is Punta Cana! Regardless of where you go, however, you have to consider how expensive it will be and how it fits the mood for your wedding. Choose wisely!
Explore your venues
Be thorough when researching your venues. You’ll want to read up every piece you can about it, because after all, it’s your special day! Leave nothing to chance. Reviews, articles, and accounts from past brides and grooms will serve you well. No matter your price range, you’ll find all kinds of venues that fit your style. Just keep looking! If you are getting married in Punta Cana, Jellyfish Restaurant is a great wedding venue option!
Think about accommodations
For yourself and your guests. If you’re traveling abroad, chances are you’ll need a resort or hotel. Since it’s your wedding and your event, you need to consider where your guests will stay. You should pick a resort close to your venue to make the entire operation smooth, and consider hiring transportation too! All the logistics fall in your hands, after all. Smooth planning will keep your wedding running well! Here are some of our favorite resorts in Punta Cana.
Tell your guests to dress appropriately
This is about more than formal or casual clothes! If you’re going to plan a destination wedding in another country, state, or even city, you’ll want to think about the weather. Remind your guests to pick clothes that fit your destination! If you’re coming to Punta Cana, for example, you should pick light and fresh clothing. If your wedding is at the beach, maybe wear sandals instead of shoes! Don’t let your guests ruin their good shoes in the sand!
Come to visit and check out the locations for yourself
Perhaps one of the most important steps. If you’re planning to marry abroad, you need to at least see it for yourself once. The pictures can be wonderful and your expectations high, but maybe it won’t live up to your dreams. And that’s okay! Maybe it’s your chance to check out that second option you had, or the other one your friend got married at. See what it’s all about and make a decision for yourself!
You should also talk to the vendors face to face. It makes negotiations much easier, and you can ask all the questions you want!
Set your budget
Don’t be too hasty – it’s budget time, not reservation time. Be realistic about your needs, means, and expectations when building your budget. Partying and celebrating is wonderful, but don’t let it bleed you dry! Make a budget and stick to it to the best of your ability. It’ll be the mantra that guides you during your planning, so respect it!
Remember to keep an extra amount reserved for emergencies and include it in your budget. You never know what might go wrong, and it’s better to have it just in case. You’ll thank me later!
Use local resources to save money
Best way to go on a budget? Local resources. Hire local catering services, photographers, and decorations. It’ll save you a lot of money and it guarantees that you’ll have the best services available! When your cake is baked the day before, your food is cooked with fresh ingredients, and the flowers are local – you’ll truly know what paradise is!
Check your documentation
The trickiest bit! Documentation can make or break your destination wedding. Be sure that your passport and other documents are in order, and remind all your guests to do the same. Luckily for you, Punta Cana doesn’t require a visa to enter! You can stay for up to three months, giving you plenty of time to enjoy tropical paradise!
And those are my tips to plan a destination wedding! Having a bit of structure helps everyone start somewhere. It’s not the perfect step-by-step guide, because there simply isn’t any! A wedding is very personal and it’s up to you to discover what it’ll be like. I can only point you in the right direction! So go and seize your perfect wedding, whatever it turns out to be!