A survey shows that 53% of couples said yes to destination weddings in 2022, simply because it holds sentimental value to them.
Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming yet unforgettable experience but planning a destination wedding takes it up a notch. If you’re ready to exchange vows with your partner in a dreamy destination and need some help in planning, we’ve got your backs.
Today, we bring you a destination wedding planning guide with some helpful tips from top wedding photographers in Cancun.
Choose a Location
Wondering what the first step to planning a destination wedding is? Choosing the destination! When picking a destination, keep your and your fiancé’s preferences in mind. Do you both have a destination in mind? Perhaps, an exotic destination like Mexico? Since it’s your big day, prioritize your and your partner’s need.
After that, you can think about your family and the guests. When deciding on a destination, many wedding aspects will depend on your destination, such as the accommodation, décor, etc.
Check Local Marriage Requirements
For the actual marriage, you'll need some documentation, including letters of intent, birth and medical records, and even confirmation of residency. To guarantee you have enough time to put everything together, become aware of what you need.
Make sure you know the requirements for your marriage and prepare in advance. In some circumstances, it might be simpler to hold a civil ceremony at home before acquiring a domestic marriage certificate. However, it all depends on your wedding destination.
Having said that, check if you and your partner have a valid passport if you’re having an international destination wedding. Don’t forget to follow the COVID-19 guidelines while you’re traveling.
Consider Guest Lodging
While you don't have to pay for accommodation, it’s thoughtful to make enough recommendations to fit various budgets. It's crucial to have a variety of solutions at various pricing points but keep hotel suggestions within a ten- to fifteen-minute drive from the wedding venue.
You can reduce costs and assemble everyone in one area by organizing room blocks. Once you’re certain there's enough room for everyone, set the date.
Visit in Advance
Destination weddings are nothing like having a wedding in your city, or country; it takes extra effort to pull it off. Thanks to the internet, you can make all the decisions for your destination wedding online, but it’s vital to check the destination out yourself.
Before you say yes to any wedding vendors, visit your wedding destination and make all necessary decisions such as booking the wedding venue, making accommodations, hiring vendors, etc. This will guarantee you don’t make any wrong decisions, and everything is covered for your big day.
Book Your Wedding Vendors
From food to décor to wedding photography, you should consider plenty of options before making the choice. However, your wedding vendors need to be finalized immediately after your wedding venue is booked. This is because the availability of vendors can depend on your wedding date. So, finalizing the venue first is a better option.
Since you’re having a destination wedding, you need to start exploring the local talent. Ideally, a wedding photographer with top-notch skills and the ability to capture your wedding in outdoor and indoor spaces is the right one.
During your visit to your wedding destination, ask the locals for wedding photographer suggestions or pick a few options online and then meet them on your visit.
Secure Wedding Insurance
It's wise to be prepared for the unexpected when getting married abroad. Besides easing emotional distress, wedding insurance can help preserve your monetary investment and is also a requirement for some locations. It's advisable to sign up well and be certain of the policies and coverage type you're signing up for.
Consider Unexpected Expenses
A rule of thumb for all weddings is monitoring expenses and sticking to the budget. Undoubtedly, destination weddings can be a little expensive, but sometimes they can go way over budget.
To control these costs, it’s crucial to make room for unexpected costs, such as airport transfers, baggage fees, non-vendor tips, etc.
Pick the Right Wedding Dress for the Destination
Every bride dreams of having the perfect wedding dress. However, don’t get carried away; it’s important to make mindful choices when choosing your wedding dress. The ideal wedding dress needs to be perfect for your destination. For instance, if you’re having a wedding in a humid location, choose a dress made of breathable fabric.
If you’re having a beach wedding, keep the dress flowy and casual yet gorgeous. At the end of the day, the choice is yours but pick a dress that suits your wedding destination.
Get Ready to Travel!
Whether your wedding is after a month or within two weeks, you should be prepared to travel. That means you need to pack your suitcases almost 2 weeks before traveling. This is to ensure you don’t forget anything back home.
So, keep your dress, other clothes, all your accessories, etc., ready. It’s best to make a checklist, so you can easily check each item off the list while you’re packing.
Hire the Top Destination Wedding Photographer in Cancun!
Are you ready to have a dream wedding at the dreamiest destination of all time, Cancun, Mexico? Then, don’t forget to hire the best wedding photographers in Cancun to capture your wedding.
Sarani Weddings Studio is a top wedding photography and videography team in Cancun, Mexico. Their team has some of the best wedding photographers and covers weddings all over Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen.
From the first shot of the bride to your first dance with your fiancé, Sarani Weddings Studio's expert team of wedding photographers in Cancun captures every moment with nothing but perfection.
Explore their gallery to witness the true essence of weddings!
