Destination Wedding Tips

Useful destination wedding tips, for those brides who's dream wedding consists of a beautiful and exotic destination. These tips can also be used by brides that dream of getting married in their home town, but now live hundreds of miles from home.

Planning a destination wedding will have added challenges. If your budget permits, you can begin by hiring a wedding planner. If your wedding budget does not allow you to hire a wedding planner, "you" will become the wedding planner.

If you select a planner that is located where you live, it will be easy to meet with them on a regular basis, to go over plans and details. However, you and your planner will have to make several trips to the city where your wedding will take place, for meetings with wedding vendors and visit wedding sites. Your wedding planner's travel will be an added expense to your wedding budget.

Your second choice would be to hire a planner which is located in the city where the wedding will take place. A wedding planner that is located in the city where your wedding will take place, will have knowledge and contacts in that area, and will be able to provide invaluable information and recommendations for top wedding sites and vendors as your wedding day approaches. You will still need to travel to your wedding locale, to meet with the planner and vendors but, your travel cost will be cut in half.

Hire a reputable wedding planner. Ask for his or her recommendations, and follow up by contacting brides or friends who may have used the same planner.

Hire reputable wedding vendors. Friends and family are also a great source for finding exceptional wedding vendors. Seek out brides who may have gotten married at wedding sites that you are interested in. Check on each company’s history by calling the Better Business Bureau. Be sure to schedule meetings well in advance to reserve your wedding date.

Better Business Bureau

Always pay with check or credit card, and be sure to obtain a written contract and receipt for any services you have obtained. If any problems arise, you will have appropriate documentation to dispute any services that were agreed upon, or can obtain a refund of monies paid to wedding vendors. You will also get a better exchange rate when paying with a credit card in a foreign country.

If you are planning a wedding in a foreign country, you may contact the tourism office in that city to inquire about wedding vendors in that area. Contact each vendor, and ask that they send you additional information, as well as references of past brides.

Plan a trip to your wedding destination along with your fiancé or possibly the person who may be footing the bill. Your trip should include a scouting trip to select and secure wedding ceremony sites and all other vendors who will provide food, music, officiant, reception site, wedding decorating ideas, etc. for your wedding.

Be sure to visit hotels and restaurants that are situated near your wedding venue. Hotel event managers are well trained to provide you with recommendations and details you will need to provide to guests such as transportation, trendy restaurants, activities or local site seeing excursions. Your guests will appreciate you for providing them with helpful information that will turn your awesome destination wedding into a mini vacation for all of your guests.

Another destination planning tip is to use the internet and e-mail. Your e-mail will become your best tool when planning a long distance or destination wedding. Keep in contact with wedding planners and wedding vendors often, and review menu options with caterers, review flower choices with florists, cake designs with bakers, etc. Send pictures of wedding decorating ideas via the internet to your wedding planner to go over as well as vendors, to make sure they understand exactly what you want when discussing flowers, colors, etc.

On-line shopping is also another great way to save time and money when searching for the perfect wedding favors, napkins, invitations and many more wedding supplies.

Destination wedding tips and planning will end when you arrive to your wedding location at least 3 days, (5 days is always preferable) prior to your wedding day. Your wedding planner (if you choose to hire one) should have meeting scheduled with all your wedding vendors to finalize all your last minute destination wedding details. If you have not hired a wedding planner, be sure to schedule meetings with all your vendors at least 3 days prior to your wedding day. It is best to have at least 48 hours of time in case any last minute changes need to be made or additional ordering has to be done by any of your wedding vendors.

Review all final wedding decorating ideas and floral arrangements; arrange a tasting with your caterer, check hotel reservations and any activities that have been planned for family and friends.

Your new "Mr. & Mrs." status may also require a long distance move after the wedding. Don't forget to plan ahead for that as well!

Destination Wedding Tips - Invitations

Save-the-Date cards are an absolute must when planning a destination wedding. These cards are a thoughtful gesture and provide enough time for your wedding guests to book flights, hotels and make any necessary arrangements to their family or work schedules.

Save-the-Date cards should be mailed out no later than three months prior to your wedding date, and up to eight months if your destination wedding will take place at a popular destination.

Be sure to order you cards at least six weeks prior to the mail-out date, in order to allow for any printing errors.

More Helpful Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Tips

XE.com the World Favorite Currency Converter

Use credit cards or traveler’s checks instead of cash for increased security.

Use the link above to use the easy currency converter and become familiar with the current currency exchange rates.

Make a list of all traveler’s checks, credit cards, and checking account numbers. Bring this list with you but place it in a separate safe location.

Be sure to carry your driver’s license, medical insurance card, list of any medical conditions or allergies, marriage certificate, and passport or visa, if needed.

Obtain home owner’s or renter’s insurance that will cover your belongings, including your wedding gifts during your destination wedding travels.

Provide important destination hotel and emergency phone numbers to both families in case they need to reach you.

Carry a list of family phone numbers and addresses in your cell phone and in writing, in your cell phone is lost or misplaced. If an emergency occurs you will be sure to have all important names, numbers and addresses available.

Will you need to move once the wedding is over?
The Moving Guide can help!

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