Destination Wedding Planning: 12 Most Common Problems and Professional Tips

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27th August 2013 / Experts / 0 Comments

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Inheriting the best traits from both travel and wedding, destination weddings are becoming a more and more popular choice. They let couples spend their happiest days with beloved families and friends in exquisite locations and give them a fresh start on their journey together.

As exciting as it is, destination wedding planning is also a real challenge. I asked 12 wedding professionals for advice on the most common problems in arranging nuptials abroad, so you can “Keep Calm and Say I Do.” Jamie Miles

Editor at The Knot

Problem: How to pick a destination and get everything planned from far away is a big issue for couples. Fixes:

Think of places that have meaning to you as a couple. Whether it’s the place you took your first trip together to or where your family is from, pick a location that has resonance.

Do your research. Some of the most beautiful places in the world aren’t going to be great destination wedding locations. Make sure it’s accessible for your guests to get to (especially if you have older guests with limited mobility), and that the venue can accommodate a wedding party of your size.

Make sure you’re taken care of. Unless you want to be on a plane once a week, make sure there’s someone at the destination who is taking care of the details. Many destination wedding “hot spots” have on-site wedding coordinators who make sure everything goes smoothly.

Favorite Destination Wedding Locations: We can’t pick just one! We love Jamaica, Arizona, Colorado, Italy, South Africa, St. Lucia, Anguilla, Bali, Oregon, New York City, Napa, India, France. It really depends on the couple and what they’re looking for.

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Director of Creative Content at Here Comes the Guide

Problem: For most couples, cost is the biggest concern as they ponder the question, “What do we pay for?” In general, the couple and/or their families foot the bill for food and activities related to the celebration (including mini-events, ranging from a rehearsal dinner to a day-after brunch), while guests are expected to cover their own transportation and lodging expenses.

Fix: The considerable investment of time and money by the guests should be acknowledged with more than just a handwritten thank-you note (promptly sent post-event, please!). One way to show appreciation is in the little things, like welcome gift bags with travel amenities or maps and tips for activities. Another is with group discounts (which a concierge and/or wedding planner can arrange) for rooms, golf, spa treatments, and visits to museums or other points of interest. And don’t forget childcare and pet-sitting options! Incorporating any of these amenities will lessen the impact on guests’ wallets.

Destination Jolene loves: One of my favorite California wedding destinations is Carmel. Top reason? It’s actually TWO destinations in one— the quaint, upscale Carmel-by-the-Sea with its luxe shopping, galleries and scenic 17 Mile Drive; and nearby Monterey, home to historic Cannery Row, fascinating museums, the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and many waterfront resorts. Carmel/ Monterey offers both an exclusive get-away-from-it-all vibe, and plenty to do: World-class golf, wine tasting, nature hikes, watersports and more will keep loved ones happily entertained…which means newlyweds will have more romantic time to themselves!

Follow Here Comes the Guide: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Katherine Parris

Founder of the Toronto Wedding Chapel

Problem: I get asked quite often about the legality of marriages at destination weddings. Many couples are concerned, and rightly so, as there has been quite a lot of press over the years about couples getting married out of the country and then finding out later that their marriage is not legal.

Fix: I recommend that they get married here before they leave for their destination wedding. They don’t have to tell anyone and we can even provide the witnesses for them. That way everything is legal and they can go off on their destination wedding without a care in the world.

Dream Wedding Destinations: Hawaii, Fiji, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and Aruba

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268361436 640 Destination Wedding Planning: 12 Most Common Problems and Professional Tips

Cindy Johnson

Wedding Planner and Producer at Platinum Events Group

Problem: How to budget for a destination wedding

Fix: The myth that a destination wedding costs less is just that, a myth. Understanding what your expectations will cost is not something that you should figure out yourself. There are a lot of factors to consider that only a professional who deals with destination weddings can properly advise you about. My advice is to talk to a travel consultant who specializes in wedding groups and a wedding planner who has sound experience with destination weddings. Between these two professionals you will be able to get a clear rundown on travel costs (air, accommodation and transportation) and wedding/event planning expenses.

Favorite Wedding Destination: This is a very difficult question answer because each location holds a special place in my heart. But if I had to choose I would say Cabo San Lucas. It has many intimate five-star venues that possess the kind of romance, sophistication and luxury that a high-style wedding away should have.

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The Diary of a Destination Bride :: Marjorie Angie Nevarez

Owner of Baton NYC

Question: The no. 1 question is travel accessibility. Most couples are concerned with how easy it will be for their guests fly to their destination

wedding.

Tip: I’m delighted when a couple is thinking of their guests when planning a destination wedding! It starts the planning off with being gracious hosts. Guests will be making a financial commitment to celebrate and anything that can be done to make getting there easier will be appreciated. Guests always appreciate a direct flight from the States.

Places in Angie’s Heart: Puerto Rico and Georgia

Follow Baton NYC: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Jen Kasten

Owner of My 1 Event

Problems:

Staff – Most hotels have a high rotation of personnel. Most likely, the person that sells your wedding will not be in charge of the reservations or the operation of your wedding. This leaves a gap of interpretation and communication between all departments, which can sometimes cause issues. Having a wedding planner in charge will minimize this gap as much as possible by enabling communication with all hotel departments and any outside suppliers that are hired. Knowledge of the destination – couples sometimes chose a destination that has a connection to their past: a previous trip, an engagement proposal or just good memories; but other times brides and grooms have never been to the destination. In either case the couple has very limited information to be able to guarantee that they make an educated decision. Time consumption – My clientele are generally young, successful couples who have very busy lives. My job is to facilitate all information from the various suppliers, hotels, etc., and provide that to my clients to minimize the time they invest doing research. I minimize their stress and risks of having problems by narrowing the number of choices to only qualified/reputable suppliers.

Fixes:

Know your destination or hire someone that does Pace yourself: A long engagement will minimize the stress level. I guide my clients through their process and focus on only one or two decisions per month. Pacing their involvement in the wedding planning usually eliminates anxiety. A la carte options are available: Most people think all destination weddings (especially in Mexico) are held at all-inclusive hotels where the “packages” offered by the hotel are all you have available to choose from. However, there are beautiful villas, private gardens, private beaches, and many other luxury options available, where each aspect of the wedding can be tailor-made for the bride and groom’s exact dreams and desires.

Jen loves to get married at: My favorite destination to get married is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It’s the perfect combination of a lively and fun town and the best beaches in Mexico. Playa del Carmen caterers to a more boutique and trendy audience, offering a pedestrian street called Quinta Avenida, where for a few miles you can walk to great bars, fantastic gourmet restaurants and exclusive boutiques – all while still being able to find affordable dining options, like wonderful street tacos and sports bars, nearby.

A close second is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is the cutest city with the biggest Mexican charm out of all of the Mexican beach destinations. It has outstanding nightlife and is easily one of the destinations with the best gourmet cuisine, having several award-winning restaurants. The sunsets are also unforgettable, creating the most romantic backdrop for a wonderful wedding reception.

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