Destination weddings are fun, thrilling, and an experience of a lifetime. No matter the destination you pick, the wedding ceremony is bound to put you in the limelight when things move in the right direction. However, with all the excitement about your big day finally happening, staying organized and planning is a major struggle for couples.
And to avoid that, you can always speak to beachbridalvacations.com who can assist you right from planning to executing your dream idea to life. While the organizers will continue to take care of major responsibilities, what you do at the personal level can also affect the outcome of your wedding.
Therefore, here are a few tips and ways to stay organized to help you out.
Tips For Staying Organized When Planning a Destination Wedding Abroad
Here are a few important things to remember to stay organized while planning for your destination wedding in another country.
1. Stay Calm
As cliche as it sounds, you really need to stay calm. We understand the immense rush you might be feeling, but panicking will only make things worse for you and your wedding day. Often, in the rush, we end up committing mistakes that will affect the wedding. Take one step at a time.
2. Use Digital Planning Wedding Apps
Begin by planning and noting down everything you want digitally. While you can use your notes for the same, apps like Zola can also help. In the digital notes, you can keep track of vendor contracts, payments, and deadlines in one secure location. Additionally, you can access your planning materials from anywhere, which is crucial when coordinating across time zones.
3. According to Your Destination, Research Local Wedding Laws Properly
Marriage laws vary significantly by country. Not focusing on the wedding laws of the local region will lead to end-moment panic, too. You can avoid this by understanding:
- Required documentation (birth certificates, passports)
- Residency requirements
- Translation of documents
- Blood test requirements
- Timeline for filing paperwork
4. Managing Budget Properly
Destination weddings typically cost 10-15% more than local weddings, according to Wedding Forward. Use these organizational strategies:
- Create separate spreadsheets for different currencies if working with international vendors
- Include a 15% buffer for unexpected expenses
- Track exchange rates and their impact on your budget
- Keep digital copies of all receipts and contracts
5. Guest Experiences Coordination
Coordinating the guest experience for a destination wedding requires thoughtful planning and clear communication. Your wedding website serves as the central hub of information for guests. Make sure to include detailed arrival and departure information, local transportation options, and emergency contacts. Consider creating a custom Google Map marking key locations like the ceremony venue, recommended restaurants, and popular attractions.
Another important thing to remember is to send save-the-dates at least 10-12 months in advance for destination weddings. This gives guests adequate time to plan their travel and request time off work. Follow up with formal invitations 4-6 months before the wedding, including a comprehensive itinerary of wedding-related events.
6. Prepare a Proper Back-Up Plan
Having a proper backup plan is crucial for destination weddings, as unforeseen challenges can arise when celebrating far from home. Weather considerations should top your backup planning list. This is because weather can be unpredictable, and one small change can affect the entire planning.
Similarly, Technology failures can also impact your special day. Lastly, consider creating an emergency kit specific to your destination. Beyond standard wedding day essentials, include items that might be difficult to obtain at your location.
Get In Touch With Professionals!
Professional destination wedding planners can be your go-to solution to ensure everything is planned properly. From your destination to helping you plan things out, make sure to speak to a professional.
