What Not to Do When Planning a Destination Wedding

- Forgetting legal procedures. If you’re getting married in a foreign country, it is vital that you figure out what the laws are for getting a marriage license. In many cases, it will be easier to have a civil ceremony at your local city hall before traveling for what you’ll consider the “real” big day. 

- Inconsiderate costs. It’s probably a given that flights will be expensive if you’re getting married at a desirable location, but it’s one thing to get married a short drive from a major airport overseas, and another to choose a remote spot where the only accommodations are prohibitively expensive for your guests. 

- A short timeline. An engagement nine months or shorter is tough to plan under the best of circumstances, but for destination nuptials it’s also tough for your guests. It’s necessary to provide as much notice as possible so prospective attendees can organize travel arrangements. 

- Not checking weather. Different parts of the world have different weather patterns. You can’t count on the seasons where you live to be a guide. While there’s always a chance for weather to be unpredictable, you’ll want to do research in order to lessen the risk of rain. 

- Strict itinerary. Of course you’ll want to have activities in order to spend time with your guests, but don’t forget to give people space to relax.

For more advice, discover tips and trends for fall weddings, learn how to plan your rehearsal, and preview our fall 2019 issue.