Destination weddings offer an authentic sense of excitement and adventure, combining the joy of getting married with the thrill of traveling to a beautiful and magical location. So, we can all agree that planning a destination wedding is the epitome of romance - imagine saying "I do" on a sun.drenched beach, a historic palace, or under a sky full of stars at a vineyard...
However, behind the dreamscape of your ideal wedding lies careful planning and attention to detail, so the big day runs smoothly. And, organizing a wedding away from home comes with its own set of challenges, and it's important to be aware of the strategies to craft a memorable and stress-free experience.
To help you make your destination wedding in Portugal - or in any other magical country - we have compiled a list of the essential do's and don'ts of planning it out.
The do's
Do let your guests know plenty in advance
First things first: the save-the-date! If you are planning a wedding in your current country, you would often send the save-the-date out 6 to 9 months in advance. However, when it comes to a destination wedding, your guests must know as much notice as possible, so they can arrange all the necessary dynamics: book the flights, the accommodation, and the days off from work.
With that being said, we highly recommend you send the save-the-date for your dreamy destination wedding out 9-12 months in advance.
Do hire a local wedding planner
One thing is certain: a destination wedding requires knowledge of local vendors, legal requirements, and potential cultural differences. So, nothing and nobody can beat a local wedding planner, who has the network and the experience you need to navigate all these upcoming challenges.
Having a wedding planner, specializing on destination weddings, on-site is definitely a game-changer, why? Because in a foreign country where language barriers or customs might pose issues, but also it's important for you to have someone who you can trust to see what you can't see live.
Do check the weather
Many couples decide on a destination wedding to embrace the charm of getting married in a warm, sun-soaked location. This is especially true for all the couples that are drawn to Portugal weddings with its stunning sceneries and venues.
However, with the warm weather comes along the need for thoughtful consideration and planning, particularly attire-wise. Bulky, layered dresses or heavy suits might not be the best option on the hot Portuguese days. So, go for lightweight fabrics and breathable designs, which are considerably better choices for both comfort and style.
Also, if you are hosting an outdoor destination wedding, consider providing hand fans or parasols for your guests to help them stay cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Do take a look at the legal side
Legalities and bureaucracies for destination weddings differ greatly depending on the country where you decide to change your vows and the "I do". In this case, it's extremely important that you understand the specific requirements of your chosen location before securing a venue. So, doing thorough research is key to ensuring your ceremony goes off without a hitch.
Furthermore, reach out to appropriate local officials to learn what documents and steps are necessary for your marriage to be recognized. Since getting married abroad often involves additional paperwork, it’s wise to begin the process well in advance. For those eyeing a Portuguese wedding, enlisting the help of local wedding planners can be invaluable in navigating these requirements efficiently.
Do include unique and different plants
The don'ts
Don’t bust your budget
Destination weddings can sometimes be less expensive than traditional weddings, but it’s essential to create a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that certain expenses, such as travel, vendor fees, and shipping costs for wedding items, may add up.
Also, bear in mind that destination weddings sometimes come with unanticipated costs, such as extra transportation, permits, or currency exchange fees. Establishing a contingency budget in place can guarantee that you are prepared for any unforeseen expenses.
Don't try to do it all
Don't get fooled... sometimes even the most passionate bride or groomzilla is "forced" to take a step back when it comes to the planning of their destination wedding. It is not possible to do everything on your own when you love miles away from the chosen location. So, as we recommended previously, invest in a wedding planner, pass over some workload and make the most of their services and expertise.
Don't book before you see
Avoid booking anything before you take a closer look at it and see it in person. Nothing really beats seeing the location with your own eyes, even though sometimes pictures and virtual tours make good justice for that. Witnessing the wedding venue in real life helps you picture your wedding and guarantees that you're making an informed choice.
Comentários ()
Dê-nos a sua opinião