Destination weddings are ideal for an intimate and memorable celebration with your closest family and friends. After all, a wedding in an exotic location is an appealing way to tie the knot with your soulmate. While weddings at a secluded mountain top or sun-soaked beach are exciting, they can be overwhelming, too. From finding a wedding location to sending invitations to guests to hiring vendors, including a wedding photographer, demand lots of preparation. But you don’t have to worry because we have put down a few things you must do when planning your wedding to avoid hiccups. Read on:
Do the homework
You have already decided on a tropical location for the wedding and created a list of resorts well-known for intimate weddings. But how will you take a pick if you have never been to these resorts before? Exploring galleries on resorts’ websites and reading reviews shared by clients surely give you an idea of what it looks like, but you can never tell whether or not the chosen resort is worth the money you are willing to pay. Besides, marketing teams of resorts, particularly at popular wedding destinations, do an excellent job of giving the appearance that they are the best among their peers.
Make things simple for yourself by getting in touch with the team of the shortlisted resorts and asking questions, like what type of wedding packages they offer and what special services they provide their guests, such as 24-hour room service or spa treatment. Another factor that will help you make a better decision is where you would like to have the wedding ceremony, cocktails, and reception.
Plan wisely
Destination weddings are fun. But, believe it or not, they often turn into disappointments when most of the guests don’t show up at the chosen destination. Before you think of a place to get married, create a list of guests you plan to invite. Do they live far from your place? How long will it take for them to arrive at the destination? Can they take off from work to attend your wedding? And, most importantly, can they afford to spend money? Many times, couples forget that weddings, particularly destination weddings, can be expensive for guests too.
If you are not paying for everyone’s airfare, ensure the chosen destination is not far from where most of your guests live. Punta Cana and Cancun, for instance, are the most popular and affordable wedding destinations, as the flying time is not more than three to four hours from most locations in the United States. And if you really want to go to an exotic location, keep it for your honeymoon.
Hire the wedding photographer
When planning a wedding, couples often forget about hiring vendors or wait until the last moment. But that’s a mistake! Ensure you don’t follow the same by contacting wedding vendors, including wedding photographers, after deciding the wedding date. You would be surprised to know that most photographers in Austin get booked a year in advance. When you wait too long, you risk settling on an inexperienced photographer. When you want your pictures to be as perfect as your wedding, begin your search at the earliest.
A simple way to find the best destination wedding photographer in Austin is to explore photographers’ portfolios showcased on their websites. Go through their online galleries to decide if their work is perfect for your wedding. Once you find an ideal photographer, set up an in-person meeting with them. It will allow you to learn more about them, clear your queries, and earn peace of mind that they will do the best job on your wedding day. Hiring the same person or team for engagement and pre-wedding photoshoots will also give you an idea of how comfortable you are with them and understand their way of working and handling things.
Learn about the legalities
Not all countries are gay-friendly. It makes sense to choose a destination where same-sex marriages are legal, regardless of how big or small your celebration will be. It’s also wise to book LGBTQAI+ wedding vendors, including wedding photographers, who don’t discriminate against LGBT+ couples. The practice will save you from signing a contract and spending money on wedding vendors who refuse to serve you.
We suggest searching for LGBTQ-friendly wedding destinations to save the headache of last-minute quarrels and disappointments. Also, don’t forget to research about legal steps involved in tying the knot. Different countries have different rules regarding the legal requirements for marriage. For instance, only a state-approved officiant can legally officiate a wedding in Hawaii, unlike the rest of the US, where family members and friends can officiate weddings. Many couples often forget about legal customs and paperwork in the excitement of getting married.
Planning a destination wedding can be intimidating, especially when you have never been to the chosen destination before. If you are organized and have a lot of time, you can easily plan the entire wedding without anyone’s help. Just make sure you begin your planning at the earliest—whether it’s hiring a destination wedding photographer in Austin or booking accommodations for your guests at the location. The more time you spend on your research, the better you can plan and handle your big day. We suggest getting in touch with your wedding vendors and scheduling in-person meet-ups, as they can help you make your wedding as perfect as you have always dreamed with their experiences.
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