You’ve said “yes” and now the real planning begins! As destination wedding planners, we know that one of the first big decisions you have to make as an engaged couple is choosing when and where to have your wedding. This can be a tough decision because there are so many amazing places in the world to get married and a lot of factors to consider. Fret not friends, we’re here to help you out! Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking the location and date for your destination wedding.
Budget
One of the first things you need to consider when picking a location and date for your destination wedding is your budget. Depending on where you want to get married, the costs can vary greatly. Do some research on different locations to see what is within your budget.
Once you have a few locations in mind, you can start looking at dates. Keep in mind that certain times of year may be more expensive than others depending on what “high” season is and “low” season is. For example, getting married in the summertime in Italy, or California, or New York is typically more expensive than getting married in the wintertime in these locations. On the flip side, anywhere that is a popular wintertime destination-like Mexico, Florida, or anywhere tropical or south of the Equator-will be in “high” season during the winter months.
If you find a location that you have your heart set on, being flexible on your date will give you a better chance of getting a perfect date, and possibly a better price if you’re willing to pick an off-season timeframe. The other alternative is to look into “shoulder” season options, while also looking at any weather patterns (hurricanes, forest fires, rain or intense heat) will help to keep your stress or worry at bay, and keep your guests happy.
Guest List
Another thing to consider when choosing a location and date for your destination wedding is your guest list. You’ll want to choose a location with some consideration on how easy it is for your guests to get there. (Or pick something far flung and that’s a key way to keep your guest list down!)
If you have guests coming from all over the world, you may want to consider getting married somewhere in Europe or Asia so that it is easier for them to travel there. (We see a lot of this when couples have guests coming from India or Asian countries, suddenly places like Europe or Morocco make a lot of sense as it’s in the middle!)
You will also want to think about how long you want your guests to stay, and what kind of experience you want to invite them to have. The kind of location and your guests preference in vacation style— are they super active, or do they like to relax—can influence what and where you select. On the other hand, places like Europe or Mexico are big draws for guests for longer trips and have a lot more to do. Who really says no at the opportunity to visit a gorgeous location *and* see you get married!?
YOUR VISION
Finally, and in our opinion, the most important consideration is that you pick a location and date that fit with your vision for your wedding day. If you have always dreamed of getting married on a beach, then pick a location with beautiful beaches like Hawaii, Bora Bora, Thailand, or even the Maldives. If you prefer snow over sand, pick somewhere like Aspen, Lake Tahoe, or Jackson Hole in the wintertime. And if you want an unforgettable experience, then pick somewhere like the Amalfi coast in Italy, a South African vineyard, or a Moroccan Riad could be an amazing option that fits the bill.
Close your eyes and let whatever you envision for your wedding day come up, what do you see? What are the details that immediately come to mind? Whatever vision you have for your wedding day, there is absolutely a perfect location and venue out there for you!
ULTIMATELY TRUST YOUR GUT
There are so many amazing places in the world to have a destination wedding, which can make it tough to decide on just one location. Fret not, we’re here to help with some tips on how to pick the perfect location and date for your destination wedding. Keep these things in mind when making your decision: budget, guest list, and your vision for the big day. With these three factors in mind, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the perfect spot for your dream destination wedding!
Curious to hear more, or thinking about a destination wedding? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us through your contact form and we can schedule an into call to see if we’re the perfect fit for you!
