Destination Wedding Planning Mistakes

You’ve got the ring, and now it’s time to start thinking about where to tie the knot. Destination weddings appeal to many couples, but before you go planning the big day from a distance – read this about destination wedding planning mistakes, and how to avoid them.

destination wedding planner, destination wedding mistakes to avoid

Don’t Assume Everyone Will Attend

Destination weddings can be hard to swing for some people, whether it’s financial restraints, young children, work commitments, etc. Work under the assumption that you may only see 75% of your guest list RSVP ‘yes’.

Don’t NOT Work with a Professional

I’m not talking about the on-site coordinator if you go for a resort that has one. I mean hiring a proper destination wedding specialist, who knows the ins and outs of planning a wedding from afar. Call me biased, but having a professional who can seamlessly guide you from the initial planning stages to the big day (and even the post-wedding activities) will save you time, money, and stress. A destination wedding specialist can help arrange your wedding transportation, book a venue, reserve portable bathroom rentals for outdoor events, hire caterers, and hire personal bodyguards from event security Singapore for your event. And if you’re planning a London wedding, you may consider hiring close protection services london.

Who wants to be stressed out on their big day? You deserve to sit back and relax. Book your penang to singapore bus ticket today for an enjoyable and stress-free ride from Penang to Singapore.

Don’t Underestimate the Weather (Especially in the Caribbean!)

Humidity and a lot of hair types do not mix well together. The last thing you want on your big day is for your hair to not cooperate, after all – those pictures last a lifetime! In addition to hair woes, heavy dresses, makeup, sweat mixed with self-tanner – these can all be recipes for disaster in a hot climate. Consider having your wedding later in the day and maybe choose from pretty short homecoming dresses as your reception dress, invest in hair products to combat humidity, and suggest that the men swap their three-piece suits for linen instead.

Don’t Overlook Traditions – Both Home & Away

Just because you’re in a unique locale doesn’t mean you need to forego family traditions, so do what you can (or want) to honor family history – wherever you’re saying ‘I Do’. Depending on where you’re getting married, it can also be special to incorporate local traditions and influences into your nuptials. Getting married in Mexico? Consider a Mariachi band for your cocktail hour.

destination wedding mistakes to avoid, destination wedding planner

Don’t Assume You Will Automatically Save Money

Can you save money having a destination wedding? Absolutely, but that’s a different post for a different day. Ultimately (and similarly to a local wedding) your budget will be determined by the location, the suppliers you choose, the foods you would like to serve, and the number of guests you’re inviting. Hot tip: Booking early can often score you better deals, so if you think a destination wedding is something you’d like to do – feel free to get in touch.

Don’t Make Anyone Guess Anything

Weddings come with a whole slew of questions, from ‘what time does it start?’ to ‘what is the appropriate attire?’. Destination weddings come with at least triple the questions, so take the guesswork out of the event for your guests – and build a wedding website where all of the important information can live – and be updated as you near the big day. From wedding details to accommodation options, flight info, and even local activities in the area – house all of the relevant wedding information in one spot – and never worry about answering the same question over and over again! The services I provide include a free wedding website for my couples, customized with all of the details.

Don’t Ship Anything

While there’s a good chance your shipped items will arrive, don’t run the risk. Anything especially valuable should go in your carry-on or be checked (ie your dress, rings, etc). The last thing you want to be dealing with on (or leading up to) your big day is missing wedding favors, dresses, or damaged goods.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Your wedding day goes by in a blur, so try to take some moments to stop and soak it all in. From the friends and family who have traveled to celebrate with you, to the exchanging of vows in a stunning wedding venue, this day is about you and your love – so enjoy it!

Want to plan a destination wedding but don’t know where to start?

Reach out to me here, and avoid making these and other destination wedding planning mistakes.

Romantic Resorts In The Riviera Maya

Planning on taking a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or planning a destination wedding to the Riviera Maya of Mexico? There are many romantic resorts in the Riviera Maya. TRS Yucatan and the romance bungalows top my list for romantic spots in Mexico.

Located in an exclusive area within the Grand Palladium Resorts of the Mayan Riviera and designed exclusively for adult travelers, the Royal Suites offers guests a new concept in luxury and exclusivity: the privacy and personalized service of a small VIP resort with unlimited access to the services available at the neighboring 5-star Grand Palladium Resorts complex.

romantic resorts in the riviera maya, best places to honeymoon, best destination for a honeymoon
Photo Credit: Palladium Hotel Group

The TRS Yucatan romance bungalows are very unique. They have a private entrance, a large terrace complete with furniture for relaxing, and an outdoor Mayan shower. Surrounded by gorgeous natural views, this romantic bungalow is designed to seduce you. Fall in love with the stunning views from your terrace which comes with your own kayak for exploring the lake. The are multiple dining options available, and golf carts to take you to the other resorts in the complex.

There are many romantic resorts in the Riviera Maya, and TRS Yucatan is one that should be on your list for a very special trip.

For more information on TRS Yucatan or to start planning, reach out to me today

Elopement Destinations In The U.S.

Looking to plan an intimate elopement for just the two of you? or a small intimate wedding with just a few guests? There are some wonderful locations here in the U.S. to choose from, and the best part, no passport is needed. Many of the elopement destinations in the U.S. are in national or state parks, and there are restrictions specific to each park regarding decor and amplified music. Below are three gorgeous spots for you to say ‘I Do.’

elopement planning, elopement destinations in the U.S.

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park provides a scenic backdrop for your vows and drop-dead gorgeous photos. The Alluvial Fan Bridge is a favorite location, with a large boulder-strewn river with a waterfall, a wooden footbridge, aspen trees, and most importantly restrooms. There is a non-refundable permit fee of $300.00 to reserve your wedding location.

elopement destinations in the U.S.
Photo credit: NPS/Jacob W. Frank

Montana

Glacier Park. An amazing location for a picture-perfect outdoor wedding. Most of the locations have a limit of 15 people for wedding ceremonies. For weddings, you will need a special use permit. Make sure you apply ahead of time. The park limits the number of events, and permits are issued on a first come-first serve basis.

elopement packages, elopement destinations

New Mexico

White Sands National Park. Located in the southwestern part of the state, with miles of white sand as far as the eye can see. You can submit your permit request up to 6 months in advance, but no less than 30 days before your requested date. A non-refundable $100 processing fee must accompany the permit application.

For more information on these elopement destinations in the U.S., and other locations available reach out to me here.