Having a destination wedding is no longer something couples only fantasize about – it is fast becoming a reality! With wedding planners and complete wedding packages available at various popular destinations in India and abroad, planning a destination wedding is definitely not the chore it used to be. However, to ensure that your wedding goes off smoothly, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Tip 1: The Early Bride Catches The Worm… er… Best Deal!
Unless you have an impulse and elope, you'll need to start planning your destination wedding as soon as possible. With most venues, the earlier you book your wedding, the better the deal you can get for venue, catering and décor. Also, because there are limited options on destinations, you want to ensure that you get the wedding you want before another couple beats you to it. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you are planning a wedding abroad, then the legal issue can crop up. Visas and the marriage license need to be arranged for. All this requires time to plan, so start early!
Tip 2: More The Merrier
If you are thinking that a destination wedding is convenient only if you are planning a small affair think again. Destination weddings in fact are great for large parties. Most destinations expect you to bring along an entire 'baraat' so they make provision accordingly. What fun would a Royal wedding at the Udaipur Lake Palace be without all the family and friends dancing attendance? Also, since the organizing will be less in an out of town wedding, your family and friends are likely to have a blast!
Tip 3: Think Honeymoon
Chances are your wedding locale will also extend itself into your honeymoon destination. So think about where you would like to honeymoon along with where you wish to be wed. If you've always dreamed of having a Goan honeymoon, plan a beach wedding in Goa. You might even save some money because many a destination will throw in a free room for the couples' extended honeymoon stay.
Tip 4: Package Deals Are The Way To Go
Almost all destination weddings can be planned as a package deal. If you thought that a destination wedding would break your back, it might not be so. In fact, destination weddings can actually turn out cheaper! You can rest assure your close family and friends will join the fun. Unwanted and extended guests may not want to make the effort and can actually save you money. If you still have social obligations simply throw a party when you go back home.
Also, with package deals, you can get great rates for accommodations for all your guests. You can also get good discounts on travel fares. Plan your wedding during the off-season to really do well within the budget!
Tip 5: Legal Eye
Pic courtesy www.regal-weddings.comAll set to say 'I do' and find out you can't? If you are planning your wedding abroad this is something you really need to pay attention to. Ensure you have all the important documents in place way before the wedding day. Call the consulate of the country you are getting married in and check with them beforehand for the exact requirements. Be sure to ask about the following: residency requirements, required documentation, medical tests, processing time for paperwork, proof of divorce, witness requirements, and the rules for a religious ceremony versus a civil ceremony. Do documents have to be translated? Notarized? Who can do this legally? How long will it take to process your paperwork?
Tip 6: We're Going To Have A Party!
The idea of a destination wedding is to ensure everyone has a great time, including you. Trotting along half way across the globe to attend your wedding is going to be an effort on everyone's part. Make it worth their while. Plan a host of fun activities. Give everyone a list of things they can do while there. Also, some of your guests may want to extend their vacation or make mini-trips on the side. Provide them with all the required information. Make it an affair to remember!
With enough forethought and planning, a destination wedding can be the perfect way to start your married life.
