Destination: I Do – Five Ways to Plan a Stress-Free Destination Wedding
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More and more couples are choosing to have a destination wedding, often because they want to avoid the stress of piecing together all the details of a traditional wedding day. Heading to a tropical resort that includes a professional event planning staff can certainly fit the bill! But don’t be fooled, there are still plenty of opportunities for tension to creep into your destination wedding experience. Follow these five tips for a stress-free wedding away.
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#1 – Be the Early Bird
Time is your friend when it comes to planning a destination wedding. Some resorts only schedule one wedding ceremony per day, with popular choices like holidays, Saturdays, and important dates – 12/13/14, for example – filling up first. Booking early also allows you and your guests to have the best available date when it comes to choosing flights and hotel rooms. Speaking of guests, send out save-the-date announcements as soon as possible. They will appreciate having plenty of time to arrange their finances and to schedule vacation time from work.
#2 – Adjust Your Timeline
Every bridal guide offers a suggested planning timeline, which outlines a basic schedule of when to plan each piece of the wedding puzzle. Trying to apply that traditional time frame to a destination wedding, however, is a mistake. While you might have a rough outline of your selections in advance, the ceremony and reception details may not be finalized until you arrive at the destination and meet with the wedding coordinator. This last-minute approach may feel a little unsettling, but remember that the resort’s staff does this all the time and knows exactly when and how to get things done.
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#3 – Schedule a Sneak Peek
Still nervous about planning long-distance? Take advantage of a wedding preview trip! Resorts understand that some brides prefer a more hands-on approach to planning, so they may offer special reduced rates to visit the resort beforehand. Programs like the Karisma Resorts “Bride’s Dress Rehearsal” and Sandals Resorts “Test-Drive Your WeddingMoon” include the opportunity to meet the wedding staff, view ceremony and reception locations and sample menu options.
#4 – Forget Being a People Pleaser
When it comes to planning a wedding, you will never make everyone 100% happy, and a destination wedding is no different. Some potential guests may not be able to make the trip and will feel hurt that you’re getting married without them. Others may balk at your choice of destination or resort. Focus on what matters the most to you and your fiancé, then make like Elsa and “let it go.”
#5 – Don’t DIY, Call a Professional
Consulting a travel agent that specializes in destination weddings is one of the best things you can do to avoid stress during the planning process. Your agent will be there every step of the way, offering expert suggestions and advice. He or she can coordinate travel details like flight schedules, room reservations, ground transportation and payment deadlines for you and your guests. Do you want to be stuck answering travel questions on top of your other wedding tasks?
The Romance Travel Specialists of LoveShack Vacations are ready to show you how our fee-free planning services can help you plan a stress-free destination wedding. Use Agent Finder and schedule your consultation today.
