Wedding planning for a destination wedding doesn't have to be hard. And hiring a professional wedding planner makes it a whole lot easier. I have many partnerships with hotels and resorts that offer me complete wedding packages that include nearly everything except for you the bride and groom. But, if you decide to attempt to plan the wedding yourself, here is a wedding checklist to get you started - and when you start to feel a bit overwhelmed just get on your computer and shoot me an e-mail lisaprweddingplanner@gmail.com and I will take it from there...
- Buy a date book or wedding checklist planning calender to help keep organized. Mark it with the dates that you want to have certain tasks accomplished by.
- If you're inviting many guests to your wedding destination, be sure to send out a "Save the Date" announcement several months in advanced. This will give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements. Look into group travel arrangements as soon as possible.
- Carefully consider the language in your invitations when planning a destination wedding. As mentioned above, sending a "Save the Date" announcement should be the first step. But, since many people may not be able to attend a wedding in an exotic location, a wedding announcement, with a follow-up reception once you return home, for unlikely attendees may do the trick. Just be careful not to offend anyone either way.
- If you're planning on getting married outside of the U.S., make sure you research and understand the local laws and regulations. This includes things such as: will the marriage be recognized in the U.S. (in PR YES!), what documentation do you need to bring with you(Birth Certificate & Passport), are blood tests required (syphilis, clamydia & gonorrhea), what license fees does the country impose ($20)?
- Check with the local Visitor's Bureau for help finding facilities, ministers, photographers, bakery, wedding planners, etc.
- Make sure you get detailed contracts from anyone that you work with concerning your wedding (photographers, planners, wedding chapels, etc.). And be sure to confirm everything well ahead of time.
- Consider putting together a loose agenda for you guests for the days before and after your wedding that they may be in town. You'll also want to send them hotel, travel and even tourist information well ahead of time.
- Since a wedding far from home may limit your guest list, make sure your guests know that you won't be upset if some can't make it. Always make group hotel reservations and/or air booking when possible. Your guests will appreciate it! Make these reservations well in advance (ASAP).
- Consider how you will get your dress and other wedding "supplies" to your destination. Consider shipping them well ahead of time to avoid having to check them at the airport.
- Since your destination wedding may be small with a limited amount of guests. Plan a reception after you return home for everyone else to attend. Consider having a friend or relative who wasn't able to attend the actual wedding plan the reception with you. Make sure separate invitations are sent for the event.
On the other hand, you can contact me and I will do it all for you :)
Your wedding planner,
Lisa
No comments:
Post a Comment