10 Ways To Ruin Your Destination Wedding

Imagine a beach ceremony disrupted by a sudden storm, or guests facing travel complications, turning what was meant to be a dream wedding into a stressful experience.

Destination weddings can go wrong for various reasons. Below are a few things that could ruin your event and care to avoid them is of paramount importance for ensuring the destination wedding of your dreams. 

1. Lack of knowledge of local laws

One of the first things to inquire about is the legal requirements for getting married in the destination, as they cannot be ignored. Know your options and do not risk potential legal issues that could spoil your wedding. Your planner would ensure that you are aware of all of the requirements and would ensure a smooth process on your behalf.

2. Lack of consideration for your guests

You cannot overlook the needs and comfort of your guests, their preferences, financial constraints if any, and any issue considered important to them that might become an obsticle to them supporting or even attending your wedding in good spirit. We always encourage couples to think critically about each potential guess (be it elderly, very young children, those with mobility restrictions or even those with the fear of flying or long/connecting flights). These factors indeed influence the destination selection and accommodation types we shortlist. The timing of your destination wedding announcement, the amount of details provided and also HOW it is presented are important. These factors influence your guests' response and even their feeling towards your destination wedding decision. Your destination wedding invitation should strike immediate excitement. 


3. No budget considerations

We know it often gets exciting, but overspending without setting a realistic budget could lead to financial stress and potential conflicts during what should be a joyful occasion. Don't hestitate to 'run it by your planner.' Communication lines are usually open. Don't be afraid to drop a quick question whenever one comes to mind. Use your planner as your guide when selecting amenities, necessities and luxuries. They could often help you save on unnecessary costs.

4. Skip a Destination Specialist and Wedding Planner

Don't seek a destination planner after you have attempting to do it all on your own and you are now tired, frustrated, stressed out, burnt out and now no longer excited about a destination wedding. Planning your destination wedding should be an enjoyable experience from start to finish and you would find that a Destination Specialist is quite beneficial at the beginning of your journey and could help you navigate all of the challenges, such as marriage permits, ensuring residency requirements and other overlooked items and most of these are done for you. They are also a very useful resource for travel deals, venue and destination specials and other cost saving strategies available to them that you might not be exposed to.
No date? No problem. Many of our clients begin the process without a date in mind, but an easy and exciting planning process could quickly make that decision easy.


6. Poor Communication

Do not hold on to important details, pressing issues or situations that are affecting you or your guests. It is important to have all issues addressed in order to reduce or eliminate unpleasant experiences. These issues could range from very minor to major ones. Let us hear them all so that they could be addressed. 
Also, it is important that critical details be communicated to your guests regarding travel arrangements, accommodations, the celebration week or weekend schedules, etc. Your wedding website or guest itinerary is a good place to have these details. Having it in digital format is also beneficial as it could be updated by your planner at anytime if anything should change.

Failure to communicate important details to your guests, leaving them confused could be quite kaotic and even embarrasing or unpleasant, leaving them disgruntled. 

7. Disregard for local culture.

Being insensitive to the local culture and traditions could potentially offend locals and create an uncomfortable atmosphere for your guests. Locals are most times very happy to have you visit and would welcome you with a very warm embrace. In return, be nice to them as well. You might find them to be very useful in many regards, especially if you or your guests decide to explore the destination on your own during free time. Remember, this time could also be considered a vacation. Your Destination Specialist is also available to brief you on sensitive cultural nuances that you should keep in mind while at the destination to avoid you offending a local or committing an offence that might lead to a penalty. 

8. No Backup Plan

Neglect to plan for unexpected weather (in the case of an outdoor celebration) or other disruptions could leave your wedding vulnerable to unforeseen challenges. Every item should be considered with an alternative, that includes the destination. Having a planner by your side could help you keep track of all important checklist items. 

9. Last-Minute Bookings

Failure to book vendors, accommodations and venues until the last minute could risk unavailability and subpar services. You could also miss the opportunuty to have your favourite photographer or other vendor on your wedding list.
A change in the number of attendees could also affect plans and even pricing. That last minute guest just might miss out on the benefits enjoyed by the early bookers. Having as much details presented to your guests in a timely manner could also influence an early decision. 


10. Lack of Photography Planning

Prioritize professional photography to avoid missed moments and poor-quality images that fail to capture the essence of your special day. 

By avoiding these pitfalls and carefully planning each aspect, you can enhance the chances of having a successful and memorable destination wedding.

If you feel like we missed anything, comment below and let us know and we'd be sure to touch on it. See you next time on the blog.

XOXO

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RedCarpet Honeymoons and Destination Weddings

Certified Destination Specialists | Wedding and Event Professionals | Authorized Travel Advisors and Concierge