So you’re planning on saying ‘I Do’ overseas. You certainly wouldn’t be alone with around 25% of couples choosing a destination wedding. However, getting hitched overseas introduces its own set of unique challenges and considerations; from picking the location to managing guest travel arrangements. Here's our guide to planning the perfect wedding getaway.

Choosing the Right Location

Kick things off by determining your priorities; are you looking for something scenic, a place full of culture, or maybe it’s all about the weather? Some popular destinations include Santorini in Greece, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and Bali in Indonesia. Once you’ve decided your priorities, do some research and make a short list. 

And then there’s the legal stuff: Before finalising your destination, research the legal requirements for getting married there. Some countries have specific residency requirements or paperwork that needs to be completed in advance. For example, Italy requires a declaration of intent to marry, while in Greece, you might need to have documents translated into Greek. These requirements may affect your final decision!

Budgeting and Costs

So a destination wedding has additional costs to factor in such as travel expenses, accommodation, as well as the usual suspects of a venue, catering etc etc. But be careful of hidden costs such as currency exchange rates, any extra luggage costs or shipping that might be needed.

Cost-Saving Tips: Off-season dates can help with budgets as prices for flights and accommodation are often much lower. Another tip is to book local vendors who might offer better rates and have more knowledge of the area rather than using UK based vendors. 

Working with Local Vendors

Working with local vendors can streamline the planning process and because of their proximity, they can really help you to get the best services for your wedding. However finding good local vendors for things like photography, catering, flowers, and entertainment can be tricky. Websites like WeddingWire or The Knot offer vendor listings and reviews to help you find the best suppliers. And always read the reviews! 

Communication: Something that becomes even more important when dealing with vendors based overseas. If possible, hire a local wedding planner who can liaise with vendors and handle on-the-ground logistics. 

Contracts and Payments: Ensure you have clear contracts with all your vendors. Understand their payment terms, including deposits and final payments. It's also wise to keep a paper trail of all communications and agreements.

Managing Travel Arrangements for Guests

One of the biggest challenges of a destination wedding is coordinating travel for your guests as you’ll need to provide detailed information about flight options, accommodation, and local transport.

Guest Information: Create a wedding website where guests can find all the necessary details, including travel itineraries, accommodation options catering to different budgets, plus info on the local attractions. You could even arrange group tours or lunch/dinner gatherings; a great way to get guests mingling, as well as making sure they don’t miss out on anything the area has to offer!

Group Discounts: Negotiate group discounts with airlines and hotels. Many vendors offer special rates for large bookings, which can help reduce costs for your guests.

Embracing the Culture!

Possibly one of the best things about a destination wedding is the local cultures and traditions. Incorporating local elements adds a wonderful, unique, touch to your wedding making it all the more memorable for you and the guests.

Language Barriers: Clear communication with vendors is, of course, essential to avoid misunderstandings. So consider hiring a wedding planner based in your wedding location that speaks English as well as the local language. 

Planning Activities and Itinerary

Make it a wedding experience to remember by planning activities for your guests before and after the wedding day.

Pre and Post-Wedding Events: Organise welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches to extend the celebrations!

Local Activities: Suggest local attractions and activities that guests can enjoy during their stay. Whether it's sightseeing tours, beach outings, or cultural experiences, providing options will keep your guests entertained and also take away the hard work of researching and planning!

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular and with a well prepared POA, saying ‘I Do’ overseas can be a truly magical experience for you and your entire wedding party too!