4 Secrets to Finding the Perfect Destination Wedding Location for You
Let’s dive into 4 simple steps to uncover the best location for you to host your destination wedding.
1. Create a Vision
While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised that many couples turn to the internet first, and they really need to create a vision first. Allow me to help you better define what you are envisioning for your wedding day.
First, think about an overall theme or style that you want. This can be a color scheme or look. For example, romantic, whimsical, boho-chic, edgy, glamorous, etc.
Second, what is your vision for the setting when you say, “I do?” Is it at sunset on the beach, or is it in a garden, are you on solid ground with the water as a backdrop, maybe in a gazebo or on a rooftop?
Third, what is your vision for your reception also regarding the setting? Maybe a terrace overlooking the ocean, on the beach, poolside, in a garden, in a ballroom, etc.
Fourth, what is the overall vibe that you envision? For example, intimate, energetic, casual, extravagant, fun, etc. Ensuring that it reflects you as a couple.
2. Decide on your non-negotiables
I encourage you both to write down your must-haves and priorities, the things that are most important to you. For example, photography, a high-end look, privacy or exclusivity for the wedding and reception, a kick-butt party or even an after-party, an amazing resort that will wow your friends and family, an upgraded suite, an unforgettable honeymoon, etc.
Maybe you want to host a welcome cocktail reception for guests to get to know one another, maybe a morning after brunch, or maybe a night out on the town with your wedding party.
Go ahead and think about what you want the most in your destination wedding so that the two of you can work together to create an experience that will give you both what you want.
3. Define the type of experience you want and you and your guests to have.
Speaking of experience, let’s talk about what you are looking for and what you need for your guests.
It is easy to think about just the wedding side of this celebration, but the vacation side of it is a pretty big deal. After all, your guests will spend more time having a mini vacay than they will be celebrating your big day.
Spend some time considering the needs of your guests as well as the overall experience you want them to have. They are taking time and spending their money to be there, so it needs to be memorable, not miserable.
Let’s get them excited to attend your destination wedding! Whether it is an awesome resort with great restaurants, nightlife, pools, and activities, or you plan a group catamaran cruise, a golf day for the guys, and a spa day for the girls, write out what is important in the vacation experience for your guests.
For example:
- · Modern rooms with 24-hour room service
- · Kids club so parents can get a break
- · Top shelf liquor
- · Restaurants worthy of a foodie
- · Fun activities
You get the point.
4. Agree on a budget
The final step is to agree on a budget. Once you have an idea of what you both want, I think the budget conversation will be easier to have and help you both decide on something realistic.
It is best to consider your vision and your non-negotiables and fit those into your budget. You’d be surprised at how far your funds will go when hosting a destination wedding at a resort.
I wrote an article about how much a destination wedding costs. I encourage you to check it out as I believe it will give you a good baseline.
Like any other wedding, the number of guests will be a factor in your wedding cost, but don’t allow that to keep your guest list small! When you host your destination wedding at a resort, you can earn so many freebies that will really expand your budget!
I love helping my destination wedding couples save thousands of dollars! It’s so fun!
Once you have all these details, you’ll be able to have more clarity on what you are looking for in a destination wedding location so that you aren’t wasting your time on places that aren’t a good fit for you.Ultimately, picking the ideal location is all about how you want to celebrate this beautiful new chapter in your life. There’s no one-size-fits-all method to choosing a location, but by following the four steps outlined above, you should be able to come up with a location that will hopefully have many of the perks without compromising on your non-negotiables.
You may want to read my blog post on the Top Locations For a Dreamy Destination Wedding, as a way to shorten the learning curve while doing your research.
That’s my specialty! I’d love to connect with you via a complimentary consultation. Here is the link, and I look forward to helping you!
