Benefits of Doing a Pre-Planning Destination Wedding Trip

Couple practicing before wedding day

You absolutely should do a  pre-destination wedding planning trip that can hold the key to turning your wedding vision into a reality.  

Here are some time-tested tips and strategies to help you make the most of this pre-planning trip. From selecting the perfect venue to building strong connections with the onsite wedding team, who can bring your vision to life, each step will get you closer to making your big day the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. 

TIP 1: Visiting a Destination

When choosing a destination for your wedding, prioritize safety, accessibility, and guest comfort. Ensure there are no recent travel warnings, political issues, or health concerns. Consider the feasibility of travel for all guests, especially those with specific needs.

Discover the must-see attractions, experiences, and sites that your destination has to offer. This will be part of what your guests may enjoy and you want them to create memories while celebrating with you. 

If golf is on the list, find out your options that are nearby where you and your guests will be staying and ask about setting up a group.  

Consider The Weather: Understand the climate of the destination and how it will be around the time of your planned wedding. Always have backup plans in case of bad weather.

Consider hosting additional events like a bachelor/bachelorette, a welcome party, or a farewell brunch. Check out locations in the area to host these events and enhance your guests’ experience.  They can also be held at the resort venue you choose as well.  

Tip 2: Visiting The Resort Venue  – What to Consider

When scouting for a resort wedding venue, several important factors must be considered. Here are some key things to keep in mind:  Top Resort Wedding Venues For Your Destination Wedding.

• Location:  Choose a location that aligns with your vision and is easily accessible to all your guests. If you can find a location that is within 30-45 minutes of the airport, that is ideal, but don’t let that be your sole criteria.  

• Ceremony & Reception Locations: Seeing ceremony and reception sites available at your resort or at an offsite venue is the number one decision to make on a pre-wedding planning trip.  You need to be able to “see yourself” truly having the ceremony of your dreams there. 

• Capacity: Make sure the space is right for a group of your size and that the venue’s capacity is suitable for both the ceremony and reception

• Policies: Ask about the venue’s policies on outside vendors, alcohol, decor, music and entertainment, catering, cake, accommodations, insurance, and security

•  Accessibility: Check the venue’s policy on accessibility and parking situation. If you are inviting people who are more physically challenged, then choosing a location and resort that is easy to get around in, without a lot of hills or valleys, is preferable.  

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding and consider the pros and cons of each option. Obviously, unless the weather is a factor, most people will have their ceremony and reception outside, that’s the main reason you are having a destination wedding however, there are times when you could have the beauty of an outdoor ceremony, with the comfort of a ballroom reception, out of the heat and humidity.  It just depends on you.  

NOTE: Make sure that the resort you choose does have quality spots for a backup plan if needed when weather is bad.  

• Your Guest Experience: The comfort and enjoyment of your guests is also a top priority area. Make sure that the resort you choose will have plenty to offer for all of your family and friends you are inviting to your wedding.  

Tip 3: Meeting With The Onsite Wedding Team

When scouting for a resort wedding venue, several important factors must be considered. Here are some key things to keep in mind:  [Link to March 2022 Content Hero on Top Resort Wedding Venues For Your Destination Wedding] 

• Location:  Choose a location that aligns with your vision and is easily accessible to all your guests. If you can find a location that is within 30-45 minutes of the airport, that is ideal, but don’t let that be your sole criteria.  

• Ceremony & Reception Locations: Seeing ceremony and reception sites available at your resort or at an offsite venue is the number one decision to make on a pre-wedding planning trip.  You need to be able to “see yourself” truly having the ceremony of your dreams there. 

• Capacity: Make sure the space is right for a group of your size and that the venue’s capacity is suitable for both the ceremony and reception

• Policies: Ask about the venue’s policies on outside vendors, alcohol, decor, music and entertainment, catering, cake, accommodations, insurance, and security

•  Accessibility: Check the venue’s policy on accessibility and parking situation. If you are inviting people who are more physically challenged, then choosing a location and resort that is easy to get around in, without a lot of hills or valleys, is preferable.  

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding and consider the pros and cons of each option. Obviously, unless the weather is a factor, most people will have their ceremony and reception outside, that’s the main reason you are having a destination wedding however, there are times when you could have the beauty of an outdoor ceremony, with the comfort of a ballroom reception, out of the heat and humidity.  It just depends on you.  

NOTE: Make sure that the resort you choose does have quality spots for a backup plan if needed when weather is bad.  

• Your Guest Experience: The comfort and enjoyment of your guests is also a top priority area. Make sure that the resort you choose will have plenty to offer for all of your family and friends you are inviting to your wedding.  

Tip 4: Turn Your Pre-Wedding Planning trip into a Mini Getaway Experience

While a pre-wedding planning trip can be busy, try to enjoy a little break while there. Take at least one day to relax on the beach, sip some margs, and rejuvenate.  The details of your wedding will come together and you won’t plan everything in an entire weekend, so relax! 

Enjoy your visit and come back excited and energetic to make your final decision and start planning your destination wedding! 

Pro tip: have some professional pics taken while there so you can send out the save-the-date cards with a photo of you two at the destination! How cool would that be?

Your pre-wedding planning trip isn’t just a quick getaway. It can provide you with all the information you need that will help you plan your dream wedding. From understanding your destination’s culture to selecting the perfect resort venue, doing a pre-planning trip will help you craft a wedding experience that will leave a lasting mark, and become a cherished chapter in your love story.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your destination wedding planning, Or you would like to do a pre-planning destination wedding trip, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Here is a link to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation – no strings attached!