Having a unique destination wedding is about more than just a ceremony abroad; it’s a chance to create an unforgettable experience for you and the people you hold dearest. But before you start planning that dream wedding, it’s important to keep a few things in mind that can add a few unique details to your trip and keep the day running smoothly.
Tamara Lidbom, owner of Anytime Travel Agency, specializes in destination weddings and has been helping Arizonans plan their perfect trip for over a decade. Here are her top tips to ensure a pleasant experience for family, friends and most importantly, the bride and groom:
For Your Hair’s Sake, Consider the Weather
Oftentimes, Arizonans don’t realize how humid destination weddings can be, especially if you’re looking for that beachside ceremony. Having the ceremony outdoors in damp weather can pose several issues, from guest discomfort to beauty complications.
The last thing you want as a bride is the humidity ruining your hair as soon as you walk outside. If you’re set on a location that is on the more humid side, like Thailand, an island in Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America, it’s best to opt for an indoor venue.
If your heart is set on an outdoor ceremony, consider researching drier climates. Places on the northern end of Europe, like Cantabria, Spain, can make for beautiful, comfortable options.
Find an Instagram-worthy Destination
A photogenic destination can make for a great collection of memories. Not to mention, this can add some beautiful Instagram-worthy moments for the wedding party. If you’re looking for a picture-perfect destination, geographically diverse places like St. Lucia with beaches and mountains make a great choice. This gives you numerous backdrops to work with and adds depth to photos. Italy and Greece can also be beautiful options, featuring unique-looking cities nestled in the mountains or stunning views overlooking the beach.
Choose a Resort with Unique Features
A destination wedding involves more than just the ceremony. Where you lay your head each night can make or break the whole trip. Fortunately, there are some amazing and unique options available. One unique luxury destination that Arizonans have been gravitating towards is Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets. It’s on its own island 45-minutes off the coast of Cancun. The venue provides its own catamaran to sail you and your party through gorgeous blue waters, creating a luxury travel experience to the resort.
If you’re looking for something a little less secluded with quicker access to activities, Moxche by Secrets on the coast of Playa del Carmen is another option that makes for peak party and romance travel. It offers a variety of dine and drink options like swim-up pool bars, a music lounge, and more. It also provides activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and exploring the nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes.
Keep it intimate
While it’s often assumed destination weddings are always expensive, they can actually be more affordable than U.S. weddings depending on the location, package and guest list. One of the biggest cost factors is your guest count. A smaller, more intimate destination wedding not only cuts down on expenses like food, venue size and rentals, it also reduces a lot of logistical juggling.
A large wedding can impact which resorts are available to you because not all can accommodate weddings with hundreds of guests. Having a smaller wedding opens you up for more unique options like boutique resorts, intimate beachfront villas and even historic venues in Europe.
Plus, the larger the guest list, the more you’ll have to manage and the more things can go wrong. Bigger parties means more rooms at the resort, accommodating different requests, and inclusivity when it comes to activities. Keeping it intimate helps simplify the experience and protect your budget.
Tie the knot stateside
Officially tying the knot in the United States, then doing a more symbolic ceremony abroad, is a great way to avoid unnecessary expenses and save time. This allows you to avoid many legal requirements that vary from country to country. For example, to get married in the Dominican Republic requires a time-consuming process. Couples must provide translated and notarized documents like birth certificates and single status affidavits, which are submitted through an attorney to be sent to a judge for approval.
This process can be lengthy and expensive. Several countries, especially in Europe, Asia and parts of Latin America, require apostille documentation, which authenticates the origin of a public document, making it internationally recognized and can cost upwards of $600.
Plan around popular dates
If you’re dreaming of getting married on a holiday weekend like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, be prepared to spend more, especially if you want to add on special accommodations. Also, in popular destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, demand during peak seasons can drive up prices for venues, accommodations and flights.
For example, The Maldives is expected to be in higher demand during the dry season, from November to April, when humidity is at its lowest and tourism is at its peak. If your heart is set on a popular weekend, book at least a year and a half in advance to help guarantee availability.
Mapping out your destination wedding might seem stressful at first glance, but with the proper planning, it can be everything you dreamed of and more. Details like selecting a resort that offers unique guest experiences, attending to minor details to ensure a smooth day, and keeping your guest list as intimate as possible can make for an unforgettable experience. Learn more at anytimetravelagency.com.
