Planning and Securing Your Dream Destination Wedding: A Comprehensive Guide
Glad you're all set with the location and the wedding inspiration! But let's not forget, a destination wedding isn't just about finding the perfect beach. There are potential pitfalls to avoid, and that's where our handy destination wedding checklist comes in. Here's how to prep, protect, and enjoy the fun part - saying "I do".
1. Arm Yourself with Travel Insurance - Your #1 Wedding Guest
Destination weddings can be dreamy, but travel issues are real. That's where travel insurance swoops in.
What it can help cover:
- Flight cancellations and delays
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Extreme weather interruptions
- Prepaid expenses like hotels, flights, and tours
Real story: We once saved the day for an under-threat destination wedding. When Hurricane Fiona tried to rain on Adam and Jeremy's Puerto Rico wedding parade, we stepped in to cover the damage. The result? A big day still worth celebrating.
Pro tip: Look for insurance that includes trip delays, baggage mishaps, and non-refundable wedding costs. Your future self will thank you.
2. Find a Local Planner You Can Rely On
Planning from afar? A local planner is your behind-the-scenes superhero.
Look for someone who:
- Specializes in destination weddings
- Knows local customs and vendor networks
- Has trusted venue or hotel partnerships
- Can provide solid references
Why it matters: They'll guide you through legal paperwork, cultural norms, and more, so you don't get caught off guard.
3. Get Your Paperwork in Order (Locally)
Every country has different rules for getting hitched. Bewise and do your research early to steer clear of last-minute surprises.
Key things to check:
- Marriage license requirements
- Visa or residency rules
- Location and ceremony limitations
Need help? Your planner can lend a hand or you can reach out to our 24/7 support team in the app for destination-specific tips.
4. Spread the Word (Early and Often)
Help your guests help you stay in the know.
What to share:
- Save the dates with plenty of notice
- Visa and passport info
- Weather forecasts and packing suggestions
- Hotel block and transportation details
- Group chats or apps like Guestboard or TextMyGuests for updates
Pro tip: Don't assume your guests know how to prepare for an international trip. A little guidance goes a long way, and major travel details can be found directly from our website app.
5. Secure the Talent - And Insurance
Your vendors make your wedding magic happen. Protect your investment by ensuring they're covered.
Checklist for vendor protection:
- Confirm they're licensed and insured
- Add liability clauses to your contracts
- Ask about backup plans in case of weather, illness, or other emergencies
- Make sure your planner double-checks the details
Why it matters: You'll avoid last-minute cancellations or legal havoc that can jeopardize your day.
6. Verify Your Readiness to Travel
Packing for a destination wedding is about more than just outfits - here's what to double-check before you take off:
First Came Love, Then Came the Travel Insurance
You bring the love story. We bring the emergency plan. Our website helps safeguard the less-than-glamorous aspects of destination weddings, leaving just the surprise of how amazing the cake is.
Protect My Trip
- Recognizing travel can be unpredictable, acquire travel insurance as your first wedding guest for potential coverages such as flight cancellations, baggage issues, extreme weather, and prepaid expenses.
- Engage a local planner who specializes in destination weddings, has local knowledge, trusted vendor networks, and offers solid references to navigate legal paperwork and cultural norms, avoiding any surprises.
- Investigate each country's requirements for marriage licenses, visas, and residency, as well as location and ceremony limitations, to avoid last-minute stress.
- Communicate information to guests, such as save the dates, visa and passport information, weather forecasts, hotel and transportation details, and group messaging apps, to ensure they're well-prepared.
- Ensure vendors are licensed, insured, and backed up in case of emergencies to secure the wedding magic and avoid last-minute cancellations or legal complications.
- Thoroughly prepare for the destination wedding by double-checking passport validity, proof of insurance, confirming travel documents, and packing according to the checklist, ensuring a smooth journey.
