Today's blog was written by Calgary destination wedding specialist Amira Harris of Aisle Travel!
1. Where do you want to have your destination wedding? It’s best to pick your top 2-3 countries and take a look at their marriage requirements. Sometimes these legal guidelines make a difference and the choice much easier.
2. What time of year do you want to travel? I highly recommend picking a season first, or if that is too hard, narrow it down to at least a preferred month. The more flexible you are, the better your options.
3. Where would all your guests be traveling from? Not all wedding group guests are located in the same city. Your family and friends might live all over the world. Most wedding groups are usually departing from 2 or 3 different gateways which is key for us while we're arranging your travel plans . We need this information so we can find the best travel supplier that can accommodate your group and for departure dates required.
4. What type of wedding are you looking to have? Most couples are looking to do the type of wedding they would have locally, which includes all the bells and whistles of: entertainment, décor, dancing, photography etc. Everything you would have for a local ceremony and reception. From time to time, we do have couples that are only looking to do a ceremony at the destination since they are planning to do a reception when they get back home. It’s important to know what you envision for your big day so we can recommend venues, resorts and hotels that can accommodate your wishes.
5. Are you looking for on resort or off resort for your wedding? A lot of couple’s don’t realize that you don’t necessarily need to have a wedding where your group is staying. It is more convenient to have it on resort however there is so many off resort properties and options to choose from, especially if you’re looking for something more private.
6. What is your travel budget for guests and what is your wedding budget? If you don’t know this, that is okay. We have couples who have a budget set prior to our discussion and we also have couples who require guidance on what a realistic budget would be based on their wedding wants. I do recommend having an idea of what you would like your guests to spend as a maximum for the travel portion. A wedding budget is something we discuss in detail and can provide plenty of guidance on this before we get started.
7. What type of ceremony would you like? Not all countries can accommodate and sometimes it’s not easy without a lot of paperwork and blood work. Your choices would be Civil/Legal ceremony, symbolicceremony and religious ceremony. Each has its pros/cons which we would discuss and find the right fit
8. Do you need a family friendly resort or adults only? Most couples usually have a good idea if kids are attending or if it will be adults only.
9. What would be the minimum and maximum amount of guests that would attend? Not everyone you invitewill be able to attend for many different reasons (cost, time of trip, healthissues etc.). Most likely your immediate family and bridal party will beconfirmed guests but what about the rest? It’s good to have a minimum andmaximum amount of guests you think will attend, since the wedding venue andbudget will be a factor.
10. Have you spoken to your family about having a destination wedding? What were their thoughts? Most couples do have this discussion with immediate family aswell as their bridal party before they get started. It gives them theopportunity to know early on who can attend. It also provides ample time tosave if needed and to know who won’t be able to attend. It provides the couple optionsand communication with your family is key when it comes to your wedding.
Your destination weddingspecialist will have the expertise and experience to provide you feedback on aresort, hotel, venue, tour operator and will assist you with all your weddingneeds. Just ask.
Sources
Pixan Photography/Aisle Travel/Playa del Carmen
