11 Mistakes Couples Make When Planning a Destination Wedding Weekend
HR Marsan Photography
As a wedding planner, specializing in destination wedding weekend experiences, Designed by Delsie believes that customer experience is everything. Inspired by the Caribbean sea and vibrant colors and flavors, destination events have a special place in the heart of Delsie’s Creative Director and Owner, Pearl. With Designed by Delsie creating destination wedding experiences, our clients’ and their guests are pampered, and all the details are taken care of. With over ten years of planning experiences in New England and beyond, below are 11 mistakes that are commonly made by couples when they are planning a destination wedding weekend.
Fergie Medar Photography
Not Planning Early
It is recommended that the planning process is initiated for destination weddings 12-18 months in advance. Firstly, this allows guests plenty of time to book flights and accommodations. Second, planning early is important because top destinations book early. If there is a specific place or venue you want to travel to, it is best to book early to secure it. Finally, remember that many island destinations close for months at a time. For example, Martha’s Vineyard closes October until May. This is common for many destination settings to help venues avoid common inclement weather or accommodate the off-season tourist trends.
Hourglass Photography
Not Considering the Date of the Wedding
The date of the wedding in a destination region can introduce different challenges than a local wedding might. Most importantly, weather conditions vary in different regions. While New England is beautiful in August, the Caribbean is known for severe hurricanes. It is best to choose a date according to the local weather trends in the destination. Also it is important to consider major events in your destination city or region. It can be difficult to find hotel blocks, and there are often higher travel expenses for guests when a local event is ongoing.
Hourglass Photography
Failing to Visit the Location Prior to Booking
Planning a visit to the location prior to booking is helpful when determining whether or not the location is the everything you have been dreaming of. Staying on the property, meeting the vendors, and sampling the menu will ensure that you will love every aspect of your wedding day.
Delsie’s 2-Day Signature Showcase is the perfect opportunity to experience what your guests will experience at your wedding. Our team plans a tasting menu and orders all of the samples for your place settings and decor so that our couples can see them all together. Delsie also recommends booking your hair and makeup trial and engagement photos during the Signature Showcase as well as staying in your intended hotel. This unique Delsie experience allows our clients to experience the day as their guests will and meet the vendor team prior to the wedding weekend.
Marcela Plosker Photography
Underestimating the Financial Investment
Couples assume that the wedding will be more cost effective due to a smaller guest list. The reality is, destination weddings can result in similar costs. This is due to higher production expenses - including shipping and customs fees as well as travel for skilled labor amongst the vendor team. If your wedding is international, exchange rates may or may not be in your favor. Moreover, there are likely to be travel expenses associated with the planning process itself in addition to the wedding. It is best to be prepared to invest in multiple trips to the location prior to the wedding. If you are unable to attend in person, a planner can assist with this in order to confirm the venue, check hotel options, and coordinate in advance with vendors.
Jamal & Lashana Photography
Assuming that Working with a Planner in the Destination Region is a Better Option
Determining the right planner is based on the following P’s:
Proof of concept;
Portfolio;
Professionalism; and
Personality.
The tenure and experience that a planner has with weddings is more important than their experience at a specific venue. Exceptional portfolios filled with testimonials and past work alludes to the caliber of expectation. Professionalism is critical as well, but remember that this is subjective to the region that you are planning in - not every region moves at lightning speed like LA or NYC.
If you are planning an American-style wedding, it is best to work with an American wedding planner with experience in destination weddings. Within Designed by Delsie’s extensive network, we have connections all over the United States and the Caribbean.
Most importantly, finding the right planner is a lot like dating. Sparks should FLY. If that is not the case, then you really should move on to find your perfect fit.
Chelsea Mandes Photography
Not Considering Accessibility to Guests
Although the most accessible locations are those near major airports, we understand that sometimes in order to execute your extraordinary vision we must search for the perfect venue in a remote location. Nonetheless, transportation is a non-negotiable. Delsie can assist with travel arrangements for guests which include flight itineraries, ground transportation, and accommodation.
Hourglass Photography
Failing to Investigate the Legal Marriage Requirements Beforehand
Every US state and each individual country has certain requirements that couples must meet prior to obtaining a marriage license. For example, some countries require that couples obtain a residence for a certain length of time in their country. While many countries with rich tourist economies have exceptions or specific licenses for this, it is important to confirm which permits are required before choosing a location.
Marcela Plosker Photography
Failure to Plan for Travel Complications
Working with a planner who also has the capacity to specialize in travel can help to ease some of the travel-related stress. Designed by Delsie partners with travel agents to coordinate travel arrangements with guests. It is also vital to invest in travel insurance in order to ensure that basic complications will be reimbursed. Finally, be sure to pack essentials - such as your wedding dress and wedding rings- in your carry-on when traveling to avoid complications with shipping delays and customs or even loss of items.
Ashley Olafsson Photography
Underestimating the Amount of Time that it Takes to Plan a Wedding
The average high end wedding takes 360 hours to plan. This cost of your time is why there is an entire industry of creatives who want to ensure that each wedding is planned efficiently and beautifully. Working with a planner can also save you money in the long run due to their knowledge of the industry and connections to other vendors. Read our recent blog, 5 Tips to Hire the Best Wedding Planner for Your Day.
Fergie Medar Photography
Assuming that Standards of Quality are the Same within Every Region
Quality is subjective depending on the region, state, or country. If you are passionate about having quality that you know and trust, it is best to invest in flying all wedding professionals to the location of your wedding. By doing this, wedding vendor teams can troubleshoot and plan for any potential issues ahead of time.
Chelsea Mandes Photography
Underestimating Contingency Planning
COVID-19 taught the events industry that a contingency plan and wedding insurance is incredibly valuable. A planner can help find the right wedding insurance to protect your wedding against unforeseen circumstances as much as possible. Additionally, COVID-19 regulations are always changing and vary from place to place. Each US state and each country has their own regulations. It is also critical to understand your contractual rights. A planner will be well-versed in navigating challenges and ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions as well as negotiating contracts.
HR Marsen Photography
In conclusion, wedding planning has many variables, and destination weddings add a level of logistical finesse that a specialist wedding planner can assist with. Designed by Delsie ensures that our clients’ experience while planning their destination wedding is as exciting and immersive as planning a local wedding while protecting our couples against missteps that might compromise the quality of their wedding day experience.
“There aren’t enough amazing words to adequately express how incredible Pearl and her team are. The best decision I made for my wedding was hiring her. Pearl’s kindness and attention to detail are vital to preparing and executing a dream wedding. Pearl is a must-hire.” - client
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