So he finally popped the question and you are sitting on cloud 9, now what? What about a Destination wedding? It's all the rave these days and is certainly said to be 100% LESS expensive and LESS stressful than a traditional non location wedding. Time to do some homework. Read on for the deets of Destination Wedding Etiquette 101.
Step 1 First discuss your ideal wedding with your loving finance' to see if it correlates with yours.
I once worked with a woman who had a HUGE 3 inch binder with tabs and dividers for her future wedding lol This girl has been preparing for this for years ;0) but hey it's not a bad idea to help you stay organized.
Step 2 If a Destination is your choice, pick a location that would be most ideal.
When choosing a location be sure to ask the wedding department lots of questions. Some of the important little details like extra pricing for this and that will NOT be listed on their website. This may help you in deciding as it can add on more dollars spent to your overall budget. Remember when your guests find out about the destination they may be concerned about who is footing the bill. Most commonly, it seems that the couple is only seen to be responsible for the cost of the ceremony, reception, and any other “mandatory” events (such as pre-wedding dinners and other activities). Often, a thank you card acknowledging the guests attendance and a small gift is appropriate. Or, the couple could offer to contribute to the accommodations or airfare for some of their guests, or host a special event for all guests the night before the wedding. Guests should not expect the couple to pay for anything beyond the wedding ceremony and reception, and they should not expect to be entertained by the couple throughout the trip. They should also give the couple “alone time” after the wedding, after all, this is their honeymoon!
Step 3 Set a date! Think about a special time of year, significant dates to either of you or a number of great value.
I chose my late grandmothers' birthday August 5th. It also happens to fall in my favorite summer month and Jason's birthday is in August as well ;0) There will be happy times in August for us lol
Step 4 Research how you wish to announce your wedding plans to the guests. You can send out Announcements, Save the Dates and invitations. If you choose a destination wedding be sure to send out your Announcements or Save the Dates very early on so that your guests have ample time to plan to be in attendance.
I chose to skip on the announcements and just send out Save the Date photo magnets. I used Vista Print, which has great prices and I also use them for my business cards. The photo quality came out great!
Step 5 Make a Guest list. Pick an ideal number you and your fiance' would be comfortable with and start listing names. If you are on a budget be sure to remember your maximum number and shave off any that would make it go over. More people=More money to be spent.
I never dreamt of a large wedding so I did not want 100 + people in attendance. I am planning for a small group of 30 and if all 30 invited do not attend, only the ones who wouldn't miss it for the world is just fine with me ;0)
Step 6 Once you have finalized your destination compare locations. Look for travel packages and deals to help your guests save a buck or two.
Step 7 Create a FREE wedding website. There are plenty with lots of bells and whistles but there is no reason to pay for a website. I used www.theknot.com. There are lots of vendors with tons of products you may or may not need. There is even a wedding budget template to help you keep track of every dollar spent. Once you have put your website together you may opt to list it on your announcement, Save the Dates and or invitations.
Step 8 Destinations require ALOT of preplanning. Research your colors, design and theme of your wedding. Be sure to ask your fiance's opinion of things along the way so he feels included. Once you have an idea in mind try google images for further inspiration. For the DIY diva's go to craft stores and see what they have. You may even be savvy enough to make them yourself.
I have asked my lovely Maid of Honor, Janarda, to assist with the decoration of my invitations. I ordered them from Etsy, made by
Pixelstopaper, and Janarda will add the pizazz I want for less ;0)
Thanks mini ;0)
Step 9 Now that you have your invites in the mail you can start looking for your dress! If you are on a budget try some consignment stores, trunk shows and even thrift stores. Print out a few inspirational pictures and head to the stores. It is always helpful to have a friend tag along for a second eye as well as to take pictures for your later perusal.
My first wedding dress trial was at David's Bridal. They made me feel like a Queen. I am going to Brides by Demetrios next and then on Sunday back to David's with Tiffany so she can get the David's experience as well.
Step 10 Start looking for your wedding bands. Ask your fiance' about his wishes and tell him yours. Make a budget for both. Traditionally you are supposed to buy each others but I suppose you can do what you wish.
This is just the tip of the iceberg but should definitely help you throughout the first few months of wedding planning. Most importantly take time to enjoy your engagement. If you are having a long engagement like a year or more don't jump right into wedding planning, it will only make you stressed out. Above all, destination weddings should be seen as fun for everyone involved - this is a vacation for the guests and the couple getting married alike, so enjoy!
I will post more articles as I move along in my planning. I hope this helps and if not now it may later in life.
