If you are a travel-lover like me, opting for a destination wedding is the perfect choice for you. Some famous destination wedding venues in the world include the magical French Riviera, idyllic Phuket in Thailand for a long-haul getaway, sandy beaches of the Caribbean, and the spectacular scenery of the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I have been in the wedding industry for 12 incredible years, and yet I still discover so many destination locations that I look forward to exploring. I am thrilled that nowadays more and more modern sophisticated couples have their wedding abroad – usually far away from their hometown. If you are one of those couples and have decided to host a special destination wedding for your guests, you have come to the right place!
We all know that destination wedding planning is very pleasant but they do come with a fair share of challenges too. But don’t worry because I have listed here the 5 most common yet major mistakes that some couples make while choosing their destination wedding venues. Let’s learn with their mistakes, shall we?
1. Finalize the guest list after choosing the venue
Finalizing the guest list after the selection of the venue is a BIG NO! If you want to have a stress-free wedding make your guest lists beforehand. This will give you an approximate estimate and then you can choose the destination wedding venue accordingly. From my experience, this is the first tip that I give to my brides to avoid any problems with the size of the venue.
Wedding guest list via insymbio.com
2. Take the location for granted
Choosing a perfect location for your destination wedding is not easy. The general rule of thumb is to pick a destination wedding venue that is easily accessible for your guests. Accessibility and easy accommodation play a huge role in these types of weddings.
The Borgo San Pietro in Tuscany – Sandra Aberg photography for Wedding Luxe
3. Don’t hire a pro destination wedding planner from the beginning
I know you are excited about your destination wedding planning and you might be thinking about managing all the preparations by yourself but I’m sorry to remember you that this will be very hard for you from the real beginning. Handling everything on your own can be pretty time-consuming and nerve-wracking.
If you want to make your wedding day easier, joyful, and stress-free; hiring a professional destination wedding planner from the very start will prove to be of great help. You should never compromise on this one!
That’s me helping one of our brides in Paris – Catherine O’Hara photography for Wedding Luxe
4. Don’t have a backup plan in case of bad weather
Not paying attention to local weather forecast is the most obvious mistake anyone could ever make! There’s no doubt a picturesque venue on a breathtaking tropical island in the summer season seems extremely romantic, but having a backup plan is a must to avoid any inconvenience. Because of that, I always suggest our brides to choose those destination wedding venues that provide backup facilities with a fast turnover or even opt for a tent in some cases.
A beautiful tent solution for a destination wedding by Wedding Luxe at the Four Seasons Florence – Marco Costa Photo
5. Don’t check the party rules
Most couples totally forget about music and party restrictions. Always check the music facilities and party rules with potential venues. Great live music and a great DJ party play major roles in creating an unforgettable atmosphere for your wedding reception. It’s true that each venue has its own rules for where the party can take place and until what time you can have loud music. Always bear this in mind if a long party with a band is your priority and do not forget to check the restrictions with the venue right at the beginning.
Great party vibes for a destination wedding in Tuscany by Wedding Luxe – Andrea Corsi photo
Destination weddings are all about living an unforgettable experience with your family and guests. For this reason, do not take any important step for granted as this will assure a smooth and stress-free wedding.
I hope you have enjoyed my tips on how to avoid the common mistakes when choosing your favorite destination wedding venue.
If you have any concerns or queries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us HERE. Also, don’t forget to follow our social media for the latest destination wedding trends and inspirations. See you next time!
Featured photo: Castle of Malcesine in Italy