4 Steps to Discover Your Dream Destination Wedding Location

Dominican Republic Destination Wedding - courtesy of Junior Cruz

Whether you're looking to have a destination wedding, or just thinking about the possibility of a wedding away, you've come to the right place. My latest article will help you get started with 4 practical steps on how to select the best destination wedding location for YOU! There’s an immense amount of information to sift through when researching wedding locations, and it may seem overwhelming at first, but don't let it make you want to give up! It's easy to find out where the best places are for your destination wedding using these 4 steps.

1. Create a vision

Courtesy of Hilton Playa del Carmen - Infinity deck

While this may seem obvious, you’d be surpr ised that many couples turn to the internet first, and they really need to create a vision first. Allow me to help you better define what you are envisioning for your wedding day.
First, think about an overall theme or style that you want. This can be a color scheme or look. For example, romantic, whimsical, boho-chic, edgy, glamorous, etc.

Second, what is your vision for the setting when you say, “I do?” Is it at sunset on the beach, or is it in a garden, are you on solid ground with the water as a backdrop, maybe in a gazebo or on a rooftop?

Third, what is your vision for your reception also regarding the setting? Maybe a terrace overlooking the ocean, on the beach, poolside, in a garden, in a ballroom, etc.
Fourth, what is the overall vibe that you envision? For example, intimate, energetic, casual, extravagant, fun, etc. Ensuring that it reflects you as a couple.

2.​Decide on your non-negotiables

Courtesy of Sandals Resorts Weddings - reception table

I encourage you both to write down your must-haves and priorities, the things that are most important to you. For example photography, a high-end look, privacy or exclusivity for the wedding and reception, a kick-butt party or even an after-party, an amazing resort that will wow your friends and family, an upgraded suite, an unforgettable honeymoon, etc.
Maybe you want to host a welcome cocktail reception for guests to get to know one another, maybe a morning after brunch, or maybe a night out on the town with your wedding party.
Go ahead and think about what you want the most in your destination wedding so that the two of you can work together to create an experience that will give you both what you want.

3.Define the type of experience you want you and your guests to have

Photography: @janellekappephoto Courtesy of Sandals Resorts

Speaking of experience, let’s talk about what you are looking for and what you need for your guests.
It is easy to think about just the wedding side of this celebration, but the vacation side of it is a pretty big deal. After all, your guests will spend more time having a mini-vacay than they will be celebrating your big day.
Spend some time considering the needs of your guests as well as the overall experience you want them to have. They are taking time and spending their money to be there, so it needs to be memorable, not miserable.
Let’s get them excited to attend your destination wedding! Whether it is an awesome resort with great restaurants, nightlife, pools, and activities, or you plan a group catamaran cruise, a golf day for the guys, and a spa day for the girls, write out what is important in the vacation experience for your guests.

For example:
 
· Modern rooms with 24-hour room service
· Kids club so parents can get a break
· Top shelf liquor
· Restaurants worthy of a foodie
· Fun activities
You get the point.

4. Agree on a budget

The final step is to agree on a budget. Once you have an idea of what you both want, I think the budget conversation will be easier to have and help you both decide on something realistic.
It is best to consider your vision and your non-negotiables and fit those into your budget. You’d be surprised at how far your funds will go when hosting a destination wedding at a resort.
I wrote an article about how much a destination wedding costs. I encourage you to check it out as I believe it will give you a good baseline. 

Like any other wedding, the number of guests will be a factor in your wedding cost, but don’t allow that to keep your guest list small! When you host your destination wedding at a resort, you can earn so many freebies that will really expand your budget!
I love helping my destination wedding couples save thousands of dollars! It’s so fun!
Once you have all these details, you’ll be able to have more clarity on what you are looking for in a destination wedding location so that you aren’t wasting your time on places that aren’t a good fit for you.
 
Ultimately, picking the ideal location is all about how you want to celebrate this beautiful new chapter in your life. You and your fiancé may have a place or a country in mind, but once you have narrowed down your options to a particular region of the world, it's time to look at all of your choices so that you can make an informed decision. Your choice of location will affect every part of the wedding, so doing some research now could help you make sure that everything—from the venue and clothing to photography and transportation—measures up to what you really want for this wedding!
Short on time to do research and still feeling a bit overwhelmed clarifying your vision?
 
You may want to read my blog post on Considering a Destination Wedding in Mexico 
 
That’s my specialty! I’d love to connect with you via a complimentary consultation. I look forward to helping you!

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