Destination Wedding Tips

Destination Wedding Tips

A destination wedding is one where the bridal party, family and friends travel to a pre-chosen destination for the wedding ceremony and reception. Destination weddings can take place all over the world and planning a wedding is complicated, but when you throw in travel plans it can be a recipe for disaster unless someone takes the lead on making the travel plans. Do not leave anything to chance, a wedding planner will likely take point on coordinating the travel plans for the wedding party. In the absence of a wedding planner, one person in the wedding party – preferably not the bride and groom, should take the lead on coordinating the travel plans. This can be done via travel agent who can plan flights, lodging and transportation in order to insure that the entire wedding party is where they need to be when they need to be. The following is a guide for organizing travel plans:

• One person should be the coordinator to make sure that conflicting arrangements do not happen by accident.
• The bride, groom and wedding attendants should arrive no later than 24 to 36 hours before the planned wedding date. It's actually best to arrive at least 2 days beforehand, especially if you are planning a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Wedding attendants should bring all of their attire with them, whether it is a rented suit or not – do not rely on picking it up at the last moment at the destination.
• Guest travel plans should be coordinated as well to help avoid delays that can impact the wedding. Request that no one plan his or her arrival on the day of the wedding.
• Destination weddings will usually involve at least 2 to 3 days of travel and lodging, coordinating the plans for the wedding attendants and guests may earn a discount from both the airlines and the hotel.
• If the bridal couple is planning to cover any portion of the travel arrangements, designate one credit card in order to more clearly track the billing.
• Communicate frequently to ensure that all the plans are clearly understood and that nothing has been left to chance. Email lists are a good way to keep everyone in the loop.