4 Secrets to Finding the Perfect Destination Wedding Location for You

You have your heart set on a destination wedding, but where exactly should you hold it? Your dream location could be somewhere thousands of miles away from home, yet still accessible for guests. If you're wondering how to find the best location for your destination wedding, read this article for practical steps you can easily follow for identifying the very best option for your destination “I DO!”

Let’s dive into 4 simple steps to uncover the best location for you to host your destination

wedding.

1. Create a Vision

While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised 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

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

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

then 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. Click here to read

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? That’s my specialty! I’d love to connect with you via a complimentary consultation. Click Here to schedule yours!