Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by greatvacationsawait
The first thing you need to know is that finding the best place for your destination wedding or vow renewal is not always easy. There are many factors in play when deciding where you should have your destination wedding or vow renewal. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options in front of you, knowing that you must pick the perfect place to have your dream wedding or vow renewal and honeymoon.
If this sounds like you, check out my latest post on 4 practical ways to discover the PERFECT location for your destination wedding or vow renewal!
Let’s dive into 4 simple steps to uncover the best location for you to host your destination wedding or vow renewal.
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 or after party 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
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 or vow renewal 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 or vow renewal. 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 or vow renewal at a resort.
I wrote an article about how much a destination wedding or vow renewal costs. I encourage you to check it out as I believe it will give you a good baseline. Check it out here.
Like any other wedding or vow renewal, the number of guests will be a factor in your event cost, but don’t allow that to keep your guest list small! When you host your destination wedding or vow renewal at a resort, you can earn so many freebies that will really expand your budget!
I love helping my destination wedding and vow renewal 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 or vow renewal 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. Here is the link , and I look forward to helping you!
PS If you would like more tips why not download my FREE report 8 Insider Tips For An Amazing Celebration Of Love Without Stress .
