Destination wedding do's and don'ts !

Photography by Wedred. From: Destination wedding in Chiang Mai

Tying the knot in a far-flung locale is romantic—but requires more planning than just buying a plane ticket and booking a hotel. Destination weddings also mean a lot of money invested, so we share our tips on making your big day run like clockwork — even if it's in a different time zone!   DO’s…  

• Choose a location by keeping in mind number of flights to it daily from where most of your guests are coming from. Eg: There are only 2 flights to jodhpur daily from Delhi..meaning your guests will have to deal with sky high air fares

 

• Factor in flight timings before deciding your functions. If your venue has mostly evening flights coming in, your festivities will start on day 2 etc

 

• Print your schedule on a small business card  so that it is portable and guests can carry it around .

 

•  Budget for one to two  site inspections. You won't understand how the spaces flow together until you've walked through them yourself with your planner or catering manager.

 

• Check with the hotel if any large groups are staying at the hotel, incase you haven’t booked up the entire resort. Imagine if you have a bunch of sales guys on their annual trip going bananas at the pool on your wedding weekend?

 

• Factor in the exchange rate if you're hoping to get hitched abroad. Always convert prices into rupees so you have a real handle on how much you're shelling out for the big day.

 

• Send out your invites AT LEAST 2 months before the wedding. Ask for an RSVP a good two months before, rather than two weeks prior!

 

• Find local favors and gifts for your guests. You chose your destination for a reason – so reflect the destination by finding little trinkets from the area to give to guests. Captivated by Italy because of their exquisite wine? Give a bottle of your favourite vino to guests as a favor.

 

• Leave a welcome note in the guest rooms. It's nice to give to people at check-in as a welcome especially if they are handwritten. It makes them feel special particularly if they have travelled a long distance to be with you on your special day.

 

• Arrange for ironing facilities for your guests. Make sure a list of handy phone numbers is kept in their room.

 

• Keep a list of close by salons in each room. If you have arranged a freelancer to visit the guest rooms, then designate one room for makeup and hair and communicate  the same to the guests

 

• Pre pay  for excess baggage. You will most likely have to dish out extra because all your heavy clothing will not fit under the airline limit. It is better to pre pay for it as you get it at a much cheaper rate

    DONT’s…  

• Don’t invite everyone you know. We know you would want everyone on your special day but destination weddings are intimate affairs. Limit your guest list to 300-400 max (Combining both sides). Make sure you make your guests RSVP for all the events.

 

• Don't spend a bomb on decor: You choose a destination because its naturally stunning. You don't need much else to make it pop.

 

• Don't delegate airport pick and drop to a planner alone. A family member who recognises the family MUST be involved in this coordination

 

• Don’t ignore the backup location. It's easy to get swept away by the thought of a sunset beach ceremony, but also check out a venue's backup indoor option, should it rain on the big day. See what options are available beforehand, and set up a clear plan B should you need it.

 

• Don’t wear attire that can't stand the heat. If you're getting married in the countryside, or in the gorgeous gardens of Umaid Bhavan, plan your outfit. Indian bridal wear is heavy as it is so keep the location in mind before zeroing on your lehenga. If you do want a ball gown, we recommend an evening function, which provides cooler temperatures, while maintaining the beautiful setting!

 

• Don’t forget to plan events for the whole weekend—not just the wedding. If you have a lunch off from any wedding events, plan a cosy brunch for your guests. Make sure they are entertained at your wedding weekend.

   

• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things may go wrong with a hometown wedding or a destination wedding. Make sure to keep it all in perspective and enjoy the process every step of the way.

  Now go get married! Don’t forget to share photos and all the details with us!