Five Foolproof Tips for Your Special Day

He proposed. You said yes. And now you find yourself in a whirlwind of sharing the wonderful news, shopping for the perfect dress, choosing a memorable venue, and browsing back through that wedding Pinterest board you’ve been casually pinning to since 2012. If you and your fiancé (our congratulations, by the way) are leaning toward having a destination wedding, there are a few things to consider before finalizing any plans for your big day.

1. Make It Meaningful. The destination of your wedding should hold some significance to you and your fiancé, even if that significance is as simple as loving the scenery of an out-of-state (or country) venue. Keep in mind that if your destination of choice is your grandfather’s home in the mountains of North Carolina, for example, it may be difficult to find the accommodations or local vendors needed to make your wedding day as picture-perfect as the location. Let your venue reflect your personality and personal tastes, and you wedding will be a memorable event—for both of you and your guests.
2. Watch the Weather. The best weather season at your destination of choice will most likely be accompanied by a myriad of tourists. Contrarily, the off-season might come with weather extremes, like high heat and humidity or a chance of hurricanes. When you settle on a location, let it help you determine specifics—like the date and wedding party attire—that will complement the theme and atmosphere.
3. Schedule a Visit (Or Two). Before finalizing any plans or payments, visiting the actual venues and neighboring hotels is a must. Use the first visit to get a feel for the venue, visit local florists and caterers, and seek out a hair salon and photographer if you do not plan to bring them with you from home. Schedule taste testing, floral arranging, and hairdressing appointments for your second trip to solidify the best vendors for the job.
4. Share the Responsibility. Does your venue come with an event coordinator or wedding planner? Do you have a friend or relative in the area you could trust with logistics or relaying information about local vendors? Off-site planning will leave little time to be indecisive, so having a helping hand on stand-by can make the process less stressful. In addition, a local in the wedding scene will be able to recommend additional services,  tie up any logistical loose ends, provide directions to guests, and keep them busy until the wedding.
5. Consider the Attendants. Be sure to give your guests ample time to plan and prepare (financially, if necessary) for your big day. This includes the friends and family who will be directly involved in festivities (bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, etc.). Do not be discouraged if certain guests or friends must decline—attending a destination wedding is a big commitment! Ensure that those who can attend have activity options and budget-friendly, clean accommodations.

Article by: Micah Crittenden

Photo provided by Tiffany McClure Photography. Check out more of her photos on her blog HERE