So you are planning a Destination Wedding and wouldn’t mind some tips from a Toronto Destination Wedding Planner. Here are just a few:
Always give guests as much notice as possible. This gives people time to save money, arrange time off work and make other necessary plans to travel with you.
Consider the ages of your guests beforehand. If nobody on your guest list is under the age of 16, then you might want to be looking at Adults-Only properties. Conversely if children are traveling, you might want to be looking at resorts that offer good childcare programs (which will be very much appreciated by the family!). The popular destination wedding locations usually have a vast number of hotel options to choose from and the guest age is one big consideration. Your Toronto Destination Wedding Planner can help you select the hotel that is right for you.
There is often a cost to having a wedding at a resort. A Toronto Destination Wedding Planner will not only arrange for your group to travel (the flights and hotels) but will make sure that you are aware of the wedding ceremony and reception package options at that resort. Most have about three wedding packages to choose from based on the number of guests and/or the amenities included. Sometimes the basic package is free, depending on the resort but it is important to read all the fine print.
Find out from the wedding coordinator how much of the wedding package is customizable. Some resorts have a lot of flexibility and different vendors to choose from (like photographers) but others are very strict and have a take it-or-leave-it attitude. Your Toronto Destination Wedding Planner can help with this too.
When booking a group of about 12 or more, there are often complimentary rooms or guests that the tour operator gives you. You can take this as a credit or you might want to consider bringing your Toronto Destination Wedding Planner with you to assist the group and assist you throughout the week. There will be a small fee to cover her time for the week but her accommodations are covered so it may well be worth your while. Otherwise your guests are going to be coming to you for every little thing and you may not be able to relax and enjoy the week like you are supposed to!
Triple check all the legal requirements for that destination. Often there is a minimum stay required (e.g. you have to be in the country three days before you are allowed to be married). Some places require blood tests or other health tests. Make sure you have all this understood in advance. And don’t just rely on the internet. Your Toronto Destination Planner should have the latest information or you can always check the Consulates for that country.
Find out if the airline you are flying with offers special accommodation for your wedding dress on the flight. You definitely don’t want to pack with your regular luggage. Those things go missing all the time! And baggage handlers at airports sure don’t handle luggage with care! How many times have you seen suitcases coming down the ramp where things are half opened and falling out…. That better not be your $2000 wedding dress!
In some cases, either the bride or groom has family & friends in the location of the destination wedding. If the wedding is to be held at a resort there may be restrictions. For example, the hotel may require that 70% of the guest count be staying at the hotel overnight. Or, they may be required to purchase day passes for $150+ to attend the wedding and the reception. This would be another consideration.
These are just a few things to keep in mind for your destination wedding. Your Toronto Destination Wedding Planner would be able to assist you with these details and all the many others involved in planning your wedding.
