Know Before You Go: Destination Wedding Prep Tips

A destination wedding is ridiculously exciting. Wedding planning in and of itself is thrilling, but mix in planning for a destination and you've got more joy than you can handle!

But, will all the joy comes some of the stress. If planning a standard wedding is hard, planning a destination wedding can seem impossible. Here a few unconventional tips to help see you through the last stages of your planning and get you to your destination without any hiccups!

• Home Security

A destination wedding means you'll be away from your place for a while, especially if you're planning to honeymoon after. Have a neighbor look after your home during the wedding and then ask a family member or friend to do it when they return from your destination. You should also activate or install an adt security system to help fend off potential burglaries while you're gone. Nothing says "welcome home" to the married couple quite like realizing your flat screen TV is gone.

• To Check Or Not To Check?

Unless you're an unusually light packer or a space bending ninja, you'll undoubtedly have to check some baggage for your trip. When the time comes to check or carry on, do not check items that are highly important like the wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, or wedding bands.

• Budgeting and Payments

Hopefully, you told your bridal party that your wedding would be at a destination before you asked them to be in the wedding. Being a bridesmaid is expensive enough, but traveling to a location adds a whole new slew of expenses. You should also be sure to discuss who is making the payments for what and be sure that everyone is clear about the cost. If your wedding party is paying their own way to the location, you should definitely budget for giving them a gift basket at the very least, a dinner or a special night out. 

• Plan For Delays

Nothing is ever certain in travel, especially international travel. Give yourself plenty of leeway in terms of the schedule so you're not pushed close to the time limits in the event of long delays, unexpected layovers or changes in the itinerary. You should also have wiggle room with transportation once you arrive. Not every country is as timely as the next, and you might be running on "island time".

• Marriage License Requirements

Do your research beforehand to find out what you need to do at your destination to secure a marriage license. The government website for the country you're visiting will usually have wedding license regulations posted. Start the process early to plan for any unexpected delays and be sure to budget the time necessary to sign the papers on the big day.

• Bring Your Own Pros

Your resort might have a photographer or videographer on site, but if you're not sure of the quality of their work, it might be best to bring your own people. It might be more expensive to fly them out, but you'll want to be sure your memorabilia is top notch!

Your destination wedding will be a great time with the proper planning and arrangements! Start early and budget wisely! It will be a trip to remember.