Have you ever imagined getting married on the honeymoon? Destination weddings are romantic adventures that do just that. These tips will help you plan an unforgettable destination wedding.
Destination Wedding Location
Usually, a wedding is planned in a local town, and the honeymoon escape is planned at some exotic location. A destination wedding requires that you plan the two experiences in reverse. Since the honeymoon spot will be the location of the wedding, you will be searching for an incredibly romantic venue where you plan to honeymoon. While this type of wedding is all about location, not everyone travels to the other side of the world to plan it. Your adventure could take place in a nearby coastal city in a harbor near a famous beach, where you could be whisked away on a private boat, indulge in fine dining and enjoy the amenities of a beachfront resort. We have a few tips for creating the romantic getaway a little closer to home.
Choosing a Venue
Once you discover the honeymoon location, you will need to find a venue with the aesthetic you envision. Wedding planners recommend choosing a venue that provides the most services, and reduces the amount of rentals. An all-inclusive venue with design services, furnishings, floral arrangements, centerpieces, linens, chinaware and staff services can save you thousands, and make planning a destination wedding easier. Catering is such an important part of the reception experience. A venue with a restaurant and catering onsite can eliminate all the stress of finding a catering company, especially when you are planning from afar.
The Planning Timeline
Destination weddings follow a similar timeline as traditional weddings. Most weddings are planned about a year to a year and a half before the big day. You might find inspiration and pick a date, but the real planning will begin with the venue. Once you book your venue, everything else will be set in motion. After you have the location and venue locked down, you can start building your wedding party with close friends and family. Destination weddings are usually smaller, especially when guests are required to travel. The six essential and most important vendors that you will need to add to your team very early in the planning process are the officiant, catering, cake, florist, entertainment and photography. You can follow a normal wedding planning timeline for the wedding dress, wedding party attire and everything else. If distant travel is in the plan, you will need to plan transportation and accommodations as soon as you book your venue. Do not forget to obtain your marriage license. Enjoy all the celebrations before the big day, just as you would with a traditional wedding.
Invitations and Saving the Date
If you want guests to attend, you will need invitations. Make sure you design your invitations and invite your guests well in advance, especially if your destination wedding requires distant travel. Your guests might need the extra time to plan the getaway. If travel is not required, you should send out invitations about six to eight weeks before the big day. It is always recommended that you send out save-the-dates very early in the planning process that will give your guests advance notice.
Rehearsing for the Big Day
The last few months of wedding planning is all about getting everything in order. The rehearsal dinner is usually planned by the groom’s parents to take place a day or two before the wedding. When planning a destination wedding, this step can be accomplished a little sooner to prevent rushing between travel and other events. It is important to have a practice run with your wedding party and make wedding announcements, just as with a traditional wedding.
Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor
Planning a destination wedding with Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor makes planning effortless. Travel to this breathtakingly beautiful destination wedding venue at Sunset Harbor in Daytona Beach. This venue has a romantic boat exit, and is surrounded by music, nightlife, hotels and a complete honeymoon experience. Crystal Ballroom is an all-inclusive wedding venue with furnishings, décor, chinaware, staff services and professional designers to bring your vision to life. Take advantage of special rates at Hilton Daytona Beach, an oceanfront resort, and indulge in fine dining at the onsite 5 Senses Restaurant. Connect with talented Crystal Ballroom vendors and plan with a free concierge service. Crystal Ballroom makes the dream wedding possible.
