Planning a wedding is already a major undertaking. Add an international location into the mix, and suddenly, you’re juggling different time zones, foreign laws, language barriers, and logistical questions you never even considered. But don’t let that scare you off! A destination wedding can be one of the most magical, intimate, and unforgettable experiences of your life.

Whether you're dreaming of a cliffside ceremony in Santorini, a sunset beach wedding in the Maldives, or a fairy-tale château celebration in the French countryside, one thing's for sure—you can pull it off. It just takes some know-how. In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to consider: choosing the right location, dealing with legalities, and keeping your guests in the loop.

READ MORE: Destination Wedding Vendors in Europe

Picking the Perfect Destination: It’s More Than Just a Pretty View

Choosing where to get married sounds easy—until you realize that a dozen different factors can make or break your plans. Sure, a snow-covered wedding in the Swiss Alps sounds romantic, but if half your guests can’t afford the flight, or hate the cold, it might not be the best choice.

Consider the Weather

It happens – many people forget to check the climate when picking a wedding date. A tropical wedding in Thailand is absolutely gorgeous—unless you accidentally book it during monsoon season. Italy in August? Yes, the photos will be stunning, but your guests might be melting in 100-degree heat. Always research the best season to visit your chosen destination, and if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, have a backup plan.

Think About Travel Costs for You and Your Guests

A remote island wedding sounds dreamy—until you realize flights cost an arm and a leg, and there are only two flights per week. Consider how accessible your destination is and whether your closest family and friends can realistically make the trip. It’s also a good idea to provide accommodation options at different price points. You don’t want your wedding to be the reason someone maxes out their credit card.

Why a Local Wedding Planner is Your New Best Friend

Unless you love the idea of coordinating vendors in another language, navigating foreign legalities, and managing wedding-day emergencies from thousands of miles away, hiring a local planner is non-negotiable.

They Have the Inside Scoop

A good local planner knows which vendors are reliable, which florists overcharge, and which caterers actually serve food that tastes as good as it looks. They also have connections, which means they might be able to score discounts you wouldn’t get on your own.

They Handle the Headaches, So You Don’t Have To

Think about it—do you really want to be negotiating contracts, coordinating deliveries, and dealing with a DJ who suddenly ghosts you? A planner takes care of all of that. And if something goes wrong on the big day, which, let’s be real, it probably will, they’ll handle it so you can focus on actually enjoying your wedding.

Destination wedding planner Something New Weddings in Portugal offer comprehensive wedding and event planning services, covering every detail from creative design to the intricacies of international weddings and precise logistical coordination. Also My Hand Wedding Planner craft tailor-made destination weddings in Portugal's most breathtaking locations. As your dedicated wedding planners, they streamline the entire process, serving as sole point of contact to ensure every detail aligns with couple’s vision and personal style.

If your dream about wedding in Sicily, Loviù Events will make your dream come true. Dedicated to bringing dreams to life, they focus on designing soft, delicate, and understated weddings that beautifully embody love with a timeless touch. Understanding that every couple is unique, Loviù Events customize our services to create a celebration that reflects your individual style.

Visiting the Destination Beforehand

If your budget allows, take at least one trip to your wedding destination before the big day. It might seem like an unnecessary expense, but trust us—it’s worth it.

The Venue Might Not Be What You Expect

That stunning beach resort with glowing online reviews? It could be perfect. Or, it could be right next to a construction site with jackhammers going off at all hours. Seeing it in person lets you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Meet Your Vendors Face-to-Face

Emails and Zoom calls are great, but there’s something reassuring about meeting your photographer, florist, and caterer in person. You’ll get a better feel for their work, and they’ll have a clearer understanding of your vision. Plus, you get to taste the food—a very important perk.

Keep Your Guests Informed

A destination wedding is more than just your big day—it’s a full-blown travel experience for your guests. The more information you give them, the easier and more enjoyable their trip will be.

Make a Wedding Website

A wedding website is your best friend. Include everything: hotel options, transportation details, local attractions, and even a packing list, especially if the climate is tricky.

Give Plenty of Notice

People need time to book flights, save money, and request time off work. Send save-the-dates at least 9-12 months in advance, and provide detailed travel info as early as possible.

Budgeting Like a Pro

Destination weddings can be more affordable than traditional ones, but only if you plan carefully.

Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Exchange rate fluctuations, vendor travel fees, import taxes on decorations—these little expenses add up. Have a buffer in your budget for unexpected surprises.

Consider an All-Inclusive Package

Many resorts offer wedding packages that cover everything from flowers to food to the officiant. It can be a stress-free and budget-friendly option.

Expect the Unexpected

Even with perfect planning, things happen. Flights get delayed. Weather turns bad. Your luggage—with your wedding dress—gets lost. The key is to stay flexible and go with the flow. With destination wedding planners, you can be sure that the process will go smoothly and enjoyable!

FIND YOUR VENDOR HERE: Vendors list

Planning a wedding abroad isn’t for the faint of heart, but if done right, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget. The key is to stay organized, expect a few bumps along the way, and remember that at the end of the day, it’s about celebrating love.

Author: BRIDELIFESTYLE