With summer around the corner, we’re getting excited for all the destination weddings our brides will be planning. There’s something about destination weddings—maybe it’s the weather, the scenery, or the vacation-like feeling—that we just can’t get enough of. While destination weddings always come off with that effortless, getaway feel, it’s important to note that the months leading up to the big day are anything but. To help you prep for planning your perfect destination wedding, here are our biggest tips for destination brides.
Plan Around the Weather
Depending on the location you choose, it’s important to check the weather before picking a date—especially if you’re going somewhere tropical. You don’t want to have your picture perfect wedding ruined by a hurricane or monsoon, or have your guests stranded by weather travel restrictions. Do your research a pick a month where the weather is typically sunny, warm, and beautiful.
Send Invites Early
It’s important that you give your guests ample time to plan so they can attend your wedding. Send your save the dates at least 10 months in advance, so that guests have time to find better deals on airfare and lodging. Dropping the bomb that you’re planning a wedding out of the country mere months before your wedding date could be the reason some of your loved ones can’t attend, so give them time to get all their travel sorted.
Make Planning As Easy As Possible for Your Guests
While you by no means are expected to pay for any of your guests’ travel and lodgings, you should make the process easier by suggesting a few options. If you’re staying at a specific resort, let guests know, or if you’re having your wedding in a specific area of town, they should know to book within that region as well. For difficult to reach locations—think extra travel needs, such as a ferry—add instructions on where and how to book. Include these things on your save the dates and wedding website so your guests have as seamless of a time as possible planning.
Plan a Few Extra Events
You don’t need to make a full wedding weekend (unless, of course, you want to) but it’s nice to plan an extra event or two for guests after they’ve travelled all the way for your wedding. This also gives you extra time to spend with loved ones, especially if it’s friends or family you don’t get to see often. A welcome party for guests is a common choice and easy way to get everyone celebrating right off the bat!
Choose A Dress Perfect the Locale
Plan your dress to fit the vibe of your location! Check out a few of our favorite destination wedding dresses perfect for different destination weddings:
Island Getaway
66070LW by Lillian West
Light, breezy, and fun, this laid-back elegant bridal dress from Lillian West is perfect for a seaside ceremony. The fluttering sleeves move beautifully in the breeze while the plunging neckline gives you the perfect touch of drama.
European I Do
2170208 by Martin Thornburg
This stunning mermaid wedding dress is perfect for glamorous destinations in Europe. Classic lace and shimmering details will perfectly match the gorgeous architecture around you, blending in with the scenery beautifully.
Moutaintop Ceremony
22052 by Modest by Mon Cheri
For gorgeous but chilly mountain ceremonies we’re in love with this stunning A-line. The lace illusion sleeves are perfect for the slightly cooler weather and add intricate detail to the gown with hints of nature-inspired beauty throughout.
Looking for the perfect dress for your destination wedding? Book an appointment at Malmrose Bridal and let us help you find the perfect wedding dress!