Destination Weddings

Will your wedding be in a French Chateau, a Capetown vineyard or a Spanish villa? Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but it takes extra organization since you’re coordinating travel, venues, and vendors from afar.

This is your first step. Deciding where to have your special day.

Factors to consider are things like legal requirements. Marriage laws differ by country (e.g., residency requirements or paperwork). Accessibility. How easy it is for guests to travel there (airports, transport, visas). Climate & season. Avoid rainy or hurricane seasons. Also think about if the weather may be too hot for your chosen dates. Budget & exchange rates. Some destinations offer better value for money.

Your next step would be to set a Realistic Budget. Destination weddings can sometimes be cheaper per guest, but travel and logistics add up fast.

Things to consider:

* Venue & catering
* Travel & accommodation (for you and possibly guests)
* Decor & rentals
* Photography/videography
* Legal paperwork or planner fees
* Welcome events or excursions
* Contingency fund (10–15%)

You may want to hire a Local Wedding Planner. This could make things easier for you as they
should know trusted vendors and venues. They know the local language and can handle translations, permits, and legal details. And sometimes they get local discounts. You can find planners via wedding blogs, Instagram, or destination wedding directories.

If your budget allows visit once to finalize the venue and vendors.
Schedule tastings, hair/makeup trials, and walk through your ceremony space.

If not, request virtual tours and live video calls with vendors.

For your guest planning & communication send Save-the-Dates 9–12 months in advance.
Consider setting up a Wedding Website. This could include travel info, hotel links, local attractions, and FAQs.
You might also include more detailed information about the wedding like:

* Welcome dinner or beach bonfire
* Group excursion (wine tour, boat day, hike)
* Post-wedding brunch

Don’t forget the legal aspects & Paperwork each country has different requirements.

* Birth certificates, passports, divorce decrees (if applicable).
* Some require a waiting period or notarized translations.
* Alternatively, you can do a symbolic ceremony abroad and legal one at home.

Final Prep & Arrival

* Arrive at least **3–5 days early** to finalize details.
* Bring important items in carry-on (rings, attire, documents).
Most importantly your wedding dress! Do not put this in your hold luggage.
* Do a final walk-through with your planner and vendors.

Now that you’ve chosen a destination for your wedding its time to think about your dress. Wedding dresses like Eva Lendel’s Rouge is perfect for a hot weather location and very easy to pack. Baccara by Eva Lendel would be oh so chic for a Tuscan wedding. If you decide to get married in a grand French chateau, a ballgown like Sima Couture’s Beste would be stunning but you may need to drive to France or book another seat on your flight just for your dress!

Where ever you choose to get married, beautiful memories are sure to be made.

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