Georgina Clatworthy

A destination wedding is a bigger commitment for your guests than a dash down the freeway to a more traditional affair and it will take a lot more from you than a simple invite posted at the last minute. Creating the best destination wedding your guests will ever attend will take effort and planning on your part but by taking on board the following hints and tips, they are sure to congratulate you on a job well done!

Have a wedding website for your destination wedding so you can keep your guests updated on what is happening, weather conditions are your chosen destination and lots of other important information like accommodation and things to do. Remember to include pointers on any necessary vaccinations and visa requirements, as well as things they should pack in their luggage and things they shouldn’t!

Add in details of flight and accommodation offers with links to websites where they can book. Also add things like car hire, transfer details and currency exchange rates. Try to suggest flights to your guests as this will help to coordinate everyone’s arrival and have someone at the airport to meet them when they arrive. Don’t go yourself as you will be too busy finalizing the arrangements for your wedding day. But do send your greeters off armed with little welcome packs filled with bottled water, wipes and mints as a mini-freshen up kit, especially if the flight is a long one. It’s a great personal touch and one which they will fully appreciate.

If possible arrange for little welcome bags to be placed in your guests rooms. It will surprise you how many will come without essentials like sun cream, flip-flops, mosquito spray and finally add an area guide. Pack your little welcome kit into custom printed beach bags sporting your wedding motif, aside from being a useful keepsake, it will help your friends and family to spot each other around the hotel and resort.

Arrange an informal drinks reception the evening before you wedding and serve up some local delicacies. This will help to get everyone mingling and chatting together and hopefully get them in the holiday spirit. Consider a barbecue or buffet rather than a three course meal as these will be cheaper. If you are having to arrive at the resort several days before the wedding day then set your guests up with little activities that they can participate in together to get to know each other, like an impromptu treasure hunt with an inexpensive prize for the team who wins.

Even before you have set foot down the aisle your guests will know you have thought of them by the printed fan programs placed on their seats. As well as helping to keep them cool, these make excellent wedding favors and are inexpensive to have printed. When it comes to the time of day for your ceremony, a little thought can make a big difference between happy campers and red faces. If your destination wedding is in a hot climate than pick a time for your ceremony which is either mid morning or late afternoon to avoid the burning midday sun. If you have to have your ceremony at this time of day, then it is best to hold it under a marquee or in a covered area.

Finally, write off the morning after the wedding day, your guests will appreciate a long lie in. Instead it is best to arrange a casual brunch on the veranda and if you are heading off on your honeymoon then this is the time to say your thank yous and goodbyes. If your sticking around a bit longer then let your guests know they are free to do their own thing.