Getting married in a foreign land sounds like a dream come true for many. However, with their focus being predominantly on the fantasy, many couples make mistakes when coordinating their destination wedding. In order to ensure that your elopement goes off without any major hitches, below are common errors that you can easily steer clear of during the planning process.
Failing to Preemptively Prepare
There is nothing worse than spending time and money on a wedding abroad, only to find out that you’re not legally married upon your return. The U.S. will recognize any marriage as long as the legal requirements of the foreign country are met. These requirements are usually not complicated. For example, in Ireland a seven day residency is required, and in Italy couples are required to obtain and present a series of documents such as a Nulla Osta and Atto Notorio.
Next, couples should take the time to hire a local wedding planner. This professional will know about the destination, the talent levels of nearby vendors, and will be able to help alleviate any added stress. This is definitely worth the extra expense.
Plan for the Unexpected
With so many details to remember, it is easy to forget some of the most basic elements. Have all contracts finalized before you leave; it is also a good idea to make multiple copies to take with you. This will help to avoid confusion or last minute changes with vendors and rental companies.
Weather is another factor that can be all-too-easily overlooked. If the ceremony has been planned to take place outdoors, external factors like insects, wind, excessive heat and rain can be a problem. Ask your planner about what sort of supplies are readily available and what (s)he recommends purchasing separately. Think ahead and either pack or have items shipped over that can help you battle the elements, whether it is bug spray or fans for guests. You don’t want to spend the limited days before you walk down the aisle trying to hunt down these miscellaneous items and, let’s face it, spending more than you would otherwise.
Pack Smart
What’s every bride’s nightmare? Getting to the hotel and unpacking a ripped wedding dress. Don’t make the mistake of checking it along with the rest of your baggage. The most effective and safest way to get the gown to the destination is to take it as a carry-on. Wedding dress retailers like David’s Bridal sell garment bags that will help keep your garment wrinkle-free and safe. Once one the plane, ask a stewardess to hang the bag in the first class closet, where it can travel in high style. The TSA does have regulations and laws to acknowledge when carrying on your dress, so click here to learn more. If in doubt, talk to the airlines ahead of time to find out what they’d recommend.
Decorations can also cause some struggles. Many brides want to take things that are near and dear to their hearts to give their day that personal touch. It is not a good idea to check decorations in with your baggage either. Items could get broken and, with the rates of checked bags today, the added expense will be high. Talk with the planner about having the items shipped to the location in advance. This will ensure the safety and security of these special decorations, and it will be lighter on your wallet.
Guests
One thing that can unintentionally ruin a wedding celebration is the guests. They want to enjoy their time with the newlyweds and to feel appreciated for their travels, so they may want to spend as much time by your side as possible.
It is common for the bride and groom to have group activities planned for the attendees to help keep everyone occupied. Family and friends have already paid for their plane tickets and hotel accommodations, so it should be the happily married couple that foots the bill. One or two fun excursions or games a day will keep your guests happy and, more importantly, they’ll get to know each other so the new friends can amuse each other instead of hounding you.
After the tears at the ceremony and merrymaking at the reception, the bride and groom are eager to escape for their honeymoon. This should not be done immediately after the reception. The guests traveled to celebrate with the happy couple and should be given a proper sending off. A morning brunch or small celebration is a nice way to show them how much their troubles are valued.
Although these tips may not cover every mistake that can take place when planning a destination wedding, they will help to alleviate a great deal of stress. The less stress, the more a couple can enjoy one of the most memorable days of their lives.
