By: Lesley King
Whether set on the white-washed beaches of the Amalfi Coast or deep in the glacial expanses of Iceland, a destination wedding is a very special event. Being invited gives you an exciting opportunity not only to witness your beloved friends or family members getting wed in an idyllic, gorgeous landscape, but also to explore someplace new.
Weddings abroad are a wonderful way to enjoy almost guaranteed sunshine, with many of the most popular destinations being picturesque locations blessed with an abundance of warm days and blue skies. As a guest, you’ve got to get the logistics right to make sure you have a seamless, stress-free experience—and if you’re looking to make the most of your trip, here are some key things to keep in mind!
Research Well and Book Early
Photo by Colton Jones on Unsplash
Most couples won’t be able to offer their guests an expenses-paid trip to attend their wedding; still, you should clarify what is and isn’t your responsibility to arrange before booking anything. Having autonomy over your flights, accommodation and transport gives you the freedom to turn your destination wedding invitation into a vacation opportunity, and booking early helps guarantee the best rates and availability.
If you’re looking to book a room at the venue, check if you’re entitled to a discounted price due to the wedding—it’s also worth asking if this rate could be extended past the date of the celebration. Alternatively, you could hire a car and arrange accommodation elsewhere to continue enjoying exploring the destination beyond the wedding day—either way, make your budget early and keep a lookout for deals or discounts.
When considering turning your destination wedding invite into a vacation opportunity, research the destination thoroughly. Is there anywhere you’d love to visit? Any amazing landscapes or attractions you’d be sorry to miss? Make a list of everything you’d like to do in this destination, then prioritize them and sort them into a realistic and affordable itinerary.
Team Up
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Have you and a group of friends or family members always talked about going away together, but never gotten around to planning it? With you all in a beautiful new place together, this is the perfect time to make those dreams come true! You may even be able to barter a group rate extension on your accommodation or transport options.
Working with a travel agency or advisor is a good way to ensure everyone’s needs are met—plus they can help you schedule plans around the all-important wedding. Be sure to consider whether or not you need travel insurance, as plans can sometimes go amiss and leave you with non-refundable, costly expenses.
If possible, sharing housing by booking a villa or house rather than selecting individual hotel rooms will allow you to enjoy each other’s company in your own common areas, private pool, or outside space. You could also consider coordinating group tours or activities to both cut costs and share the fun.
Lean on the Locals
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When visiting somewhere new, the best people to ask for advice and recommendations are those who call the destination home. Whilst having an itinerary is wise, being adaptable and open to taking recommendations from the locals is key to having a truly spectacular trip abroad.
Staying in accommodation run by a local family or business is a wonderful way to give back to the community where you’re visiting, rather than paying into a larger corporate chain company. Ask your hosts where to find underrated locales and delicious spots where you can taste authentic cuisine for an immersive experience in this new, wondrous destination.
Remember to always be mindful of the local communities and customs to avoid any unintentional disrespect or inappropriate behaviors!
By planning ahead, budgeting wisely, and finding ways to immerse yourself in the new world of your wedding destination, you can make the most of this exclusive opportunity and leverage your loved one’s special day to craft a wonderful experience for yourself and those closest to you.
About the Author
Lesley King is a well-traveled wedding planner and events coordinator who enjoys BBQs, the sand between her toes and the sound of rain on her window.
Featured image by Nikola Tasic on Unsplash
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