Picking the Right Place

When it comes to destination weddings the location is the most important thing. Think about a beach in the Maldives with a lot of sun or a rustic vineyard in Tuscany. There are a lot of choices but not every couple or budget will work for every place. Think about the couple's style where their guests will stay and how easy it is for them to get there.

Research and Compatibility A tropical island might seem like a dream come true but what if the bride hates having sand in her shoes? The place should match the couple's personalities. If the couple wants a place that is both beautiful and important to their culture they should look for one that has both.

Getting there and getting around A private Caribbean vacation sounds great but you should think about how you'll get there. Is the location affordable for all of the guests and is it easy for them to get there? Make sure there are enough flights and places to stay for people with all kinds of budgets.

Partnering with businesses in the area

If you're not going on vacation with a group of chefs photographers and hairdressers it's best to trust local experts. The whole thing can be easier if they know the area well.

Local Knowledge Choose vendors who know the area well. A wedding planner in your area can help you find places that you might not find online. They are very helpful with permits and they know the local culture which can make a big difference when you have to deal with different customs and traditions.

Quality and Consistency If you can ask for portfolios or pictures or go to a wedding they are working on to see how they work. To avoid any unpleasant surprises make sure they know what they're doing. It's worth spending a little extra to feel safe.

How comfortable and happy your guests are

You don't want your wedding guests to be unhappy. It is very important to make sure they have a good time. They should at least have a nice room and easy transitions if they've flown halfway around the world to celebrate with you.

Accommodation Options Offer a range of places to stay that are affordable for different people. No matter where you stay a five star hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast choices are important. Book rooms ahead of time so that guests don't have to rush to find the few expensive ones that are available.

Things to Do and See in the Area Tell people about things they can do and see in the area. Group tours or activities the day before or after the wedding can help guests get to know each other better and make the wedding feel like a great vacation.

Paperwork and the Law

It would be a bummer to find out that your marriage isn't legal back home because of a mistake in the paperwork. It's very important to know what the laws are because they can be very different in different places.

Research Requirements Learn about the laws in the country where you want to get married. Some places want people to live there for a certain amount of time while others might want proof of previous marriages or birth certificates.

Translation and Apostille If your papers need to be translated make sure a qualified translator does it. Some countries require you to use an apostille to make documents legal. An apostille is a type of international notarization.

Being able to make changes and add personal touches

While you're planning don't forget the small details that make a wedding special. Your clients probably think of their day as a reflection of their journey and how things are going.

Unique Traditions Ask the couple to add things that are important to them or traditions that are special to them. A cultural dance show or a favorite dish from the area on the menu makes the experience more interesting.

Be ready to change Things might not go as planned even if you plan everything perfectly. Be flexible that's the key. Tell the couple that some of the best stories come from things that weren't planned.

As the linchpin your job is just as much to help people with their feelings as it is to make sure everything goes well. A wedding is really just a way to show how much you love someone. If you remember that every choice you make will help you have a truly unique experience.

These things will help your destination wedding go off without a hitch look great and be something people will remember. How well you balance careful planning with room for spontaneous moments can make the difference between a celebration that is just pretty and one that touches people on a deeper more personal level. And isn't that what everyone wants?

When you find the right balance between being organized and being yourself the stress goes away and all the joy that comes with a destination wedding can come through.