What to Consider as You Plan a Destination Wedding

There’s something special about getting married in an exotic destination that you’ve only dreamed of visiting in the past. Maybe it’s in the sand someplace tropical or high on a roller coaster in your favorite theme park. As gorgeous and exciting as these locations are, don’t forget that a lot of planning goes a destination wedding.

Say “I Do” to Destination Weddings

After all, there’s more to take into account than the venue itself (although that’s definitely high up on the list of priorities). You have to think about the timing of your ceremony, what the weather will be like at the location, and guests’ availability to travel.

But with a little know-how — and help from your travel concierges at Sunset Travel & Cruise in Chicago —you can plan a memorable getaway for you and your guests.

Pick the Perfect Destination For Your Wedding

It goes without saying that the destination you choose should be perfect for your situation. Your wedding location will determine not only the mood (beachy, sophisticated, adventurous), but also the time and budget you’re going to need to pull it off. The activities and overall vibe of the wedding shouldn’t be what you think others want to see. They should say something about your shared style and experiences so that your guests walk away from your wedding saying, “That was so them!”

Are you into food? Think about taking your crew to a place like California’s wine country or Italy. Did the proposal happen at a concert? Then why not host your wedding at Las Vegas where the biggest headliners in the world perform every night? Was your first vacation somewhere tropical? Head off to the Caribbean.

Wherever you choose to go, Sunset Travel & Cruises’s experienced team can make sure it’s a perfect location — ’til death do you part.

Get the Timing Right

Timing truly is everything, especially when it comes to traveling for your big day. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows, but carefully planning can bring it closer to that ideal. The best weather in popular vacation destinations tends to happen during tourist season, when there are typically more crowds, fewer hotel and venue availabilities, and higher rates for just about everything.

If you’re set on planning a destination wedding during this peak time, let Sunset Travel & Cruise know as soon as possible, as we can offer insider deals you won’t find anywhere else —if given the time.

If you opt for the slower season, you can save you and your guests some money. While the off-season will mean fewer crowds, the weather can be a gamble, and there’s the chance that many stores, venues, and vendors close up shop.

Let Everyone Know What You’re Thinking

Yes, it’s your big day, but you also have to factor in everyone who is going to be a part of your big day. Unless you’re eloping, there’s family, friends, and a wedding party to consider. Tell your bridal party you’re planning a destination wedding before you ask them to stand by your side. This gives them the chance to decline if they can’t financially swing it.

Be sure to send out save-the-dates at least eight months in advance so that the rest of the guest list has plenty of notice and can get the best deals on flights and accommodations. Just keep in mind that some of your your closest friends or relatives might not be able to attend due to the travel or the expenses. Although your wedding is a mini-vacation for you, it might not be one that can actually fit in their plans.

Take a Planning Trip Before Your Destination Wedding

This is the fun part! We can’t recommend enough that you take at least one planning trip to scout out and secure the key venues, such as where the ceremony and reception will take place, the hotels, the caterers and florists and photographers.

The seemingly daunting process of narrowing down your options and booking some of these categories can be done for you with the help of Sunset Travel & Cruise. We’re here from the second you decide where to go to the second you set foot back home!

Ask For Help When Planning Your Destination Wedding

Even the biggest control freaks have to admit that planning a wedding thousands of miles away from home will require some assistance. Many resorts include a wedding specialist in their wedding packages who can help with things like researching and securing local vendors, dealing with logistics, and handling any last-minute hiccups that may start in the weeks leading up to the wedding. A local planner connected with your venue is your best bet, most often, as they can be your eyes and ears when you can’t be there.

Sunset Travel & Cruise right here in Chicago can help book everything from your flights to your accommodations to your activities. We sit down and talk with you face-to-face to figure out how to make the most memorable day of your life as stress-free as possible.

Factor In Extra Expenses

Everyone thinks that destinations weddings are extraordinarily expensive, but if done right, it can cost no more — and maybe even less — than hosting the same party at home.

But there are extra expenses you’ll need to factor in for any destination wedding, like importing décor, finding key vendors, welcome bags for guests, additional activities for guests, and travel costs for you and your immediate families — including your planning trip, and if you have to fly in any vendors.

Ready to plan your destination wedding?

The first step is to make a realistic budget. The next step is to work with Sunset Travel & Cruise, as
we can secure certain deals that you won’t find anywhere else. No matter if you want to celebrate your new matrimony on the beaches of Jamaica or at the most magical place on Earth, we’ll work with you to ensure you’ll member this whole trip “‘til death do you part.”

Contact Sunset Travel & Cruise today!