Having a dream wedding is what most brides and grooms think about and wish for when it comes to their big day. Even in busy vacation hotspots, making dreams come true is possible; it just requires a little more planning and preparation. So, once you have spotted and earmarked the perfect vacation spot to turn your dreams into realities, what should you be doing next?
Ask the Locals
Wherever you are getting married, you are best to seek the advice and guidance from the locals that live in your chosen location all year round. Locals will be able to point you in the right direction for everything that you need, and they will be able to help you establish the best time of year to get married. In addition, local knowledge and awareness could turn your wedding into a truly unforgettable occasion for all the right reasons, so do not be afraid to reach out.
Get Family and Friends to Help Out
You cannot plan a wedding abroad in a vacation hotspot on your own, and, ideally, you do not want to either. Weddings are large events to undertake on your own, and when you tackle them by yourself, you can end up feeling emotionally and physically compromised. Getting the help and assistance of friends and family will ensure that you can stress less and enjoy more of the wedding planning and preparations.
Start Looking at Wedding Venues
Once you have support on board, it is time to begin looking at all important venues. From small and cozy venues to Airbnb wedding venues, you want to give yourself options and give yourself choices. Venues will come in all shapes and sizes, and establishing which one fits your wedding, and your vision is important. The wrong venue, perhaps in the wrong location, could be disastrous and leave you with bad memories of your wedding day. So, with this in mind, do not overlook the importance of venue hunting as soon as you can.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Everything will take longer than you think it will, especially with regards to wedding planning. Getting the necessary licenses, getting a date booked, and even getting the catering finalized will take what feels like an eternity. Hiring or buying appropriate clothing needs to be factored in, as does sourcing and securing travel arrangements and finding suitable accommodation. Trying to complete every task on your wedding to-do list can make the whole process feel a bit draining and exhausting, which is why you need time on your side. If you try and rush through everything, you will struggle to actually enjoy and embrace what is happening.
Set Out a Timescale and Budget
To ensure you have enough time to get the wedding of your dreams, you need to set out a realistic and achievable timescale and budget. Setting a date and then working backwards from this date will allow you to fit everything in. Without a timescale and timeline for your wedding in a place, you will struggle to get everything done, and, inevitably, you will be left with a wedding that does not feel or even look as good as it could have done. Alongside establishing a timescale, you also need to establish a budget. Planning and executing a wedding can cost a lot more than you think, so create a budget and ensure that you allow for at least a 10% overspend.