Ask the Experts: Stress-Free Destination Wedding Planning Ideas

There may or may not be any such thing as stress-free destination wedding planning! Each scenario is different, and there are always obstacles. However, it is how well you plan and overcome these that lead to a favourable outcome on the journey to becoming married.

photo by Lighthouse Photography – full wedding here 

Research the Perfect Location

No two couples dream about the same wedding, and everyone has different ideas when it comes to the perfect destination location. It is crucial to research wedding venues that meet what you want and need. However, you may have to compromise on certain things. Budget considerations are an example: popular destinations are typically more expensive. However, you may find somewhere a few miles up the road at a substantially lower price than the original.

photo by Angie Lilian – full shoot here

Work with the Budget You Have

Further to budgets, itemizing your needs plays a massive role. Set aside what money you have and stick to the limit. There is no point saying yes to everything or you will end up going over the budget. List what you want, then what you need. This makes it easier to then go through everything and remove unnecessary or potentially money-wasting items. Also, consider the costs of flights and accommodation, but inquire about potential wedding package discounts.

photo by  Phuket Photography by Mojito Boy – full wedding here

Destination Wedding Planning with SMART Goals

Some surveys suggest that up to 70% of engaged couples find planning a wedding stressful. But you can make it easier on yourself by setting SMART goals for staying on track with plans:

Specific: write a specific wedding checklist of what you want for each task of the planning stage.

Measurable: Create measurement criteria so you can track each goal’s progress.

Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic and can be achieved with what’s available.

Relevant: Keep all pertinent goals to the overall objective and stay on topic.

Time-bound: Set a time frame, limits and deadlines for each task in the objective.

With SMART goals, you can refer to everything when you need to. Be sure to include budgets, time constraints and possible obstacles that can prevent a destination wedding abroad.

Photo by Carla Blain photography.– full wedding here 

Use Apps to Organize Everything

There are many things to keep track of when planning a wedding and even more when you have to travel to another country. You probably can’t even do it all alone, either! You can use apps like WeddingHappy, The Knot, and Appy Couple to organize your organization. Some of these apps also provide methods of paying vendors for services and expansive timeline tools. They are also excellent at collaborating with others, such as helpful professionals and relatives.

photo by Liam Collard – full wedding here 

Don’t Compare Your Wedding

One of the worst things you can do is dream of somebody else’s wedding. Sure, we all want the huge occasion straight out of the movies. But for most of us, a celebrity wedding is far from reach. Of course, you should have a beautiful day. But what really matters is the people there and your partner. Everything else comes second. Stay true to your budget and understand that there are limits. However, you can try celebrity wedding DIY recreations for inspiration.

photo by Maria Rão Photography. – full wedding here

Researching the location is one of the most essential parts of destination wedding planning. You can use SMART goals to stay on track. Inspiration is fine, but don’t dream of another’s wedding!

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