Friday, April 21, 2017

Planning Your Destination Wedding



The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
April Issue 114
Article Provided By: Tracy Thomas Travel

Planning a destination wedding is simpler than organizing the many details of a wedding at home. All-inclusive resorts have in-house wedding coordinators who ensure that all of the details are covered and that everything on the day of your wedding goes smoothly. They also have a variety of wedding packages – from very simple to everything you have always wanted at your wedding.

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a destination wedding:

1.      Planning Timeframe
The optimal planning time is 12-18 months prior to the desired wedding date. This ensures that you have enough time to research the many different countries and resorts as well as their legal requirements. Package pricing will also be better when planned early.

2.      Use a Travel Consultant
A travel consultant will do all of the research required for you. There will be a consultation to determine what destination would be best suited for your wedding. Travel consultants have the most up-to-date information on changes that occur at the different resorts. It could be construction, weather conditions, new management, etc. They also attend many different supplier seminars and meetings that allows them to foster a great working relationship with that tour operator or brand. A travel consultant is able to block group space with a tour operator on a deposit system, which ensures that enough space is available and held for your guests. It also ensures that all guests get the same package pricing.

3.      Wedding Attire
Brides: If you are considering a destination wedding, make sure your wedding dress is suitable for a warm climate. Wedding dresses meant for a wedding at home are usually too hot for the tropics and you will be overheated!
Grooms: Although you can be dressed either in a formal suit or a more casual pant/short and shirt, make sure they are breathable and lightweight for the tropics.

4.      Guests
A destination wedding might have a lot of guests or it can be a small group of guests – it’s your choice. This can be accomplished several ways: guest budget, ease of travelling to the destination, type of resort (ex: adults only), time of year, etc. Although it’s not required, it’s always nice to show your appreciation to your guests for travelling to a destination for your wedding. A few ideas might be a small gift or souvenir of your wedding day or perhaps a group excursion together.

5.      Personalize Your Day
Although the resorts are excellent at decorating and presenting your wedding location, you can also add more special touches if you desire. Perhaps you would like to make special table decorations or some homemade signs, it is your special day – have it exactly as you have always dreamed it would be!


Tracy Thomas is a local travel consultant, affiliated with TPI, and specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons. You can reach her at 403-861-5805, tthomas@tpi.ca, or visit her Facebook page “Tracy Thomas Travel”.

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