Your Destination Wedding Checklist: Planning Your Dream Wedding Away from Home
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure—combining your dream location with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. But between travel logistics, vendor coordination, and making sure your guests have a seamless experience, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive destination wedding checklist!
Choosing the Perfect Destination
Your wedding location sets the tone for everything from decor to attire to guest experience. When selecting a destination, consider:
Accessibility: How easy is it for guests to travel there? Consider direct flights, visa requirements, and transportation options.
Weather & Seasonality: Research the best times of the year to get married in your chosen location.
Local Marriage Laws: Each country has different legal requirements for getting married—some require residency periods, additional paperwork, or specific officiants.
Savannah, GA as a Destination Wedding Spot: If you're dreaming of a historic yet charming southern wedding, Savannah is the perfect choice. With cobblestone streets, stunning waterfront venues, and iconic locations like Forsyth Park, it offers a breathtaking backdrop for your big day.
Hiring Local Vendors
Finding reliable vendors is key to executing a seamless wedding experience. To make things easier:
Work with a Local Wedding Planner: Hiring a Savannah-based wedding planner like Ivory & Beau ensures you have experts who know the best venues, vendors, and logistics.
Choose Vendors Experienced with Destination Weddings: Look for florists, photographers, and caterers who are familiar with working with out-of-town couples.
Schedule Virtual Meetings: Meet with vendors via video calls to discuss your vision, expectations, and logistics before arriving at your destination.
Consider Full-Service Venues: Some Savannah venues offer all-inclusive packages that handle catering, rentals, and decor.
Managing Travel Logistics
A well-organized travel plan ensures both you and your guests have a stress-free experience:
Book Early: Secure flights and hotel accommodations as soon as possible to lock in the best rates.
Provide Travel Information for Guests: Create a wedding website with recommended flights, accommodations, and local transportation options.
Negotiate Room Blocks: Many hotels offer discounted rates for wedding groups—contact them early to secure a block of rooms for guests.
Plan Pre-Wedding Activities: Destination weddings are more than just the wedding day—schedule welcome dinners, sightseeing tours, or beach outings to make it a fun experience for guests.
Tips for Guests
Send Save-the-Dates Early: Give guests ample time to arrange travel and accommodations.
Offer Packing Suggestions: Depending on the climate, suggest what guests should wear, including backup options for unpredictable weather.
Provide an Itinerary: Clearly outline all wedding events, including addresses, times, and transportation details.
Consider Guest Welcome Bags: Fill them with local treats, maps, and an itinerary to make their stay extra special.
Handling Unexpected Hurdles
Even with meticulous planning, things can go awry. Here’s how to stay ahead of potential challenges:
Weather Contingencies: Always have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme weather—Savannah’s historic venues often provide indoor options.
Lost Luggage & Essentials: Pack your wedding dress, suit, and key accessories in a carry-on to avoid luggage mishaps.
Last-Minute Cancellations: Work with a planner who can provide backup vendor options in case of any last-minute changes.
Communication Plan: Have a dedicated point person (or planner) available to answer guest questions so you can focus on enjoying your big day.
A destination wedding can be an unforgettable, magical experience—especially when it’s planned with care. Whether you’re dreaming of a Savannah wedding steeped in history and charm or a tropical beachfront ceremony, following this checklist will ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
📅 Ready to start planning your dream destination wedding? Contact Ivory & Beau today and let’s bring your vision to life!
