Reid Rodell designs and plans destination events regularly. Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular for a number of reasons and for a variety of people. For example, encore brides and grooms (people who have been married before) tend to choose weddings in other countries, particularly where there is water. The romance of sunsets, beaches, and warmer climates is appealing, and the couple will use the destination for their honeymoon as well. Planning will depend largely on the type of event you are hosting. Weddings tend to be the most detailed.
The following list of considerations is one we use with our destination clients.
- Research the legal side of travel as in passports (and tourist card and/or visa), items (food and other stuff) you can bring into the country from the USA), and the law of the land. If you are inviting guests, all of this will have to be communicated with them.
- Plan well in advance of the event. Unless money is no object, planning in advance is the best bet for a cost-efficient event.
- Visit the destination to meet with vendors and contractors and to see your event space before making final decisions and payments.
- Hire a professional who has experience planning events at your destination and who has local contacts.
- If inviting guests, give them six months to a year – if possible – to RSVP and make payments for lodging. (Your planner can coordinate this for you.)
- Find out in advance what types of local travel accommodations are available for you and guests (Uber, Lyft or alternatives, shuttles, and taxis).
- Consult with your planner about the best times of year to plan your event at your destination. Lodging availability is always a factor.
- Climate will dictate clothing choices and what to pack. Some warm weather climates experience rainy seasons, so you will need to pack and plan accordingly.
Keep in mind, you want a memorable event. You want it to be memorable for all of the right reasons. If we can help, let us know.