1. Start your scouting and planning extra early.
You will surely run into a few struggles in the scouting process and you’ll want to have time on your side. While most are surmountable challenges, they are challenges none-the-less and can throw a monkey-wrench in the plans. The more time you have to deal with language barriers, international permits, visas, customs or passport-related issues and slow-moving communication from the venue and vendors. Perhaps there is some truth to the idea of island time! The better you will feel about having started early and the more relaxed the process will be.
2. Have an expert in your corner.
There is so much to know when dealing with a wedding abroad. Contracts are often written in a new form of English and terms often difficult to understand. If you have a planner on your team that is familiar with overcoming these challenges, you’ll decrease any stress that comes from the unknowns. Communicating can be a painful process from beginning to end with international challenges and it will a huge relief if you have someone to assist with the “translation”, even it is spoken in your native tongue.
3. Narrow down the search.
You’ll make yourself crazy if you try to research every destination and venue option out there. Make a list of priorities and enlist the help of a destination wedding planner, travel agent or your ol’ buddy, Google. Look for direct flights from your city to find out which destinations are easiest to get to for you and your guests. I’m not gonna lie, there’s still a mountain of research to tackle after that but you’ll be cutting out some of the less fitting options from the get-go making the process a little less time consuming.
4. All-inclusive can often save money.
If budget is a concern you can literally chop your costs in half, and even much less if you choose the right all-inclusive property. If the bulk of your guests were going to have travel expenses anyway to attend your wedding, why not consider choosing a Caribbean all-inclusive so that the expenses your guests incur to be there helps to offset the wedding costs for you. The more rooms your guests book, the higher the savings to you. Each one offers various promotions that are very attractive to brides and grooms on a budget. A planner that specializes in destination weddings can help you figure out where you would get the most bang for your buck.
5. Regions vary greatly so do your homework before deciding which one is for you.
Florida has beautiful beaches and lots to offer, but make sure you research thoroughly before choosing your specific Florida region. The area’s personality varies greatly from one part of Florida to another, as do the beaches, sunsets, wind factors, price tags and venue availability. For example, private mansions are more readily available on the West Coast than on the East Coast. In South Florida, Miami offers a vibrant night life and an international flavor, while Palm Beach shuts down early and has an air of quiet sophistication. Parts of North and Central Florida have a more rural feel and offer more rustic charm. The beaches in the Florida Keys have much smaller areas of sand and the water is far calmer than it is up the eastern coastline.
These are all important considerations when planning your event and scouting for your venue. If you would like any addition information, feel free to contact me!
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