If jetting off to foreign soil is your idea of wedded bliss, chances are you’re also faced with the difficult decision of deciding where that place will be. From the sunny beaches of Turks & Caicos (we just returned from there and learned all about the new Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart themes at Beaches Turks & Caicos—click here to learn more) to the rolling hills of Tuscany, the options are literally endless. So how exactly do you decide where to get married? Here are 10 tips that will help you narrow down your search.
1. Envision Your Dream Wedding. Ask yourself what your dream day looks like. Are your feet sinking into the sand or are you surrounded by vineyards? Seeing yourself in a place will help narrow your options.
2. Decide on Non-Negotiables. Do you need to get married in a chapel? Do you need to be on a beach? Decide what must-haves you want and where you’re willing to be more flexible.
3. Think About Atmosphere. Maybe your idea of a perfect party includes all-inclusive drinks and food or perhaps you’d like to celebrate in a place with tons of activities and nearby sights. Your guests will need to stay occupied during the time leading up to the wedding, so keep that in mind.
4. Consider the Season. It’s necessary to think about the time of year you want to travel in. For example, it’s too hot to visit many Caribbean destinations in August or September, and Europe tends to be filled with tourists in the summer.
5. Take a Head Count. Tally up how many people you think will be attending your big day. If you’re keeping it very intimate you won’t have to worry about ample accommodations, but if you’re planning a bigger party you need to be sure your guests will be entertained.
6. Know Your Budget. You need to consider what expenses are involved from the flights to the food. You’ll also need to decide what expenses you’re willing to cover for your guests, so they’re fully aware of what’s expected of them.
7. Research. Once you’ve found some locations you’d like to consider, start researching through books, guides and online sites. One of the best ways to get information is through first-hand accounts from people who have been there. Another good resource is online forums where you can talk to other brides who can share their own destination wedding experiences and suggestions.
8. Talk to an Expert. Speaking to a travel agent is a great way to further narrow your search. Don’t underestimate their knowledge—agents can provide you with insider information, group rates, discounts, and price quotes to get you going.
9. Learn about Requirements. Don’t have one to two months to spend living in a country before you say “I do?” Don’t get married in France! Some countries require blood tests, residency periods or even doctors’ certificates before you can legally tie the knot. You definitely need to check the marriage requirements of the country you’re going to beforehand.
10. Honeymoon, Too? Some couples prefer to roll their honeymoon into their destination wedding, which is something you’ll want to consider before you decide on your final destination.
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