YES! You Should Visit Your Destination Wedding Site Before The Big Day

I get it! Planning a destination wedding in a country or resort you’ve never been to is challenging. How do you know you’ll like it? How can you be sure it will match your vision? Is the food up to your standards? What about the service? Or the wedding locations?

This is why I absolutely recommend you include a pre-wedding planning trip in your overall budget. Here are some tips for you to follow to make the best use of your time and resources while on location.

TIP 1: Discovering a Destination

Discover the must-see attractions, experiences, sites, and cultural activities your chosen destination offers. This will be part of what your guests may enjoy and you want them to create memories while celebrating with you.

Consider the weather. Understand the climate of your destination and how it will be around the time of your planned wedding. Always have backup plans in case of bad weather.

Consider hosting additional events like a bachelor/bachelorette party, a welcome party, or a farewell brunch. Check out locations in the area to host these events and enhance your guests’ experience. They can also be held at the resort you choose.

Tip 2: What to Consider when Visiting the Resort & Venue’s

Seeing ceremony and reception sites available at the resort as well as offsite venues is the number one priority when doing a pre-planning trip. You need to be able to “see yourself” having the wedding of your dreams there.

Make sure the spaces are right for a group of your size and that the capacity is suitable for both a ceremony and reception. Check the accessibility and parking situation. If you are inviting any guests who are physically challenged, then choosing a location and resort that is easy to get around in is preferable.

Decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding and consider the pros and cons of each option. Make sure the venue you choose has quality spots for a backup plan if needed and make sure you visit it, just in case.

The comfort and enjoyment of your guests is also a top priority area. Make sure the resort you choose will have plenty to offer for all of your family and friends attending your wedding.

Tip 3: Meeting With The Onsite Wedding Team

One advantage of doing a pre-destination wedding visit is being able to meet with the onsite wedding team to see how you relate and communicate with them. Your comfort level of course is of utmost importance when working with a wedding team. Here are some areas to consider during your visit to maximize the productivity of your meeting.

1. Prepare a list of questions that include inquiries about menu options, venue capacity, and decor choices.

2. Be receptive to suggestions and recommendations from the onsite team. They possess valuable experience and knowledge about the venue and the local area, which can prove invaluable in making informed decisions. With that said, make sure the team is actually listening to your concerns and needs. If they aren’t now, when they are looking for your business, they really won’t be once you’re signed, sealed, and delivered.

3. Take a comprehensive tour of the venue alongside the team. This will give you a clearer understanding of the space and how it can best be utilized for your wedding.

4. Communicate your wedding vision and preferences. Collaborate with them to develop a plan that aligns with your desires and suits your budget. Again, make sure they are listening to you, not just pushing their own agenda.

5. Ensure that your expectations are transparently communicated. Any special requests or requirements should be clearly articulated to the onsite team.

Your meeting should make you feel like you can collaborate effectively with the onsite team to make well-informed decisions for your wedding, resulting in a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

NOTE: Unfortunately the reality is that many of the resort wedding venues have high turnover in the onsite wedding staff. It’s very possible that the team you start with won’t be the team you end up with as you get closer to your wedding. With that said, I always advise couples to consider hiring a destination wedding advisor to help with every aspect of their destination wedding, including keeping in constant communication with the onsite team, and any changes that may occur, so that you don’t have to constantly be trying to keep up with it all. A destination wedding advisor will be able to take great notes and quickly jump in to make sure your wedding vision is going to happen, no matter what changes happen with the onsite team.

Tip 4: Turn Your Pre-Wedding Planning trip into a Mini Getaway Experience

While a pre-wedding planning trip can be busy, try to enjoy a little break while there. Take at least one day to relax on the beach, sip some frozen drinks, and rejuvenate. The details of your wedding will come together and you won’t plan everything in an entire weekend, so relax!

Enjoy your visit and come back excited and energetic to make your final decision and start planning your destination wedding!

Pro tip: have some professional pics taken while there so you can send out the save-the-date cards with a photo of you two at the destination!

Your pre-wedding planning trip is not just a formality. It is a trip that can help you “try before you buy” or finalize your destination wedding plans. This allows you to plan a destination wedding that will exceed your dreams and create lasting memories for you and your cherished guests.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your destination wedding planning, or you would like to do a pre-planning destination wedding trip, I would be delighted to chat with you. Here is a link to schedule a complimentary 30-minute

consultation – no strings attached!