What have I learned from planning a destination wedding?

[june11bride]

What I learned was that people really do believe that a DW wedding is super cheap. I can't count how many people said that to me! I also learned people think planning a DW is super easy!! Ok maybe more so than an at home wedding but when you have a guest list of people who have never travelled before and you have to hold their hand through the whole booking and travelling it becomes a lot of extra work. I learned that peopl view a dw as a very non traditional wedding where they don't have to follow any of the same rules. For instance we received a total of 2 rsvps. Good thing I spent so much on international stamps for the return envelope. I had no idea how many oot bags to make or favors to make. That's just rude. I learned that relationships will be changed for good or bad and you really get to see who your true loved ones are. I learned that even though your rehearsal dinner can be totally and utterly ruined, nothing matters except me and my new husband and our new future together (living far from the people who ruined th dinner).

[AfricanVenus]

Wish I had read this prior to my wedding, lol. However, a lot of the advice is about the planning process which I had encountered already, so it was definitely familiar. My top tips:

 

1) People will disappoint you. They'll be vocal or silent in their actions, but expect it.

 

2) Be wary of those planning their own weddings very close to yours.

 

3) Don't chase people. If they wanna come, they'll come (i.e., make the efforts, book, etc).

 

4) Don't get caught up in inviting people you don't want there just to meet room blocks or make your wedding look bigger.

 

5) Thoroughly research every vendor (see my post http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/newestpost/71017)

 

6) Don't be afraid to negotiate, bargain, haggle, etc. It's your day and just accepting anything will only make you unhappy.

 

7) Don't choose a venue just because a million other weddings have taken place there. While you value reliability, your wedding can appear cookie-cutter.

 

8) It's ok to hire U.S. and Canadian photogs who're just starting out. They'll give you great deals on packages and travel b/c they want the experience and exposure.

 

9) Think outside the box to make ends meet. You don't have to spend a lot to look like your wedding cost a lot.

 

10) You may have to pay for people to attend. Use your discretion on this.

 

I wouldn't change having a DW for the world. I had a great time planning (despite the hiccups) and I truly thank God for how He came thru for my big day. A lot of what was written on here is true and should probably be made a sticky for all future B2Bs. I've said it before. I think we take for granted the sacrifices it takes to have these kinds of weddings. Not to sound melodramatic, but DWs aren't for the easily broken. They take work. We might think, "Oh, wedding in paradise. How fun!", but DWs come w/ their own unique stresses that can really cause hurt. However, use the knocks to your advantage by creating intimacy b/t you and your future spouse. My prayers go out to all the future DW B2Bs. Make your wedding truly your memory!

[MsSmithtobe]

I would never get married any other way.

 

 

[zbwedding]

We should have eloped. 

[WeddingMay]

This has been my favorite thread! Thanks for sharing!

[Andrea28]

WoW thanks to all of you on sharing !!

 

Now I know to expect the unexpected. This thread makes me feel more ready to face all the challenges that will be thrown on us !!

[favorsmr]

This is a great thread!  I'm sure I will refer to it at times to help me along the planning process. Everyone's experience is so valuable to ladies like myself who are just getting in to this whole thing.

[Jamielynn55]

Lol this thread is kinda depressing while your still in the process of planning your wedding.

[carajoe08]

I love this thread! I hope many brides keep posting.

[nbateman]

Originally Posted by Jamielynn55 

 

Lol this thread is kinda depressing while your still in the process of planning your wedding.

I agree, a little bit depressing, but better to have read to expect certain things than have to deal with them as a surprise.

 

People put things off, and it sucks! Am I the only person who plans ahead for something that has a deadline, sheesh!