What have I learned from planning a destination wedding?

[Jessica Correa]

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

Planning a destination wedding has been the most stressful, but amazing experience of my life!  I have to say, there are no regrets about having our wedding in Jamaica.  We had the best 7 days with friends and family on a vacation that we never would have been able to experience had it not been for the wedding.  Having said all of that... as a bride-to-be, I learned a lot!

 

-Keep yourself organized.  It seems most destination wedding coordinators are.... MIA!  If you concentrate on what you want your wedding day to be, keep all the details outlined, everything will fall into place. 

 

-Pick a great photographer.  Look at A LOT of pictures before choosing, and do a MUST have list of shots.  I will say the one part of my wedding I regret is not making that list.  I trusted my photographer would be on top of it and he missed a lot of those sentimental shots that I would like to have had.  (I'm actually getting $ back because of this)  I paid a lot for photography and researched a lot of different photographers (almost $3000 with day pass) and did not have near the shots I anticipated, from TWO photographers!  The ones I DO have are beautiful but I was definitely disappointed in what they missed. Perhaps letting them know ahead of time how important those shots are. Maybe I'm to critical, but a wedding photographer should be the absolute best of all photographers! I also didn't do a first look, and would probably do one if I could change it.  It gives the photographer time to capture that amazing moment, without it all happening to fast.

 

-Write your own vows!  I wanted to do this and the weeks leading up to the wedding were so busy, we never got around to it.  I think its even more beautiful to write your own! (We will do this eventually on our wedding vow renewals)

 

-Cut costs where you can, the place you chose is already beautiful... let it show, and save some $. Guests really don't remember all of that little stuff anyway!

 

-If you are traveling with decor and favors, ask around if anyone has any old suitcases they don't want anymore.  We took one with favors and decor and just left it down there... we didn't have to pay to bring the bag back!

 

-Speaking of "stuff"... decide on decor BEFORE you go buying all kinds of crap!  I changed my mind a few times and I have a room full of junk now!  Save yourself the running around and plan from photos online first before buying!

 

-Jamaica is an amazing, amazing place!!  Once you go, you know!!

 

 

Here are a few photos from our day!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

great advice!! thank you so much

[mvee1025]

Originally Posted by Kate G 

 

Just got married in May and have learned a lot through the process!

 

- I definitely agree with those that said people you thought would be there won't --- hardly any of my extended family came to my wedding and it was really hard. BUT I can honestly say on the day of the wedding, I wasn't thinking of any of them

- Don't expect things to go entirely smoothly the day of; they probably won't...but it's okay!

- Friendships might be challenged and you may feel that you aren't being made to feel as special for your wedding because a lot of people can't come, so they act like they don't care that much.

- SPRING FOR GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY. I can't stress enough how important this is. We hired a photographer from my home state and flew him to Mexico, but it was worth every penny. Same goes for video. The photographer and videographer gave us priceless works of art that we will have for the rest of our lives...we could have saved a lot using the vendors at the resort, but to us, it was so worth it to spring for the good stuff! Here's our wedding film: http://vimeo.com/70227492

- You will most likely have to hunt people down for their RSVPs!

friendships challenged has definetly happened.  so sad.

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by mvee1025 

 

friendships challenged has definetly happened.  so sad.

Yea we each lost one. And they were both in the bridal party. I feel like it happens more frequently than not. I would cop to being a bridezilla had I been one but I was patient and kept her in until the bitter end. She was the one who quit on me- but not before she had already insulted half of the bridal party, left me high and dry with her dress and an unplanned shower and bachelorette party because she was my MOH, and called my wedding stupid and stating that she would not mourn the loss of our friendship. 

[MelB2012]

Originally Posted by EVKnowsitall 

 

Yea we each lost one. And they were both in the bridal party. I feel like it happens more frequently than not. I would cop to being a bridezilla had I been one but I was patient and kept her in until the bitter end. She was the one who quit on me- but not before she had already insulted half of the bridal party, left me high and dry with her dress and an unplanned shower and bachelorette party because she was my MOH, and called my wedding stupid and stating that she would not mourn the loss of our friendship. 

Wow. I have choice words for girls like that.

[pongyang2001]

Wow. I have choice words for girls like that.

does it start with the letter B or C? Lol thank goodness i'm not having a bridal party. just my sister as MOH and FI's best friend as BM

[EVKnowsitall]

Originally Posted by pongyang2001 

 

 

does it start with the letter B or C? Lol

thank goodness i'm not having a bridal party. just my sister as MOH and FI's best friend as BM

That was our original plan and I changed it. I regret changing it. We were just going to have a MOH and a BM or have people but not give out titles. The titles cause all sorts of drama- like why am I not the MOH, I've known you longer!" LOL

[pongyang2001]

That was our original plan and I changed it. I regret changing it. We were just going to have a MOH and a BM or have people but not give out titles. The titles cause all sorts of drama- like why am I not the MOH, I've known you longer!" LOL

exactly why i chose not to have a bridal party lol. too much estrogen going on with bridal party LOL. i don't want any more added stress.

[MelB2012]

Originally Posted by pongyang2001 

 

 

exactly why i chose not to have a bridal party lol. too much estrogen going on with bridal party LOL. i don't want any more added stress.

I agree with avoiding the added stress. My bridal party is simple. I have my MOH, my best friend in my hometown, my 1 Bridesmaid whom I've known for about 8 years in Calgary. That's it.

 

My step-dad was my FH's high school teacher. So they've known each other for over 15 years. He's the best man. And my brother is the groomsmen. Haha. None of my FH's friends are going to come, so it works out.

[bridemoonpalace]

We are keeping our wedding party small. Just my 2 sisters and 2 nieces on my side. And, 2 guys on his side. My nieces will walk out together.

[JanetandDan2014]

I echo many saying people procrastinate!  Big Time!