What have I learned from planning a destination wedding?

[Maura]

I am going to have to compile a bigger list, but right now while I have a minute I want to tell each and every one of you that I wish I hadn't stressed so much about who was/wasn't coming. The day will go by so quickly that before you know it, it is over and done. And the next day you will have a hard time remembering everything. I honestly did not think at all, not even once, about all the people who weren't there. Honestly!

 

The other two things I learned (the hard way, unfortunately) are to make a list of MUST-HAVE photos for your photographer, and also give the list to a friend or family member sitting near the front to snap the shots as well. There were certain moments missed during my ceremony that I hope were caught on video, because I have not seen a single photo from our photographer or guests capturing certain things I remember. Also, assign one of your girlfriends or bridesmaids to take photos all night long with your camera so you can have some instant gratification of photos the next day. One of my bridesmaids took photos with my camera throughout the day and at the reception and I am so grateful for that.

[TammyWright]

...the people that are supposed to be at your destination wedding WILL be at your destination wedding.

 

...that it will be the best wedding your guests will have ever been to!

 

...that everything will turn out the way it is supposed to turn out.

 

sounds kind of hokey but it is true.

[Karen]

• that there is no more beautiful way to marry your soul mate than with your feet in the sand and waves crashing around you
• that love really is the only thing that matters
• that one should put sunscreen on if one is going to have a 2 hour photo shoot on the beach in Mexico in July
• follow your gut and your heart
• that people will eventually accept your choices as long as you treat them and yourself with respect.
• that my husband is an incredible planner and partner
• to never drink a lot of tequila and champagne on an empty stomach

[Jenn79]

-it brings out pettiness in people, particularly family

-everyone has their own ideas of what you should do and forget it's not THEIR wedding

-pictures are just as beautiful with a stormy sky as they are with bright sunshine

-people don't think the same rules of consideration apply because it is not a "traditional" wedding

-I wouldn't have done it any differently even with the hassles involved

[jajajaja]

*Do what makes YOU happy.

*To let the little things go.

*Your attitude is what makes the difference in a crappy experience vs a satisfying one.

*DW truly are the best time- those that go make it all worth while (well besides marrying your love, but that's a given.)

*When it's all said and done, you realize that the things you freaked out about are completely silly.

*BEST TIME EVER.

[becks]

Good thread!

 

So a few things I've learned:

 

* The only votes that count are yours and FI's.

* Feel free to tell anyone who might benefit from the information that the only votes that count are yours and FI's

* On the day of, be prepared to be flexible - something will go wrong, but there will be a "work-around" for it. Just go with it.

* Give yourself an extra 45 minutes to get ready.

* If there's a problem, switch good cop/bad cop roles with FI. When you go from being the calm and flexible one to SCARY-BRIDE-TO-BE, people pay attention.

* Once you get to your venue, delegate EVERYTHING. Your only role is to relax, be beautiful and smile.

[Reba2009]

I have learned

not to ask anyone's opinion because once you open that door....you can't seem to close it again!

the ones you think will be there, will not even mention it to you or talk about it once the STD's are out and the ones you think will never come, are the ones that are the most excited and have booked already!

the first few weeks are the worst and most stressful but once you make your decision and book it, it all becomes fun and nothing else matters!

to keep reminding myself that this is all about US and no one else matters!

[JaimeLynne]

This is a great thread. It reminds me of those little "bathroom" books (as I call them, lol) of wisdom... This would make for a great compilation book! Seriously, we should get all these ideas organized and publish a "Destination Wedding Words of Wisdom" book. I really think it would help out all the future DW brides out there (not just here on BDW) but all over...

 

I don't really have any words of wisdom right now cause I'm in a bitter mood trying to make everyone and myself happy, but I must say reading this thread made me a little teary-eyed. I'm so thankful to have so many girls who understand the ups and down and can offer such special words of wisdom THANKS LADIES!!!

[KAMAY11]

I love this thread! It makes all the minor issues that have come up-just that: MINOR!

ALL that matters is my FI and I are in love, and we're going to have the most amazing day!!!

[Andi]

what a great thread!

 

My biggest thing so far is to (as others have said) do and decide on locations/resorts that you and your FI want! Don't worry about everyone else...if the want to be there they will be!

 

Last week I was concerned that the resort we decided on might be too expensive for some of our guests...and so I am telling everyone that they don't have to stay there! They are not obligated in any way to spend money that they don't want to!

 

This day will be for us and will be great if 10 guests or 50 guests come!