1. DO be realistic about your hair & makeup options.
While an island wedding can be a dream come true, tropical breezes, heat and humidity can do damage to hair and makeup. When planning a destination wedding, take the elements into consideration before choosing your hairstyle. For a beach or other outdoor ceremony, seriously consider an up-do. This tried and true style will keep you looking polished all night. If you are determined to wear your locks down, invest in a stylist to spend the day with you touching up your makeup and hair so you do not have a tangled and messy do by the time you enter the reception.
While an island wedding can be a dream come true, tropical breezes, heat and humidity can do damage to hair and makeup. When planning a destination wedding, take the elements into consideration before choosing your hairstyle. For a beach or other outdoor ceremony, seriously consider an up-do. This tried and true style will keep you looking polished all night. If you are determined to wear your locks down, invest in a stylist to spend the day with you touching up your makeup and hair so you do not have a tangled and messy do by the time you enter the reception.
FYEP's Tip: I totally agree with the above statement....Warm breezes, sunshine, humidity and unwanted frizzy hair - while a summertime wedding may seem picture-perfect, the weather can do a number on your moody mane. You may also want to think "will my hair get in the way for pictures?"
2. DON’T put your groom and groomsmen in a tuxedo.
While most people cannot envision anything but a tux, any attire that is black and made of wool is a no-no in tropical climates. While this may look good for pictures, a fainting groom or groomsmen will put a damper on your day. Consider going with an island feel with your groom in a lightweight linen suit.
FYEP's Tip: Men do have it a bit easier when planning on destination wedding attire. Most likely, your destination wedding will be a less formal affair than a church wedding. A light suit with or without a tie, or a pair of casual pants and a button down shirt will be dressy enough for a beach wedding...just make sure to match your outfit to the type of dress that you as a bride are choosing to wear.
3. DO wind proof your décor.
When creating place cards, favors and other décor for your tropical celebration, keep in mind that the wind can be your enemy. You can personalize and wind proof these details with a little creativity. For instance, tie seashells to each place card to anchor them. On the dinner table, weigh your menus and dinner napkins down with maracas made of coconut shells. If tall centerpieces are your dream, have the florist secure the centerpieces to a heavy, flat object such as a larger mirror. She can always cover these mechanics by lining the vases with leaves, palms or another natural element that will carry out your theme.
FYEP's Tip:One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty, lessening your need to decorate. Since you've got the great outdoors providing scenery, you probably don't need much in the way of decorations. If you're putting candles on the tables, don't forget to encase them with hurricane lamps so that the wind doesn't blow them out.
4. DO entertain your guests.
A destination wedding is definitely more work than a hometown affair simply because you have not only invited guests to your wedding, you have also invited them on vacation. For this reason, plan days at the beach, a sunset cocktail hour or other simple activities where your guests can spend time with you without breaking your budget.
FYEP's tip: Guests will be wondering what kind of activities are scheduled for the weekend. Let them know ahead of time what the schedule of planned events and casual gatherings is so they are not left hanging, or missing out on anything because no one told them about it.Have welcome baskets with information and/or itinerary for each guest/couple, or put the information on your wedding website.
5. DON’T feel obligated to plan every minute.
On the other hand, guests are on vacation, too. Do provide them with activity options and a short itinerary for the week so they know where to find you. However, definitely allow them time to explore the island on their own.
FYEP's Tip: While the wedding ceremony and reception are the main events, it is not uncommon for guests to extend their trip and turn their wedding trip into a vacation. Including in their welcome baskets information about the hotel, reservations, restaurants and things to do in the area is a nice gesture.
6. DO be flexible.
Whether it is about the minister or the décor, recognize that with a destination wedding you may not have as many options when it comes to clergy, photographers, even flowers. If you are set on a Lutheran minister or an 8mm cinematographer, recognize that you may have to fly someone in to handle these tasks. Ultimately, approaching the event by being flexible will relieve stress on everyone’s part and save you a few bucks as well.
FYEP's Tip: Ideally, you would be able to travel to your location at least once prior to the wedding, have meetings with potential vendors and then, after you’ve made your decision and returned home, start working with them via phone and e-mail. However, if your location is too far away for even one visit, but you’ve really done your research, try to trust your vendors and let them do their job. If you're considering hiring some of your local professionals, do keep in mind to inquire if this is acceptable, since some destination locations do not allow outside vendors.
7. DON’T do it alone, but DO shop around.
Never plan a destination wedding completely on your own. In doing so, you are risking disappointments such as your cake not showing up, flowers being late, etc. While it is not necessary to hire an independent wedding planner to get you through everything, make sure your wedding venue has someone with your best interests in mind.
FYEP's Tip: Planning any wedding can be nerve-wracking. When you want that wedding to take place at a destination away from home — one that you may not even see before the wedding — it can be hugely anxiety-producing. Hire and trust a seasoned professional to take care of all the details.
8. DO trust the experts.
Once you’ve found the best vendors to handle your day, trust your judgment and their guidance, especially in a location where you may or may not have visited. While things like the direction of the setting sun and timing of high tide may not be of concern to you, it will definitely be on the mind of your wedding planner as well as your other vendors, who are ultimately there to ensure you have a flawless wedding day.
9. DON’T expect everyone you invite to attend.
Traveling is expensive, especially to some of the world’s top tropical destinations. Because of this, expect a certain percentage of your guests to decline your invite. While this can be initially disappointing, it will make for a much more intimate celebration.
FYEP's Tip: Give your guests plenty of time to plan for the ocassion by sending out early "save the dates" to everyone you want to invite. These should be sent 6 to 8 months before the wedding. Indicate on your save the date the who (you and your fiance), the what (your wedding), the when (date and time), the where (location of the wedding) and the how (any additional information). Include whatever information you might have about the wedding destination and how to get there, including a web address, your travel agent's phone number, lodging information and any group activities or discounts you have negotiated. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for your friends and family to attend your wedding.
10. DO embrace the culture.
Island life is like no other. Because of this, you would be doing your guests an injustice if you did not introduce them to the unique culture of the location of your choice. It doesn’t have to be anything as out there as a ceremony with Polynesian chanting, but some touches are great. When in Hawaii, consider greeting your guests with a lei, or hire a hula dancer for the dinner hour. If you’re in the Caribbean, start your cocktail hour off with Mojitos and a steel drum player.
All in all mo matter what, remember that you choose an island wedding to relax and give your guests an experience like no other. If you keep this in perspective throughout the planning, your wedding celebration will seem perfect even if there are a few hiccups during the week. Good Luck and Happy Planning! ~Catherine
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