Congratulations on your engagement! This is a time to savor every moment of those butterflies. Let the excitement fuel you as you embark on the planning process! 

If you know you want to get married away from home, you’re already a step closer to planning the wedding of your dreams. But first…

What is a destination wedding? 

When people think of destination weddings, they often picture a small gathering of people worldwide. But destination weddings are much more diverse than that. 

A destination wedding is simply a wedding away from home. It could be in another state, a different country, or even a different continent! The endless options allow you to choose the perfect setting for your special day. 

The options truly are endless, which is great and not so great. It can get very overwhelming trying to figure out where and how to plan your dream destination wedding. 

Planning is the key to any successful event, especially for destination weddings. Planning for something in a challenging location gets a little more complicated.

Rest assured, this blog will alleviate some of that stress and guide you through the process. 

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

We couldn’t possibly discuss every detail of planning a destination wedding in this blog post, but we will give you an overview. Remember– if you’re looking to hire a destination wedding planner (we highly recommend doing so!), they can give you one-on-one support. 

How much does a destination wedding cost?

You can break down a destination wedding’s cost into five broad categories:

1. Location
2. Venue
3. Number of guests 
4. Vendors and entertainment 
5. Decor & guest experience

Step 1: Choosing the perfect location

You can get married pretty much anywhere– on top of a mountain, in the desert, on a private estate, on the beach– the opportunities are endless. 

When choosing a location for your wedding, consider climate, accessibility, and local law. 

If you’re dreaming of somewhere tropical, look at the Caribbean islands. You could choose historic cities like Paris, Florence, Dubai, or Barcelona. Or, if you prefer somewhere quiet, try Tuscany, the Greek islands, Provence, or the French Riviera.

Every location will have unique quirks, features, and logistics, so it’s essential to do thorough research before deciding. 

Step 2: Selecting a venue

Maybe you don’t have a set location, but you know the vibe you want for your venue. Use that to begin researching destinations. Thousands of beaches, resorts, historical sites, and famous landmarks exist. 

When choosing a venue, consider the amenities, services, and capacity. 

Other factors that influence the cost of a destination wedding include:

1. The number of guests.

Your guest list impacts every aspect of planning. Keep in mind:

• Intimacy—Luxury destination wedding planning may be smaller than traditional weddings (but only if you want!). 
• Guest experience—Depending on your budget, you may want to plan based on what memorable experiences you’d like your guests to have (think welcome gifts, thoughtful amenities, and personalized itineraries). 
• Accommodations—Are you paying for your guests to stay? If so, find out the cost for each guest before settling on your guest list. Our couples spend an average of $2,500-$3,000 per guest.
• Travel—Providing detailed itineraries and travel for your guests dramatically increases the chances of a smooth arrival. Make it as easy as possible for guests to book and arrive. 

2. The season and date.

The time of year can drastically change the cost of a destination wedding location. For example, in the summer and fall, you’ll see higher prices for places like Lake Como or Nice. 

Weather is also significant to consider. For example, having a Caribbean wedding during hurricane season probably isn’t your best choice. 

3. Your vendor choices.

Similar to traditional weddings, your chosen vendors will impact the total cost. Decide what’s most important to you: The food, the photographer, or the entertainment? Prioritize hiring those vendors first while you still have most of your budget. 

4. The length of your event.

Will you have a welcome dinner or a morning-after brunch? How many days of festivities will there be? Luxury wedding destinations happen over 2-3 days, with different daily activities. Remember that your guests may want to experience what the destination offers. You could coordinate a group hike, a private tour, or beach club passes!

How much does a destination wedding planner cost? 

Your average cost will vary by planner, depending on your area, their expertise and connections, and your budget. 

Some planners charge a flat rate based on your budget + an additional percentage if you exceed the budget. Others charge an initial base rate + a percentage of your total cost. 

Signs you’re talking to a great destination wedding planner: 

• They’re open and honest about their prices
• They have a definitive pricing structure
• They can show you their previous experience with destination weddings
• They match your energy and make you feel comfortable

You know the saying, “You get what you pay for?” Be cautious about hiring planners whose prices are very low. 

What does a destination wedding planner do? 

Pretty much anything you could ask for! A professional destination wedding planner with experience in luxury destination weddings is invaluable. They can:

• Handle logistics
• Coordinate with vendors
• Assist with legal requirements
• Prepare a contingency plan for weather or health and safety
• Communicate with vendors leading up to the wedding day

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’re also here to help you through planning, advocate for what you want, and ensure it comes to fruition. 

Should you hire destination wedding planning that is local to you or your wedding location?

This is a tricky question to answer because each has pros and cons. A planner local to you will be easy to communicate with and meet because there won’t be any time differences or excessive travel required. However, they may not have experience with your destination, making it hard to find local connections, especially if you are looking for local vendors. 

Meanwhile, a planner local to your destination will have many connections and can ensure planning is moving at an appropriate pace even though you’re far away. However, it can be hard to communicate with someone so far away, and in-person meetings will be limited.

Ultimately, it’s about finding the planner who feels right for you. Don’t be afraid to do thorough research and ask lots of questions!

With Christine Ferguson Events, you’ll find a planner who listens to what you want, brings experience and expertise to the conversation, and works with you to create an incredible destination wedding. 

For more information about our wedding destination planning services, reach out. We’d love to book a call to get to know you and your vision for your wedding day. Happy planning!