So, you’ve found the perfect location for your wedding, but it’s abroad. Now you’re wondering if there are any extra things you need to consider. A wedding at home can be stressful enough, but will a destination wedding add an extra layer of worry?
The answer is, not if you’re organised.
Travelling to a Destination Wedding
Weddings are planned well in advance, so you and your guests should book flights and accommodation as early as possible. If you can, book Priority Seats and definitely bring your Wedding Dress as hand-luggage, don’t risk it being lost in transit.
Check your passports are in date or order new ones in good time. Keep a copy of your passport, just in case. Enquire if you need visas for entry, and if so, advise your guests as soon as you can.
Get any inoculations early, you don’t want a swollen arm or other side-effects on your wedding day.
Buy travel insurance. It is the prudent thing to do and will give you that little peace of mind.
Know your timings for airport transfers and leave in plenty of time. Running to the boarding gate is something to avoid.
Let the hotel know it’s your wedding you’re travelling for so you can avail of any complimentary offerings.
If you need to make any local arrangements in relation to special needs, mobility issues, etc make sure to do this in plenty of time.
Packing
Pack a casual zip-through garment for the morning of your wedding. Something that can be easily removed without going over your head after you have had your hair and make-up done.
Know the weather and buy appropriate clothing. A wool suit might be the perfect attire at home, but maybe not in 40 degrees heat. Pack a spare shirt, you just might need it.
Don’t forget to pack hair slides, veil, fascinator, spare shoes etc. We sometimes concentrate on the big things, but forget the little ones which are often equally important. Remember the Rings!
Bring bug spray and anti-histamine if you are prone to bites, or even if you’re not usually, but you don’t want to take the chance.
If you’re bringing Wedding Favours or decorations to your wedding, perhaps distribute these amongst your close family to bring in their luggage. Don’t take the chance of postage, as they could get caught up in customs, or simply go missing.
Pack a fold-up shopping bag for that extra luggage you may have on the way home.
Buy a vacuum bag for your dress coming home. You can borrow a vacuum cleaner from the hotel to remove the air from the bag, and it will be a lot easier to transport this way.
Know the Local Customs
Are there legal requirements particular to the country you plan to marry in. Some countries will require you to be present a few days in advance of your wedding. Ask you Wedding Planner. Check before you book flights, it can be costly to discover afterwards that you’ve arrived a day too late.
Is there a particular dress code you must adhere to such as covering your shoulders, no shorts allowed, etc. Ask your wedding planner or the venue where you will be married. It is much better to know in advance than fall foul of the locals on the day.
Before you spend a lot of money on Chinese Lanterns or Fireworks, check the local customs first. You may find certain things are prohibited in the area you have chosen to marry.
These are just a few things to bear in mind when having a destination wedding. At Marry Me in Lake Garda we have been helping couples plan their dream wedding in Italy for many years. We would love to help you plan yours.
www.marrymeinlakegarda.com
info@marrymeinlakegarda.com
Tel: +353 87 6742020