Colorado and the Rocky Mountains are big destination wedding areas. If you are planning a destination wedding there are some things to keep in mind.
1. Save The Dates
This is a big one. Having a destination wedding requires guests to make travel arrangements and take time off of work. Keep in mind, your guests will be making a dent in their budget, so sending out save the date cards six months in advance is a must. This will give your guests time to prepare and will increase the amount of people that will be attending your wedding.
2. The Bridal Shower
When it comes time to start inviting people to your bridal shower make sure you invite people off of your guest list for the wedding. The worst thing that can happen is that your friends feel obligated to give gifts when they are not invited to the wedding. If you are planning on a bigger bridal shower and a smaller, more intimate wedding, make sure your shower guests know in advance. The last thing to keep in mind is whether or not you will be having an at-home reception. If this is the case make sure you let your shower guests know in advance, so they have the option to gift at the shower or reception. Your shower and wedding should be all about your friends and family celebrating this special time with you.
3. The Guest List
Nearly 70% of people invited to a destination wedding will attend. Make sure that you are not inviting everyone you know. A beautiful location will have friends and family excited to witness your nuptials, in fact, most people will extend their stay into their annual vacation. If you don’t want children at your destination wedding, don’t include “and family” on invitations. Be prepared for friends with children to send their regrets. You can also include them on your guest list for your at home reception so they can still be apart of the celebration.
4. Gifts
If people are not able to attend chances are they will not be sending a gift. Nowadays, people suggest not to include registry information in your invitations. They suggest that you have family members and bridal party members spread the word about gifts. This also includes where to send gifts if your guests do decide not to attend the wedding.
5. Money Matters
Sometimes destination weddings can be very expensive for your guests. Keep in mind they will most likely be responsible for their own transportation and accommodations. You should make sure that you take care of any wedding-related events including meals at the wedding, rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch. Try to provide guests with affordable options for both nearby lodgings and transportation. Your guests will be very appreciative if you do the research for them along with group discounts.
Also consider gifting welcome baskets for your guests when they arrive at their location to thank them for spending their time with you on your special day.
sources: project wedding & destination weddings and honeymoons magazine
