Bride and groom kissing Ponce Inlet Beach
Planning Destination Weddings
Just because weddings happen all the time does not mean that each one is not special…especially yours! There are nearly 2.5 million weddings annually in the United States and brides are beginning to plan everywhere. However, you are not just a number…you are getting married and deserve something wonderful. When planning a destination wedding perhaps you’re considering a beach wedding in Florida? How do you deal with the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, let alone one that is in an exotic location, Florida marriage license, etc? It’s easier than you think: we have some tips for those planning destination weddings.
Sunset on Venice Beach, Gulf coast Florida
Advance Planning…yes you can do it from your sofa!
- Location. First, select a special location that both you and your soon-to-be spouse will enjoy. Destination weddings are not exclusively held in Tahiti! There are beach weddings, country weddings, barn weddings, museum weddings, and a host of other options to choose from. You may want to be in a park near your childhood home. Wherever you choose, you’ll want a place that will have special meaning for your big day and in your memory. A wedding on the beach in Florida could be just the thing and the Florida Beach Weddings company offers ceremonies on Gulf beaches, Atlantic beaches and the Florida panhandle!
Couple saying wedding vows on Vilano Beach, St. Augustine
- Weather. You want to make sure that your destination wedding will not be hampered by inclement weather. Research the area’s weather patterns, especially during the season and month that you’ll choose. This will affect how you plan other things, such as suggestions for how your guests should dress. If you’re getting married on the beach, this will also affect your dress options. Check out our chart for Gulf beach wedding weather.
- Travel costs. Destination weddings can be near or far, so estimate travel costs for you and your guests. You and your guests will need to be aware of airfare costs and have time to research and order airfare tickets. Flying in to Orlando, Florida can be very cost effective and is central to many Florida beach wedding locations. If the destination is only a long drive for you or some of your guests, you’ll want to factor in drive time and gas prices.
Bride and groom share a kiss during their Daytona Beach Wedding
- Visit beforehand. Go to your destination before the big day so that you can reconnoiter the area and the potential wedding venues for both the ceremony and the reception. You’ll want to reserve the wedding venue well in advance, at least a year, especially if you have chosen a popular destination wedding location such as Clearwater, Florida. If you are having an outdoor wedding or a beach wedding ceremony, select a backup indoor location in the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. Discuss your options with the beach wedding company ahead of time.
Sunset kiss at Clearwater Beach Wedding
The Wedding Day Is Near
The wedding day is near. You’ve completed your advance planning. Now you’ll need to prepare for the final months and weeks before the ceremony.
- Wedding invitations. Send out your wedding invitations well in advance. How far out will depend on how much time it will take for your guests to make arrangements for your wedding. Your guests will need to make flight and hotel arrangements and these take time. Some wedding planners say that you should mail your invitations 6 to 8 months in advance. You may also mail “save the date” notices even before the official invitation, so that your guests are given a heads up that the invitation is forthcoming. This will give them even more notice. The courtesy of a “save the date” and invitation is much appreciated by your guests.
Couple after vows on Destin Beach
- Create a website. This is the age of the Internet, so if you’re tech savvy (or you can hire a professional), you can have a website with news of the wedding, engagement pictures, and a timeline for upcoming events up to the wedding day. You may also offer airfare and hotel accommodations, making it that much easier for your guests. With Florida Beach Weddings you will have your own private client portal and a detailed agenda of your special day.
Couple kissing on Daytona Beach after wedding
Of course, these are only a few of the items that you’ll need to arrange for your destination wedding. However, these tips will set you and your guests on the right path for the big day. With your guests’ invitation needs taken care of, you can spend the rest of your time focusing on the needs of the bride, groom, and family. You an enjoy browsing our beach wedding decor and choosing the all-inclusive Florida wedding package that makes your dreams come true!
Destination weddings are for the enjoyment of the happy couple and their guests. For more information on our complete beach wedding packages click here.
Fort Myers beach hotel