It's the happiest day of your life, right? But we all know there are a million different things that can happen on your wedding day. From minor inconveniences to major crises, there’s always some potential disaster lurking in the shadows, ready to ruin everything. Or at least, that’s how it can feel. There is a lot of planning that goes into making the most important day of your life perfect, and it starts months in advance. So, why not outsource some of that stress with a destination wedding?
A few things to know about the process:
Who
The whole idea behind a destination wedding is to make it fun and easy. So, you’ll need trusted people to do the legwork for you. Pineapple7 will work with you to find your ideal resort to ensure your special day is a memorable one. We will handle the details of booking rooms, flights, and transportation for your guests, and also put you in touch with the wedding coordinator at your chosen resort. The wedding coordinator will offer a variety of settings and packages to choose from, and you can tailor these to your wishes or simply pick one and check another huge item off the list. The coordinators stage weddings all the time, so they know what they’re doing. Invite as many people as you want, but be aware that a significant portion of those you invite might be unable to make it, as schedules are busy and it’s tough to get away. Don’t take it personally; look at it as an opportunity to have a great vacation with your closest friends and family.
What
Your choice of resort is very important. Your guests will be spending several days there, so you’ll want something that offers enough entertainment for everyone. Do you want it to be all-inclusive? Do you need there to be activities for children, or do you want an adults-only atmosphere? Or, for the best of both worlds, you can go with a resort that has a family section and an adults-only section. Pineapple7 will also help you in finding a resort that fits your style, whether that’s something romantic and intimate or caters more to a party crowd.
When
New Year’s Eve weddings have become popular in recent years, and it makes sense. You’re providing a party for your friends on a night everyone is already planning to go out. But be aware that the festive season around Christmas and New Year’s is the absolute busiest time of year for resorts. Availability will be low, prices will be high and there is likely to be a minimum numbers of nights you’re required to book. Any major holiday that provides a long weekend might make it easier for your guests, but it’s also a time when everyone else will be looking to travel. So, again, space will be limited and priced accordingly. Summertime is usually a good option, especially for guests with children, and if you’re looking for a warm weather destination, which will less in demand as when the U.S. is cold during winter. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are also sweet spots, but you’ll want to keep in mind that, depending on the destination, there is hurricane season to worry about.
Where
Mexico and the Caribbean are great options because they’re close enough to get to easily but far away enough to be exotic and really feel like a vacation. As an added bonus, you and your new spouse can tack on a few days at the end as a honeymoon once all your guests have gone home and you can recover from the planning and festivities. Of course, if a significant portion of your guests would need to get passports, there are plenty of domestic options. If you’re wanting a beach, you’ll want to be sure that it’s warm enough to actually enjoy the beach. So, to be on the safe side, if you’re getting married in a month that can be cold, make sure you’re far enough south (South Florida or Southern California, although even that can be hit or miss). The last thing you want is a beach wedding where you and your guests can’t go to the beach.
Why
Because it’s the biggest day of your life. That comes with huge expectations, lots of stress and lots of trying to please everyone. So get as much help as you can and leave the details to someone who arranges complex itineraries seamlessly on a regular basis. There will still be plenty of details for you to worry about, from the dress to the bridesmaids and groomsmen to just about everything else. It’s supposed to be fun, so give yourself something to look forward to instead of more anxiety. You get to go to a great resort, eat great food and have fun with great friends and family. What could be better?
