You have practically endless options when deciding where you want to celebrate your wedding day. Some couples get married near the place they live, while others go out of state or abroad. Destination weddings continue to grow in popularity because they allow you to get married in meaningful or exotic locations. However, you have to evaluate many factors to pull off this kind of wedding. Below, we’ll help you get started with everything you need to know about destination weddings. Set a Budget The first step in planning a destination wedding is setting an appropriate budget. When doing this, consider the cost of airfare, hotel stays, transportation, and venue fees. As you create your wedding budget, you should allocate each expense according to your priorities. Doing this makes it easier for you to decide where you’ll spend a lot of money and where you’ll need to cut back. Usually, the venue and catering take up most of the budget since both directly impact guest experience, and you want friends and family to have an amazing time. Ultimately, you may have to make sacrifices to afford the trip and venue for your wedding. Just avoid making cuts in key areas such as entertainment or food and drink, as this negatively impacts guest experience. Decide on an Area Once you have a budget, you and your partner also need to pick a location for where you’ll tie the knot. Is there a special place you and your partner have been dreaming of? Whether it’s a tropical beach, a romantic European city, or the picturesque countryside, choose a location that speaks to you both. Remember, this will be the backdrop to your special day, so choosing a place you both love and can envision getting married in is essential. After you two select a city, state, or country, begin narrowing your scope accordingly. For example, if you want to wed in Italy, decide where in the country, such as Rome or Venice. From here, search for venues so you can schedule a tour and pick the perfect spot for your ceremony. Staying in the Country vs. Going Abroad As you and your partner decide on a location, you may have to weigh the pros and cons of getting married in the country versus abroad. Generally, staying in your country is cheaper and easier to plan. On the other hand, if you go abroad to tie the knot, you can combine the wedding with your honeymoon. While there is no right or wrong decision, weigh the pros and cons of each option to choose what will work best for you and your partner. Hire a Wedding Planner Planning a destination wedding can be overwhelming since you can’t be as hands-on as you can be with a local ceremony. Therefore, you might want to hire a professional wedding planner who can handle the details and help make your dream destination wedding come to life. Moreover, wedding planners have experience booking venues, hiring vendors, and creating an itinerary for the big day. Since many planners are in contact with a broad network of experts, they can help you select the ideal caterers, bakers, photographers, videographers, and florists. Essentially, your wedding planner will navigate the challenges of planning a wedding abroad so you and your partner can enjoy your engagement. Buy Your Wedding Apparel Packing clothes for a casual trip is challenging enough, let alone packing a wedding dress or suit. You might want to rent clothing, but it’s not ideal due to the logistics of shipping and returning—especially if you’re overseas. Instead, purchase your wedding apparel and plan to travel with it. Just remember to keep the dress and tux in garment bags instead of stuffing them into a suitcase. Purchase the Best Tux Grooms Club sells top-quality suits perfect for your big day. We have various colors available and use stretch fabric to create comfortable suits. Use our build-a-tux tool to create a custom look for you and your groomsmen. Organize All Flight Documents Since your focus will be on the excitement and festivities of your big day, you should organize all flight documents in advance. Ensure you have your passport, boarding passes, and any other relevant documents in a folder you can easily access. Do this way ahead of time to avoid any last-minute stress as your wedding day approaches. Book a Hotel Block You and all your guests will need somewhere to stay during the wedding, and as the host, you’ll need to make travel accommodations for guests. It’s proper wedding etiquette for the couple to reserve room space at a hotel for guests to book during their stay. Plus, many hotels offer rooms at a discounted rate when couples do this, so it’ll help your guests save money when traveling for your big day. Generally, couples select a hotel near the wedding venue. If you get married at a resort or hotel, you could reserve space there. But if not, find a hotel near the ceremony site. Remember to share the hotel name with guests so they know where to book their stay. Create a Guest Itinerary Another thing you need to know about destination weddings is that you should put maximum thought into your guests’ experience. Consider creating a list of things to do or places to visit at the wedding location. This helps guests plan their trips and allows them to explore the local culture. After all, many guests will make the wedding an excuse to plan a vacation, so make the planning easier for them. Create an itinerary that lists activities like sightseeing tours, museums, local eateries, and attractions. You don’t have to book anything for guests; simply provide a “Things To Do” list on the wedding website. Respect Guests’ RSVPs Attending a destination wedding may be too expensive for some guests, so you need to understand that not everyone will be able to make it. Respect your guests’ RSVPs, and don’t take it personally if someone can’t attend. Likewise, you may want to tell guests that providing a wedding gift isn’t necessary since their attendance is a present. Accommodating friends and family increases the chances that they’ll be able to attend. Final Thoughts Planning a destination wedding can be daunting, but you and your partner can make it happen with a support system and these tips. And remember to shop at Grooms Club for a tux to make you look perfect on your big day. Happy wedding planning!