Maggie’s Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding

Why wait until the honeymoon to travel? Actually, with beautiful wedding venues all over the world, how could you?! Planning a destination wedding is fun, but we get that it can also seem totally intimidating for brides. However, with advice from Maggie experts who have seen it all, it doesn’t have to be! Keep reading for tips on how to plan your dream destination wedding!

Looking for the perfect style for your destination wedding dress? Take our Style Quiz to find a dress that’s uniquely you!

What is a Destination Wedding?

A destination wedding is a wedding celebration that takes place outside the couple’s hometown. It can be international or within your country of residence. This can be a fun way for couples who love traveling, or who would have to travel for their wedding anyway, to celebrate somewhere more adventurous!

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Why Have a Destination Wedding?

Destination weddings can make your special day unforgettable with stunning scenery in exotic locations. Plus, if you’re already traveling for your honeymoon, why not get there a few days sooner and bring all your friends and family along for a two-for-one wedding and honeymoon?

These weddings are great for couples with friends and family that are spread all over the country or world. If you have to travel, you might as well go somewhere you’ll enjoy!

Plus, destination weddings get bonus points for giving you the opportunity to get completely in the wedding headspace by separating yourself from the monotony of daily life.

PC: Alex Dali Weddings

Things to Keep in Mind While Planning a Destination Wedding

• Put some buffer in your wedding budget for unexpected costs like overweight luggage and unexpected shipping fees.
• Couples who pull off destination weddings well are more relaxed. You’ll be dealing with vendors from different cultures and mindsets, especially if your wedding will be international. The less you sweat the small stuff, the happier you’ll be doing a destination wedding. Things are less likely to go as planned with so many moving parts.
• Consider getting a wedding planner to help you out. Destination weddings are fun but can be daunting to plan. You may need help from a professional, and that’s okay!
• The timing of your wedding is so important when it comes to choosing a destination. Pick a venue that is going to look its best on your day or re-evaluate your wedding timeline to schedule during a better season for your location.

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What and When do I Tell my Guests?

You want to make planning this trip as easy as possible for your guests, so make sure you have details ready when you send out the save-the-dates! Tech-savvy couples might consider making a wedding website with details, suggestions, an itinerary, and answers to questions your guests might have. Trust us, the more you give them upfront, the less you’ll be dealing with last-minute questions and problems.

Save the dates should go out 8-12 months before the wedding date, and invitations at least 3-4 months before so guests have time to prepare. After all, requesting time off work and figuring out childcare can take some time.

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Additionally, we’d suggest that you consider scrapping the registry if the cost of attending your wedding is going to be high. Think about it, is that waffle maker really worth one of your besties not having the budget to be there on your special day?

Since guests typically pay for their accommodations, offer a few options to match differing budgets. That’ll help keep everything comfortable, and affordable, for your guests.

To become one of our Real Brides, make sure to share your wedding below! Then read our blogs below for more wedding planning inspiration.

PC: Janette Downie Photo

Tips for Saving Big on a Destination Wedding

• Go local with your vendors to save big on international shipping costs.
• Stuff your suitcase! Avoid shipping things as much as possible, even if it means paying for a little extra weight in your suitcase.
• Embrace the local scenery, food, and flora that your destination has to offer by incorporating that into your wedding aesthetic instead of importing things from your hometown. This will allow for a completely immersive experience as well!
• Calling all Rebecca Brides! If you are looking for a more affordable wedding dress but don’t want to compromise on fit, style, or just general fabulousness, check out our Rebecca Ingram line!

Choosing a Location

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When choosing a location, remember to take into account safety, language barriers, and the resources you and your guests will need. Is it accessible for elderly loved ones or friends with physical disabilities? Is there childcare nearby for those with children? An airport, car rental service, and lodging nearby? Have there been recent travel warnings or political issues where you’re heading? All important things to look into.

Since you’ll likely be spending some time leading up to your wedding and then your honeymoon at your destination, look into what additional events you can plan nearby. It might make for beautiful pictures, but is it also somewhere that will keep you entertained for an extended amount of time?

Another great tip is to visit in advance! Before getting your heart set on a destination, go visit it! You want to make sure it is the same in person as you’ve been visualizing in your head. Plus, this is a great opportunity to meet your vendors in person before committing!

If you need more inspo on choosing the perfect destination, we love this article by The Knot about the best destination wedding locations for 2024-2025.

Destination Weddings: What People Forget

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• Check the local marriage requirements at your destination
• Make sure your passports and other documents are all good to go ahead of time!
• Secure wedding insurance!
• Choose an appropriate gown for your destination wedding location, as well as for what the weather will be like there.

Fun Ideas for Destination Weddings

PC: Sophie Epton Photography

• Give guests a sense of your location with your invitations. We love the idea of using your invitation as sort of an inspo board for your overall wedding aesthetic and location. Add fun details with color, map clippings, photos, and local lingo!
• Take bridals in front of iconic backdrops such as the Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, ancient castles and temples, or the Windmill of Mykonos for ultra-unique wedding photos.
• Up your refreshment game by greeting guests with native food, alcohol, and sweets they wouldn’t normally get to try!
• Include a night with local entertainment. If you’re in Venice, consider planning a Gondola ride! If you’re in Honolulu, go see some Hawaiian Fire Dancers! Take some time to appreciate the unique cultures surrounding you! When in Rome, right?

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Destination Wedding Dresses

Aspen by Sottero and Midgley

Aspen is a satin a-line gown with a dramatic thigh-high slit and scoop neckline that comes in ivory, ice pink, and black. She’s classic and elegant but still draws attention with the slit and unique neckline. Not to mention the color options for brides who really want to stand out!

We think Aspen is perfect for mountain weddings. Lake Como would be a great choice for destination weddings with this gown! The stunning lake surrounded by lush peaks is super luxe for elegant brides. Switzerland is another stunning option for a similar mountain feel!

Bronson by Sottero and Midgley

Bronson is a sexy unique boho fit-and-flare with allover lace over glitter tulle. She gives a nod to 70s glam with a curve-hugging silhouette and plunging neckline. 

We picture a bride who falls in love with Bronson feeling right at home in Tuscany, Italy. Think gently rolling hills, gorgeous panoramic views, and wealth of architectural and artistic wonders. Tuscany is the perfect backdrop for brides who enjoy the finer things in life, but also have a soft spot for vintage or bohemian details. 

Mitchell by Maggie Sottero

Mitchell is a unique strapless Mikado mermaid gown complete with a larger-than-life bow that brings drama, runway styling, and chic femininity.

This gown reminds us of royalty, which is why Mitchell is perfect for destination weddings in London. Lavish, regal details are all the rage for London weddings. We’d love to see Mitchell brides with destination weddings in London taking inspo from royal weddings! 

Lettie by Rebecca Ingram

Lettie is an ethereal lace floral ballgown with a tiered tulle skirt that is just too romantic. Leave your guests swooning over you in this flowy, flirty gown.

Been dreaming of your fairytale wedding since you were a little girl? This is the gown for you. We picture a Lettie bride with the glittering Eiffel Tower behind her in her wedding photos, or in an intimate backyard ring exchange surrounded by flowers in the South of France. Just all the fairytale feels.

Napa Marie by Maggie Sottero

What could be better for a destination than a Grecian-inspired crepe cowl neckline wedding dress with a plunging v-back? She’s light, breezy, and having the best time. So sexy and effortless. 

Summer love is the epitome of Napa Marie’s aesthetic. So of course, we picture a bride wearing this dress strolling the streets of Greece with wind-tossed hair and salty skin, or barefoot on a beach in Portugal. Just serving all the sexy, sunkissed vacation vibes. 

Are you still feeling the itch to have a travel-focused wedding to celebrate your love story? With all the expert tips and tricks above, how could you not? Happy shopping for your destination wedding dress!

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