Dest Weds: 10 Things Couples Forget

Considering or hosting a destination wedding can prompt a lot of questions. Like with any wedding, you and your partner will want to address these questions and explore all your options to make the most informed decisions possible. If your guests have never attended a destination wedding before, they are also likely to have a lot of questions. To help you with peace of mind, we're sharing "10 Common Things Destination Wedding Couples Forget."

1. If you want a religious ceremony, don’t forget to make arrangements in advance!
   “It is possible to have a destination wedding that meets both legal and religious marriage requirements – you just need to do your homework. For example, your travel agent or wedding coordinator can help find a venue/resort that has a chapel or synagogue nearby or even on-site! Many all-inclusive resorts are able to accommodate cultural weddings like Indian and South Asian celebrations, recommend religious officiants, and even provide options like kosher catering.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes the Guide
   
   
2. Stick with your vision.
   “Much like when finding your significant other, once you pick a vision/look for your wedding, don’t keep looking at Pinterest! There are tons of ways to have a gorgeous wedding – so pick one look and don’t look back!” – Taryn Stark Wyant, Owner of Platinum Weddings & Events, the exclusive Wedding Planning Partner for Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
   
   
3. Extra accessories just in case.
   “We find most grooms and brides forget that the groom’s party is, well, a bunch of guys. That is why we work with the groom to send an extra set of accessories when we know they are traveling to a destination. Inevitably, there is always one guy who forgets his tie or pocket square.” – Nathan Bellah, Director of Marketing at Generation Tux
   
   
4. Be a good host or hostess.
   “Your family members and friends are flying from all around the world to celebrate with you, so don't skimp on treating them to amazing cocktails and catering on the big day! Think of food options in case you have any dietary restrictions, make sure everyone can sit, and don’t have your ceremony in the blazing sun!” – Taryn Stark Wyant, Owner of Platinum Weddings & Events, the exclusive Wedding Planning Partner for Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
   
   
5. Send a packing list beforehand.
   “In order to make sure that some of the packing essentials are not forgotten, ask your guests for an email address on the RSVP card in your invitation. Then a few weeks before the big day send an email out with reminders for what to pack, what to expect and the overall plan. In order to ensure that your guests can make it to the wedding, destination invitations should be sent out earlier than regular invitations. However, this means there is an even longer gap between the guest RSVPs and the actual wedding. It’s kind and courteous to send out some sort of a packing list and reminders right before the big day. Your guests will thank you!” – Bippan Dhillon, Co-founder, Love On Paper
   
   
6. Know when the sun sets.
   “The best photos are the ones with the sun setting in the background. Set aside at least 20-25 minutes before the sun sets to get romantic shots. You won’t regret it.” – Kristin Agbayani, Designer, Opihi Love Wedding & Events
   
   
7. Arrange for transportation.
   “No one wants to worry about when their Uber is arriving or waiting around to catch a ride after your wedding. Get shuttles together for your guests and yourself. That way more people will go to an after party if you have one!” – Kristin Agbayani, Designer, Opihi Love Wedding & Events
   
   
8. It's easy to overlook a bad weather contingency plan.
   “Checking the forecast for your destination is a must if you want to avoid Mother Nature's downside while hosting your wedding. Whether you've picked a date when the weather is ‘guaranteed’ to be sublime or you've opted to take a chance on an off-season celebration, it's always a good idea to work out a contingency plan with your coordinator in advance – just in case!” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes the Guide
   
   
9. Arrange for vendor meals.
   “Your photographer, videographer, DJ or wedding planner who is a part of your wedding for 4+ hours would appreciate a meal. They are with you throughout your most important points of the day and don’t have a chance to run and grab a quick meal. They appreciate it SO much when they are included.” – Kristin Agbayani, Designer, Opihi Love Wedding & Events
   
   
10. It’s easy to forget about gratuity for destination weddings.
    “Even though the [all-inclusive] wedding package seems to cover everything, you'll still want to consider tipping your favorite wedding vendors! Tipping customs vary greatly from country to country, so ask your coordinator about proper etiquette and typical percentages.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes the Guide

Photos Credits: 1. Photographer: Love and Water Photography, Opihi Love & Venue: Olowalu Plantation House; 2. Photographer: Dimitri & Sandra Photography, Platinum Weddings & Events, Venue: Sheraton Maui, Linens: BBJ Linens, Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy & Rentals: Set Maui; 3. Photographer: Dimitri & Sandra Photography, Platinum Weddings & Events, Venue: Sheraton Maui, Floral Design: Floral Designs Maui & Rentals: Hawaiian Rents; 4. Photographer: Meew Meew Studios, Platinum Weddings & Events & Venue: Sheraton Maui; 5. Photographer: Vanessa Hicks Photography & 6. Photographer: Joy and Everette Photography & Generation Tux