×

What to Consider When Planning a Destination Wedding

Written By: Angie Anderson

When I say destination wedding, most people think of the beach. So that is what we will address today. However, “destination” can be a Mountaintop, Europe, under the Northern Lights or even at your College Alma Mater! Whatever your heart can dream, we can do!

Today, we are talking to those who always dreamed of trying the knot with your toes in the sand!

Seems simple enough, right? Oh girl…

The questions (and “requirements”) of all of your closest friends and family are coming!!  And you need to be prepared with answers! (Don’t worry! We can help!)

  1. What resort fits all of the budgets of your guests traveling?
  2. Will you invite children or will you marry at an Adults resort?
  3. What are the legal requirements for the Country/Island you are marrying on?
  4. How are you going to arrange travel for all of your Guests (hint: you’re not! Your travel agent is!)
  5. What does a resort offer for a wedding?
  6. Will you have a designated wedding coordinator or contact at the resort?
  7. How do you get your wedding dress, gifts, décor, etc to the Island? (please note, there are customs issues you MUST consider!)
  8. What happens if flights are delayed/canceled? What is the backup plan? Did you have some travel time built in before the wedding?
  9. If your destination’s language isn’t English, how will you communicate?

Taking on a destination wedding is a massive planning task, but it should be fun! When you recruit the right help- it can be just that!

I was a beach bride. Most of my family came in on Thursday. My best memories of my wedding are of that Thursday night before my wedding! With all of my family and friends and my husband’s family and friends all together having fun! It was so special to us! And that continued all weekend. Friday everyone’s kids were on the beach playing together, and my heart was soaring! I had lunch with the girls I grew up with, and cocktails with my new in-laws, all of these little moments that are truly priceless! Believe me when I say a destination wedding is SO worth it! But I learned that it is much easier when you have a professional to guide you. That’s when I started offering complimentary services to destination brides!

Angie Anderson is the owner of Belle Behind the Ball Wedding & Event Planning. She specializes in Destination Weddings (both here at ND and at far away exotic places).

More Articles You’ll Love

Color In Bloom 

Venue + Food  Spring has a way of softening a space while bringing it fully to life. For the Spring 2026 stylized shoot at...

Dress Preview 2026 – Simply Yours Bridal

Maggie Sottero  Hudson  Hudson traditional strapless draped bodice cat eye ballgown  Cartago satin  Asymmetrically draped front bodice  Dramatic strapless cat eye neckline  Soft sweetheart back...

John + Colleen 

From the Photographer’s Perspective: Shane Lawrence Photography  Welcome to Colleen and John’s Journeyman wedding in Valparaiso.  This is one of my favorite weddings this past year! Their...

Gavin + Kiaundra 

Photography by Lindsey Marie Photography  Describe Your Wedding Vision  My wedding vision didn’t stay the same throughout the process of wedding planning, as there are several different...

John + Peyton 

Photography by Trysh Jaeger Photography  Describe Your Wedding Vision  Our wedding vision was centered around timeless elegance, warmth, and joy. With a classic black, white,...

Dress Preview 2026 – Belle Amour Bridal

Justin Alexander  Style Julianna PS  Crepe A-Line Plus Size Gown with Sweetheart Neckline and Cowl Detail  Silhouette: A-Line  Neckline: Off-the-Shoulder  Waistline: Natural  Trend: Clean and Modern Pockets,...

Reid + Liz 

Photography: Kara Jean Lanteigne & Derek Coffman  Describe Your Wedding Vision  We dreamed of a day that felt wholeheartedly us — a celebration bursting with color, mixed patterns, funky florals,...

Rob + Kara 

Photography: Cling & Peck  Describe Your Wedding Vision  Our wedding vision was rooted in timeless glamour, inspired by the elegance of the 1920s and elevated...

We love our vendors we know you will too

Engaged

Be the first to know about upcoming events!