Are you planning your dream destination wedding and feeling overwhelmed with the task of choosing the perfect location? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
A destination wedding is a great idea for those who want a small and intimate wedding while also enjoying their honeymoon at the same place. However, planning such an event can be challenging. Before you and your partner jet set to your preferred destination to exchange vows, there are some crucial details you should consider.
According to Rebecca Glen, founder of The Wedding Fairy, destination weddings are a great choice for couples who are willing to take a hands-off approach to wedding planning. “Hire a wedding planner and trust in the process,” shares the expert. “There are many ways to plan a wedding, so determine how involved you would like to be with your planner.”
In this post, we’ll take a stroll through 6 essential factors to consider when planning your destination wedding in Cape Town, South Africa.
1. Hire a wedding planner:
It’s common to feel overwhelmed and stressed when it comes to planning a wedding. A wedding planner can help alleviate some of that stress by taking care of the details and providing guidance on everything from vendor selection to budget management. By hiring a wedding planner, you can relinquish some control and trust the experts to help bring your vision to life.
2. Secure wedding insurance:
Wedding insurance can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events such as vendor cancellations, severe weather, or illness. It’s essential to have insurance to protect your investment in the event something goes wrong.
3. Foreign exchange:
If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s important to consider conversion rates and international taxes when paying your wedding suppliers. You’ll want to ensure that you’re getting the best exchange rate and that you’re not overpaying in taxes.
4. Marriage license requirements:
If you’re a foreigner getting married in South Africa, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the requirements for obtaining a marriage license. The requirements may differ from your home country, and you’ll want to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order.
5. Set up a wedding website for your guests:
A wedding website can be a helpful tool for providing your guests with all the information they need about your wedding, including travel and destination information. It’s a great way to keep everyone informed and organized.
6. Local is lekker:
To avoid travel and accommodation fees from external suppliers, consider making use of suppliers located in the area where you’re getting married. Not only can it save you money, but it can also support local businesses and add a unique touch to your special day.
It is important to remember that your wedding is not just about the big day, but it also includes every day leading up to it. Therefore, you need to think about the kind of planning experience that you would like for your destination wedding. Would you prefer an all-inclusive package where you only arrive on the day without any involvement in selecting suppliers? Or, do you want to be part of the supplier selection process? Are you a DIY couple who enjoys admin tasks and want to be involved in every aspect of the planning process from A to Z? Answering these questions will help you ensure that your wedding experience meets your expectations.
Sneaky tip:
The Wedding Fairy has just launched an All-Inclusive Wedding Package (from the venue down to styling & coordination) ideal for couples who want to pay, play, and arrive without the admin of planning a wedding. All you will need to do is book your wedding date, arrive, and leave the rest to their industry professionals.
For those DIY couples who wish to plan their own wedding, The Wedding Fairy has created a 145-page wedding planning guide which is available for purchase. This guide will enable you to have complete control of the process of planning your wedding in Cape Town, South Africa, from start to finish.
In conclusion, planning a destination wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and help, it can be an unforgettable experience. By considering the six essential factors discussed in this post, you can ensure that your wedding planning process runs smoothly and stress-free. Remember, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and it should be a reflection of your and your partner’s personalities and preferences.
Happy planning!
Rebecca Glen, The Wedding Fairy is a destination wedding planner in Cape Town, South Africa. Sign up for your downloadable Wedding DIY Guide right here.
Facebook: @TheWeddingFairy
Instagram: @thewedding_fairy
