Step 4: Dealing with Guests
Unless you are planning on eloping, dealing with your guests is going to be one of the most important aspects of your destination wedding. Guests spend, on average, between $750 and $1,100 to attend your wedding, so it is important to make them feel comfortable:
2. Notify your guests at least one year in advance by sending a save the date card.
3. Prepare a package for each guest that includes information about the location, maps, contact information, packing suggestions, phrase book and similar information. Brave New Traveler:
4. Create a guide website for your guests. The site can contain information such as where to get a passport, information about the location and anything else you would like your guests to know.
5. Inform guests of what will be expected of them such as appropriate dress (formal or informal).
6. Plan transportation for your guests to and from the airport and any wedding events.
7. Consider planning some special events outside of the wedding for your guests such as a tour or an outdoor excursion.
8. However, don't over plan for your guests, let them have some free time to explore the location on their own.
9. Welcome your guests to the hotel by placing a gift basket in their room. It can include essential things they might have forgotten or a taste of the local flavor.
10. Check into getting a group discount on hotel rooms.
Destination Weddings
How to Handle Guests Who Can't Be There
Chances are that many of your friends and relatives will not be able to make the trip to your destination wedding. So, you should have some idea on how to handle the issue.
1. Send wedding announcements to anyone who did not make it to the wedding.
2. Have your wedding broadcast live online. Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Couples Resorts: “Live Internet Weddings”
3. Have a traditional wedding reception back home.
4. Have an informal party to celebrate the wedding when you return that is themed to match your wedding.
Step 5: Getting a Marriage License
No matter where you are getting married, you will need to get a marriage license. If your destination wedding is in a foreign country, this can involve time and paperwork. According to the U.S. Department of State, marriages performed abroad are legal in the United States if they were legally performed and valid in that location. U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad. However, you might need some of the following paperwork to obtain a marriage license:
1. Certified copy of your birth certificate.
2. Proof of citizenship, such as your passport.
3. Certified copy of divorce papers or Proof of Absolute (if divorced).U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
4. Certified copy of death certificate of former spouse (if widowed).
5. Parental consent if one of the parties is under the age of 18. U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
6. A deed pool (if your name has been changed).Special Occasion Travel:
7. An Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry. U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
Some countries may also require other documents. For example, in Costa Rica you need a certified copy of your police record and a negative pregnancy test authenticated by the Consulate for any bride that has been divorced less than a year. The best way to find out all the requirements necessary is to contact the U.S. Embassy in that country. U.S. Department of State: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
For more information about the license requirements for various countries, ask us Islandspree.com:
