On the path to love, there are so many directions you can choose. So it’s no surprise many couples opt to say I do somewhere special. Whether on a tropical island, in a picturesque vineyard, or on a rustic farm, destination weddings are a great way to gather your nearest and dearest and celebrate somewhere unexpected. Take a sneak peek at these ideas to help create an amazing wedding weekend away.

Let the Festivities Begin

Having a destination wedding will probably mean family and friends are going to be traveling to be with you. With everyone in one spot, it’s a perfect excuse to extend your festivities. Consider hosting a welcome event to kick off the celebrations a day or two before the wedding. Pick a local spot for drinks as a casual way to introduce everyone. A goodbye brunch the morning after your wedding makes it easy for your guests to recount all the fun from the wedding and say goodbye before heading home.

In The Zone

Take advantage of everything that your destination offers when you’re planning the big day. Arrange to have some of your photos taken somewhere out of the box that shows off the location you’ve chosen. Include vendors that are locally sourced to give an extra authentic feel to your party.   

The Welcome Wagon

If your family and friends are new to the spot you’ve chosen, they’ll be looking for suggestions of activities, museums, and restaurants to visit while they’re there. Scout out some places and ideas you think they’ll enjoy and create a mini visitors guide for them to use. For your guests’ welcome bags, include some locally made snacks or goodies. Anything native to the area will be a special way to say thanks for coming.

Stay A While

One of the greatest perks of planning a destination wedding is you’re already somewhere exciting when the celebrations end. Plan the first few days of your honeymoon or a “mini moon” close to the spot you’ve chosen. This gives you a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy everything that makes the location so unique, just the two of you.  

Let the adventure begin!