How To Have A Stress-free Destination Wedding

Destination Weddings are more fashionable than ever. But it’s advisable to make yourself aware of potential pitfalls.

The Positives

- Overall, it is definitely less expensive. Usually, handle their own air and hotel expenditures, which also gives them a chance for a welcome getaway, especially during the winter.

- You’re getting married in a picturesque location with gorgeous scenery that make the wedding photography that much more unforgettable.

- There is an enchanting quality to getting married in a far off place that’s relaxing and lush. It will be unlike all the weddings you go to back home.

- The resort generally takes care of all the specifics including setting you up with a local wedding photographer (more on this ahead).

- By having your wedding far away in all probability only those folks you truly want to come will show up because of the scheduling and monetary obligations. This is a good way to circumvent a potentially touchy guest list for a home wedding.

Potential Issues

- It could be difficult for a few much loved people to be there due to valid bona fide] obstacles (ie) financial, having babies, inability to take a vacation because of work, etc.  Ironically, you may then have a challenging time understanding why a loved one can’t come – though they may well be justified.

- If you haven’t had the option to physically visit the island in advance of the wedding you may be disappointed when you arrive if all is not as had been promised.  Fortunately, big troubles rarely crop up. Nevertheless, it’s critical to have clear communication with the Event Organizer to mitigate any issues that may arise.

- Often, destination weddings occur in the winter season. In planning the wedding remember that if your wedding is in the late fall, winter or early spring, diminishing light will be a factor after about 5pm. As a result, if the ceremony is 3:30 or later you might not get in all the pictures (family, wedding party, couple). The sun will vanish and before you know it it will be dark. The heavenly background will barely be visible and it’ll be like photographing a wedding in Baltimore – which kind of defeats one of the main purposes of having a destination wedding (ie) the glorious background and the accompanying images.  Remember, all you have left afterwards is your wedding photography.

- If you decide on a local photographer, firstly, most are not all that experienced. Secondly, not only are you are usually not paying less, you can also end up spending more than if you brought in your own photographer.  Thirdly, once it’s all said and done, if you have any issues with the pictures you might be out of luck. What if they don’t answer your calls? What if you don’t get your pictures?  That is a nightmare situation. Alternatively, you can hire a photographer from your home town who does destination weddings. In this set-up you actually meet your photographer way ahead of time .  In short, you make a connection with the person who is going to be capturing your wedding. Most siginicantly, God forbid there are any issues, you know where they live and you have many more options at your disposal.

- Now, there is something you must keep in mind if you decide to select a destination wedding photography company from your own town. Foreign photographers require permits to “officially” ply their trade in most destination locales. For the Bahamas, the permit costs $300. Of course, your photographer can journey incognito and say they are one of your guests. This can be risky.  What if they don’t believe you, especially after they’ve searched your bags and found all your equipment?  They may not let you photograph the wedding – which would be disastrous. If your photographer is going to fly under the radar they should bring as little gear as possible to avoid unwanted attention. Or, you can play it safe and get the permit.

Consider having a destination wedding. It can be and almost always is a wonderful experience. Just take heed of the aforementioned issues that may put a damper on the proceedings.