16 :: Bring In Service Providers You Can’t Live Without
Just because you’ve having a destination wedding doesn’t mean you have to forgo using local vendors that you’ve come the know, trust, and love! Other than the wedding planner, we think you should absolutely bring in your favorite photographer. Photography is such a beautiful art. Your destination wedding should be captured by an exceptional artist who’s craft meshes best with your style. Mark Eric, Brooke Schwab, Christine Tremoulet, and Clint Shuttlesworth are wonderful examples of remarkable photography. Each bring their own unique style of photography wrapped in beautiful packaging that’s yours to keep. It’s simply priceless! Review the dynamic photographers listed on Modern Photographers to seek your artistic genius. After all, when everything is said and done, your memories along with tangible images will be the only reference of your day. Bring along service providers that will make the best that much better.
17 :: Insurance, Insurance, and More Insurance
You invest in car insurance. You invest in homeowners insurance. You invest in personal property insurance. All of which are hefty investments. Your wedding should not be any different. We like to example that planning a wedding is the third biggest expense next to raising a family and purchasing a homestead. The difference is that you will endure the cost of the first two over a span of years. Contrary, your wedding will be paid for over the course of eighteen months or less. Why would you not invest in wedding insurance? Protect your destination wedding investment and don’t skimp when it comes to wedding event insurance (as discussed in this previous post) as well as travel insurance.
18 :: Confirmed Service Providers
Any good destination wedding planner and/or travel agent will offer this as part of their services. If by chance you are handling the planning yourself, confirming your vendors as well as your travel plans is certainly necessary. Your final payment will not serve as service confirmation. You will need to make personal contact to confirm the details of the services outlined on all agreements. Don’t forget to log all date, times, and names of each person you speak with. Success is all about being proactive instead of reactive.
19 :: Organization
Available at your fingertips, are 20 elements or tips towards planning your very own successful destination wedding. Believe me when I say, there are so many more. Stay on track by staying organized. It’s that simple. If you work best with hard copies, create a binder. There are many shelf copies marketed to brides, but the best planning binder will be the one developed by you with your needs in mind. You’ll be able to add as little or as much to stay on track with your destination wedding road map. If you prefer electronic organization, find a software you’re willing to marry or create your own electronic system. Terrica showcased this iPhone/iTouch iWedding application on Cocktails & Details last Friday. Find a system that will work for you and be sure to back up electronic data on a separate piece of hardware.
20 :: Graciously Thank Your Guests
We know it’s all about you, but it’s so thoughtful to show an abundance of appreciation to all that was able to participate and attend. Plan a farewell brunch before you escape to your honeymoon location. Once you return home, thank them again. Sacrifices were made by your guests because of the love and support they were determined to share as you begin a new chapter in your life!
We hope you found useful information and enjoyed this series as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
