5 Common Mistakes Couples Make When Planning Their Destination Wedding
We don’t want to scare you, but planning a destination wedding is no small task. With so many moving parts, it’s easy for things to spiral into stress-ville fast. From budgeting mistakes to forgetting to eat because you’re knee-deep in details, we’ve seen it all. After helping countless couples navigate the process, we’ve narrowed down the five most common mistakes couples make when planning their dream destination wedding — and trust us, you’ll want to avoid these!
If you’re multitasking right now — cooking dinner or maybe getting your makeup on — you can always watch our video for a quick rundown. But if you’re ready to dive in, let’s read through the 5 most common mistakes to watch out for when planning your destination wedding:
Mistake #1: Procrastinating on Booking Vendors
This one’s easy to fix, but you’d be surprised how many couples fall into the trap of putting it off. Whether you’re flying in your dream team from home or hiring local talent at your destination, the key here is timing 🔑.
If you wait too long, you might find that your top choices are already booked. And if you’re planning to fly vendors in with you, there’s even more reason to lock them in early. Trust us, no one wants to scramble for your last-minute replacements when it comes to the most important day of your life!
Pro-Tip: Book your vendors 9-12 months in advance to make sure you get exactly who you want.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Budget
While destination weddings can sometimes be more affordable than traditional weddings, don’t let that fool you into thinking you’re off the hook when it comes to budgeting! There are plenty of sneaky little costs that can add up quickly—flights, hotel stays, extra baggage fees (for things like your wedding dress), and don’t forget about tips and vendor fees. Those small expenses can really creep up on you.
And if you’re planning some extra post-wedding adventures or covering part of the costs for your VIP guests, you’ll need to budget for those too. The key is planning ahead and making sure you’re financially prepared for any surprises.
Pro-Tip: Add a 10-15% buffer in your budget for unexpected costs. Better safe than stressed.
Mistake #3: Expecting Everyone to Come
We hate to break it to you, but not everyone is going to make it to your destination wedding — and that’s totally okay! Destination weddings can be expensive and time-consuming for guests. Some people won’t be able to afford the trip, others can’t get time off work, and life just happens.
Don’t take it personally! The guests who can make it will create an intimate, unforgettable experience 💘. And those who can’t? They’ll be there in spirit (and probably sending you all the love from home).
Pro-Tip: Expect around 60-70% of your invite list to actually attend. You’ll still have an amazing time with those who do!
Mistake #4: Sweating The Small Stuff
This is a big one. Look, we get it — you want everything to be perfect. But here’s the thing: your guests won’t notice if the napkins aren’t an exact match to the bridesmaids’ dresses. Seriously! Your destination is already doing most of the heavy lifting with stunning scenery and lots of culture, so don’t sweat the tiny details.
Instead, focus on the big picture—making memories, celebrating love, and enjoying the experience with your partner and guests. The small stuff won’t matter in the long run, but the memories will.
Pro tip: Let go of the little things and embrace the beauty of your location by planning guest excursions! It’s all about the experience!
Mistake #5: Trying to Plan Everything Yourself
If you think planning a wedding at home is hard, try planning one in a foreign country with different languages, customs, and legalities. Destination weddings come with a ton of moving parts, and trying to handle all the logistics on your own can quickly become overwhelming.
This is where our pros come in. Whether you hire a destination wedding planner or use a service like TravelBash (hi, that’s us!), having someone on the ground who knows the area and can handle the details is priceless. They’ll manage the logistics, coordinate with local vendors, and make sure that everything goes off without a hitch, leaving you free to focus on what really matters: enjoying your big day!
Pro-Tip: Don’t shy away from hiring a local wedding planner or coordinator—they’ll save you time, stress, and help your day run smoothly.
Keep Calm and Carry On With Your Wedding
Planning your dream destination wedding doesn’t have to be a stressful experience! By avoiding these common mistakes—like procrastinating on booking vendors, underestimating the budget, and trying to do it all yourself—you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free celebration. Focus on the memories, enjoy the process, and let the experts handle the details.
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Other Questions Couple Might Have:
1. How far in advance should we start planning our destination wedding?
It's advisable to begin planning at least 12–18 months before your desired wedding date. This timeline allows ample opportunity to secure preferred venues and vendors, manage travel logistics, and accommodate guests' schedules.
2. What are the hidden costs associated with destination weddings?
Beyond the obvious expenses, such as venue and catering, couples often overlook additional costs, including travel for the couple and guests, accommodation, extra baggage fees (especially for wedding attire), tips, and vendor fees. It's crucial to include a 10–15% contingency in your budget to cover unforeseen expenses.
3. How can we ensure our guests can attend without financial strain?
Be transparent with your guests about the costs involved. Instead of offering financial assistance upfront, consider providing ample notice (6–8 months before the wedding) and suggest affordable accommodation options. This approach allows guests to plan and budget accordingly.
4. Is it necessary to visit the destination before booking?
While not mandatory, visiting the destination can provide invaluable insights into the venue, local vendors, and the overall environment. If a visit isn't feasible, consider hiring a local planner who can offer firsthand knowledge and assist with logistics.
5. How can we manage unexpected changes or emergencies?
Having a local wedding planner can be instrumental in handling unforeseen situations. They can coordinate with vendors, manage logistics, and provide solutions promptly, ensuring minimal disruption to your plans.
6. What are some common regrets couples have after their destination wedding?
Couples often regret not hiring a local planner, underestimating their budget, or overloading their itinerary with activities. It's essential to focus on the experience rather than perfection and to allow for flexibility in their plans.
7. How can we keep our guests informed and engaged?
Creating a wedding website or group chat can be an effective way to share important information, itineraries, and updates. This platform also allows guests to ask questions and feel more connected to the event.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
