Junior Rasmussen
Planning a destination wedding is no easy task. From creating guest lists to finding local vendors, managing hotel bookings, and navigating language barriers, there are many challenges to overcome. However, with careful planning and a positive attitude, it is possible to create a fun and memorable experience for you and your guests. Here are some tips to make your destination wedding fun:
- Host a welcome party or dinner: This sets a cohesive tone for the entire trip and allows guests to mingle in a casual setting before the wedding.
- Suggest outdoor activities: Depending on your location, suggest hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, or snorkelling. Outdoor experiences are a great way to bring people together.
- Explore the region: Arrange a hike or a horseback ride to explore the natural landscape with your partner and guests.
- Plan group activities: Consider a pub crawl, distillery or brewery tours, or a sunset yoga session. These activities will help your guests bond and create lasting memories.
- Host a morning-after brunch: This is a quaint way to sum up the festivities and provide a more relaxed setting for guests to connect.
- Provide welcome bags: Stock your bags with local snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and other useful items.
- Include local elements: Use local flowers, serve regional specialties, and incorporate cultural elements into your decor to showcase the destination's charm.
- Hire a wedding planner: A local wedding planner can be invaluable, helping you navigate language barriers, recommending vendors, and ensuring a stress-free experience.
- Send save-the-dates early: Give your guests ample time to plan their travel by sending save-the-dates 9 to 12 months in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host a welcome party | Pool party, cocktail hour, boat party |
| Adventure activities | Hot air balloon ride, horseback riding, climbing wall, hiking tour, paintball game, surf class, snorkelling experience |
| Cultural activities | Group classes with locals, e.g. cooking, cocktail mixing, dancing, painting, wine tasting |
| Games | Game night, scavenger hunt |
| Wellness activities | Spa treatments |
| Outdoor activities | Beach day, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking |
| Local tours | Distillery or brewery tours |
| Relaxing activities | Sunset yoga session |
| Host a meal | Host a welcome dinner, morning-after brunch |
What You'll Learn
Host a welcome party
Hosting a welcome party is a great way to kickstart your destination wedding festivities. It is an excellent opportunity for your guests to mingle and get to know each other in a casual setting before the main events. Here are some ideas and tips to make your welcome party fun and memorable:
Choose the Right Venue
Select a venue that showcases the beauty of your destination. If you're getting married in a place known for its stunning scenery, consider an outdoor venue with breathtaking views. Alternatively, you might want to choose a venue that spotlights an iconic landmark, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Tower Bridge in London, for some incredible photo opportunities.
Set the Tone with a Theme
Themes are a great way to engage your guests and create a cohesive experience. You can incorporate the local culture, traditions, or natural surroundings into your theme. For example, if you're getting married in a tropical location, you might want to go for a beach or luau theme. If your destination is known for its wine, a vineyard-themed party could be a perfect fit.
Offer Delicious Food and Drinks
Impress your guests with a menu that showcases the local cuisine and flavours. Offer a variety of appetisers, main courses, and desserts that are unique to the region. Don't forget to include some refreshing cocktails or local beverages to complement the food. If your destination is known for its wine or craft beer, consider having a tasting station or a signature drink for your guests to enjoy.
Create a Fun Atmosphere with Entertainment
Entertainment is key to keeping your guests entertained and ensuring they have a good time. Hire a local band or DJ to play music that gets everyone on their feet. You can even incorporate some traditional dances or music from the region to add a unique twist. If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to organise a fun activity like a karaoke or lip sync battle, or set up some lawn games for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Make it Memorable with Special Touches
Think of unique ways to make your welcome party memorable. You can organise a photo booth with fun props or backdrops that reflect the destination. Another idea is to create a signature cocktail or mocktail for your guests, named after the happy couple or with a creative name tied to the location. These special touches will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Remember, the welcome party is all about setting the tone for the rest of the wedding festivities. It's an opportunity for your guests to relax, socialise, and immerse themselves in the destination. By incorporating these ideas, you'll be sure to host a welcome party that your guests will be talking about for years to come!
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Plan outdoor activities
Planning outdoor activities for a destination wedding can be a fun and exciting task. Here are some ideas to make your wedding week or weekend memorable:
Welcome Pool Party
Kick things off with a pool party to get all your guests acquainted and set the tone for the rest of the celebration. This can be a fun and relaxing way for everyone to mingle, enjoy music, delicious bites, and cocktails. If you have exclusive use of the property, you can enjoy the entire space as if it's your own private party!
Boat Adventure
A boat trip is a fantastic way to introduce your guests to the local area and give them a taste of the high life. Pop some champagne, serve delicious canapes, and perhaps include some regional food and drinks. Your guests will love the chance to relax and enjoy the views while getting to know each other. If your budget allows, you could even rent a yacht for the group and make it a boat party!
Beach Day
If you're getting married by the ocean, a beach day is a must. Organise a seaside picnic, a bonfire at sunset, and perhaps a lobster bake to give your guests a true taste of the local culture. It's a great way to ensure your guests mix and mingle while enjoying the soft sand and blue waves.
Adventure Activities
Depending on your destination, you could organise activities such as hot air balloon ride, horseback riding, hiking, paintball, surfing, or snorkelling. Choose something that excites you and your partner, but be mindful of your guests' comfort levels and abilities. Not everyone will want to or be able to participate in extreme activities.
Group Classes
Deep dive into the local culture with group classes. You could organise a cooking class, cocktail mixing, dancing, painting, or wine tasting—anything that reflects the local traditions. It's a great way to get your guests interacting and learning about the area, creating a fun and educational experience.
Game Night
A game night is a fantastic bonding activity that will have your guests laughing and interacting. You could play games that relate to the wedding, such as the newlywed game, a quiz about the bride and groom, or a "who's most likely to" game. Provide some snacks and drinks to keep things informal and fun.
Spa Day
If you're looking for a relaxing activity, why not organise a spa day for you and your bridesmaids? Enjoy massages, facials, saunas, and pools to unwind and de-stress before the big day. It's a great way to calm pre-wedding jitters and ensure you look and feel your best for the ceremony.
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Suggest local tours
Local tours are a great way to immerse your guests in the culture of your wedding destination. Here are some ideas for local tours that will delight your guests and make your destination wedding fun and memorable:
Brewery or Distillery Tour
If your wedding destination has breweries or distilleries, a tour can be a fun and unique way to experience the local culture and history. Guests can learn about the brewing or distilling process, taste different beers or spirits, and even playfully argue over which ones they prefer. This activity is especially well-suited for groups with many legal-age drinkers.
Hiking or Outdoor Adventure
If your wedding destination boasts beautiful scenery and nature, suggest a hiking trail or outdoor adventure for your guests to explore the area. This could include hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, or even zip-lining and rock climbing for the more adventurous groups. These activities are usually budget-friendly and offer a fun bonding experience for your guests.
City Tour or Scavenger Hunt
Organise a city tour or scavenger hunt to showcase the best that your wedding destination has to offer. This could include visiting iconic landmarks, exploring historic neighbourhoods, or discovering hidden gems. A scavenger hunt adds an element of competition and can be a fun way for guests to interact and form new connections.
Cultural or Historical Tour
Depending on your destination, you can suggest cultural or historical tours that showcase the rich history and traditions of the area. This could include visiting museums, art galleries, castles, or ancient landmarks. For religious couples, exploring local places of worship can be a meaningful way to connect with the culture.
Food or Wine Tour
Food and drink are a big part of any culture, so why not suggest a food or wine tour for your guests? This could include visiting local markets, tasting regional specialties, or even taking a cooking class to learn how to make some of the local dishes. For wine enthusiasts, a wine-tasting tour can be a delightful way to discover new varietals and learn about the region's wine-making history.
Beach or Water Activities
If your wedding destination is by the ocean or has beautiful beaches, suggest a beach day or water activities such as snorkelling, boating, or paddle boarding. These activities are usually relaxing and offer a great opportunity for guests to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Remember, when suggesting local tours, it's important to consider the interests and activity levels of your guests. Provide a variety of options to cater to different preferences, and clearly communicate any costs or expenses associated with the tours.
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Provide welcome bags
Providing welcome bags is a considerate gesture for guests attending a destination wedding. It's a great way to make guests feel appreciated and ensure they have everything they need during their stay. Here are some ideas for what to include in your welcome bags:
Local snacks and drinks
Give your guests a taste of the region's cuisine and beverages. This can be a fun and exciting way for them to experience the local culture and flavours.
Practical items
Include items that your guests might need during their time at the wedding or exploring the local area. For example, sunscreen, after-sun lotion, insect repellent, lip balm, hand sanitiser, or a small first aid kit with plasters and painkillers. You could also add a small local guide book and a map to help them navigate the area.
Comfort items
Think about adding some comforts from home, such as a small bag of sweets or snacks, a reusable water bottle, or a small gift like a candle or a nice soap. You could also include a personal note of thanks for their attendance, perhaps with a small photo of the happy couple.
Themed items
If you have a theme for your wedding, you could include some small items that tie into this. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you could add some fun sunglasses, a fan, or a small beach towel. If it's a winter wedding, you might add a pair of cosy socks, a hot chocolate sachet, or a small hip flask of a local liqueur.
Entertainment
For guests who might want some downtime during their stay, you could add a small game or puzzle, a deck of cards, or a book. If there are children attending, you could include some age-appropriate entertainment like a small colouring book and crayons.
Practical information
It's a good idea to include a schedule of the wedding events and any relevant information, such as dress codes or transport arrangements. You could also add a list of recommended local restaurants, cafes, and activities for guests to enjoy during their free time.
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Host a morning-after brunch
Hosting a morning-after brunch is a great way to extend the festivities of a destination wedding. It is an opportunity for the newlyweds to spend quality time with their guests, especially those from out of town, and thank them for their attendance. Here are some tips to make it a success:
Planning and Logistics
The first step is to decide on a budget, which will determine the scale of the brunch. If you're keeping it intimate, send out separate invitations to those invited. If you're inviting all wedding guests, you can include the brunch details in the wedding invitation suite and on the wedding website. It is advisable to start planning three to six months in advance.
Timing and Location
The brunch is typically held the morning after the wedding, starting at 11 am or noon and lasting about 2.5 hours. If the wedding was a late-night affair, consider a later start time to allow guests to rest. As for the location, choose a convenient spot, such as the wedding hotel or a nearby restaurant. If many guests are staying in the same hotel, the hotel terrace or a private room in the dining area are good options.
Guest List
The guest list for the brunch can include the immediate family, grandparents, and the wedding party, along with their plus-ones. If budget and space allow, you can invite all wedding guests. It is important to be consistent to avoid hurt feelings.
Food and Drinks
The menu can feature a combination of breakfast and lunch options, including local specialties and crowd favourites. Don't forget to include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. For drinks, coffee, tea, juice, and alcoholic options like mimosas and Bloody Marys are popular. A build-your-own mimosa or Bloody Mary bar can be a fun addition.
Dress Code
The dress code for the brunch is usually more relaxed than the wedding. If you want a specific dress code, be sure to include it on the invitations.
Other Considerations
If you're short on time or prefer a more hands-off approach, consider delegating the planning to a wedding planner or the hotel's event manager. It is also a good idea to bring wedding favours from the night before for guests who may have forgotten to collect them.
A morning-after brunch is a wonderful way to continue the celebration and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many fun activities to do at a destination wedding. Some ideas include hosting a welcome dinner or party, suggesting a hike or water-based activity, offering a pub crawl or brewery tour, and hosting a morning-after brunch.
Destination weddings are typically more intimate than traditional weddings as fewer guests are able to attend due to the location being far away. To make your destination wedding more intimate, you can plan activities that encourage guests to interact and bond with each other, such as a game night or a group class with locals.
When choosing a location for a destination wedding, there are several things to consider, such as the weather, travel risks and warnings, cultural and sporting events, language barriers, and visa and passport requirements. It is also recommended to visit the location beforehand to ensure it meets your expectations.
Some pros of having a destination wedding include that it becomes a trip of a lifetime for you and your guests, and it can help keep the guest list small. On the other hand, cons include that it can be harder to personalize the wedding, more expensive for guests to attend, and there may be legality considerations depending on the location.
When planning a destination wedding, it is recommended to start by choosing a location, setting a budget, and hiring a local wedding planner who is familiar with the area. Sending out save-the-dates and invitations early is important to give guests enough time to plan their travel, and it is also a good idea to provide guests with a wedding website that includes information on travel requirements, accommodations, and local activities.
