As we welcome a brand new year we also welcome that fresh start which by tradition we like to call the new year’s resolution. Eating less chocolate, starting a gym membership and  promising to stick to it, be kinder to others, quit smoking, find time to visit parents more often…and the list goes on… Guilty as charged, i am also one to solemnly affirm a brand new resolution every single January, sticking to it is a different story altogether, but none the less, bravo` for the effort.

My resolution this year is to write more here, to give more space to my very own work by sharing knowledge. A bit of a helping hand to those who are looking for wedding tips so to speak. I decided to dedicate the first one to planning, but not the planning that you are already thinking of, lets take a few steps back. Many couples decide on wedding abroad with the hope to visit places before deciding on the final wedding destination. So here are some tips of how to “plan” that very first trip to a prospect destination.

Ballpark your budget

You don’t need to have an exact figure, however putting a few numbers together will help you understand what you have to work with. If the destination can cater for that budget and if you can finally afford having your wedding in that particular country.

Know your guests

If you wish to have guests travel for your wedding you need to keep them in mind by knowing whether they can afford the trip. Research prices for accommodation at the destination of choice is key as your guests will probably spend a few days there and might make a short holiday out of it.

Find out flight connections

We do advise you to check flight connections from and to your country. Having multiple flights per week would be a tremendous bonus, this way you don’t tie your guests down to staying for an entire week if they wouldn’t wish to.

Start your venue research

By giving us a brief of what you’re after we would be able to supply you with all the information available to us. However, if you wish to do this before even getting there, I suggest you do a simple search on my dear friend “google”

Check if the destination can offer other activities

You might want to look at hosting a pre or post activity for you and your guests. Traveling far and wide, your dear guests will most likely thank you for choosing a wedding destination that has plenty to offer to a variety of vacationers. Whether that be a wedding destination with beach access, history and culture, jungle adventures or wine lover’s retreat in Europe, if you’re choosing a quiet remote location, make sure there’s something for all your guests to do after your special day!

Finally… make that call and send that email

If you will be hosted by a wedding planner to take you around places whilst away finding that perfect destination, put all the details in an email or call the person if this works better for you, he or she will be happy to make appointments for you and build a time table to fit your needs. So pin your travel dates and look forward to a great start. The journey awaits you…. Buckle your seat belt and enjoy your trip!