You’re Engaged! Here’s How to Begin Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding

Congratulations, you’re engaged! That sparkling ring marks the beginning of one of life’s most enchanting adventures: planning your wedding. For couples dreaming of a destination wedding, the excitement is amplified by the allure of saying “I do” in a faraway place. However, when you’re engaged and planning a destination wedding, you’ll soon realize it’s no small feat! That’s where I come in as your luxury wedding planner. Let me guide you through the initial steps to turn your dream into reality.

Step One: Envision Your Dream Destination

Start by imagining the location that speaks to your hearts as a couple. Is it the romance of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the charm of a French château, or the timeless beauty of an Irish castle? Perhaps you’re dreaming of tropical shores or a secluded mountain retreat. Your chosen destination sets the tone for your wedding, so ensure it reflects your personality and love story.

Consider the logistical aspects: Is the location accessible for your guests? Does it have the infrastructure to host a wedding of your desired scale? A wedding planner like myself, with destination expertise, will provide invaluable insights into these questions, helping you make a well-informed decision.

Step Two: Create a Vision and Budget

Every luxury wedding begins with a clear vision. Do you picture an opulent celebration dripping in florals or a more intimate gathering with understated elegance? Collaborate with your planner to craft a cohesive style, incorporating elements that resonate with you—whether it’s bespoke invitations, artisan catering, or live entertainment.

Equally important is understanding that a luxury wedding is an investment, and having clarity on where to allocate resources ensures your priorities are met. Your planner will help you identify costs unique to destination weddings, such as travel logistics, accommodations, and local vendor fees.

Step Three: Build Your Guest List

Destination weddings often lend themselves to more intimate guest lists, as not everyone will be able to travel. Consider creating a “VIP” list of essential attendees. Communicate your plans early, allowing guests ample time to make arrangements. A thoughtfully crafted wedding website can be an excellent resource for sharing itineraries, travel details, and accommodations.

Step Four: Partner with a Local Expert

A luxury destination wedding requires impeccable coordination. As your wedding planner, I work with a trusted network of local vendors who understand the nuances of your chosen destination. Whether that is securing a stunning venue or navigating local marriage laws and customs, my expertise ensures a seamless experience. I also serve as your advocate, ensuring that cultural and logistical elements blend harmoniously with your vision.

Step Five: Plan an Unforgettable Experience

A destination wedding is not just a single-day event—it’s a journey for you and your guests. Consider curating a multi-day celebration. Think welcome cocktails overlooking the cliffs of Moher, a rehearsal dinner featuring regional cuisine, and post-wedding activities like guided tours or spa retreats. These moments create cherished memories for you and your loved ones.

Step Six: Trust the Process

When you’re engaged and planning a destination wedding you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, but take heart! It’s a journey worth savouring. With the right team by your side, every detail is thoughtfully handled. From scouting venues to finalising floral arrangements, I’ll ensure that the experience is as enjoyable as the day itself.

Your engagement marks the start of an extraordinary chapter. Let’s craft a destination wedding that’s as unique and unforgettable as your love story.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve

The Top 10 European Destination Wedding Hotspots for 2024

When I consider romantic wedding locations, I always think of Ireland first, of course! But there are other great European destination wedding locations that are definitely worth mentioning. Below are the top European destination wedding hotspots of 2024. Let’s get into it!

Dublin, Ireland

First and foremost, the magical country of Ireland. With its castles, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Dublin provides a unique and enchanting destination for couples seeking an Irish fairy tale wedding – but really, anywhere on this incredible island will do. Here’s a wee look: Ireland’s Top Luxury Wedding Venues.

Santorini, Greece

With its stunning sunsets and iconic white-washed buildings overlooking the crystal-clear waters, Santorini continues to be a dream destination for couples seeking a romantic Mediterranean backdrop for their special day.

Tuscany, Italy

Picture rolling hills, charming vineyards, and historic villas – Tuscany is a timeless choice for couples who desire a rustic and picturesque wedding surrounded by the beauty of the Italian countryside.

Barcelona, Spain

The vibrant city of Barcelona offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern flair. From Gaudi’s architectural wonders to the lively atmosphere of La Rambla, it’s a perfect choice for couples wanting a cosmopolitan celebration with a touch of bohemian chic.

Porto, Portugal

Personally, I adore Portugal. Whether it’s inland or the coast, I go into more detail about my Top 5 Favourite Portugal Wedding Venues here. Porto, with its colorful buildings, historic bridges, and the Douro River, provides a romantic setting for couples seeking a blend of old-world charm and modern romance.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Steep cliffs, lemon groves, and the azure sea make the Amalfi Coast an enchanting location for couples in search of a romantic seaside celebration. Whether in Positano, Ravello, or Amalfi itself, the backdrop is always breathtaking.

Prague, Czech Republic

The historic charm of Prague’s cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and the iconic Charles Bridge create a fairytale setting for couples looking to exchange vows in a storybook atmosphere.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik boasts medieval charm, historic city walls, and breathtaking coastal views. It’s a destination that combines rich history with a touch of magic for couples seeking a truly unique setting.

French Riviera, France

From Cannes to Nice, the French Riviera exudes sophistication and glamour. Couples can choose from luxurious beachside venues or historic chateaus, offering a perfect blend of opulence and Mediterranean allure.

Reykjavik, Iceland

For the adventurous couple, Reykjavik offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Imagine exchanging vows under the dancing Northern Lights, surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes – a true spectacle for a destination wedding.

 

Keep all these European destination hotspots in mind when you’re brainstorming the perfect location. Just like every couple, each of these destinations has something really special that makes them ideal. If you’re ready to make some plans, just give me a shout!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

 

Images from Greg Finck, Christina Brosnan, Story of Eve and the website of Palácio Estoril Hotel

Summer Must-Haves for a Destination Wedding

Summer is the perfect time to host your destination wedding, but there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your big day during the busy season. These are just some of the summer must-haves for a destination wedding.

Outdoor Venue

The weather in summer is something worth taking advantage of and an outdoor venue will allow you to do just that! Picture yourself on a stunning beach, basking in the beautiful sun on your big day. If you’re not much of a beach person, gardens, vineyards, or even lush green mountains are fabulous choices. And, of course, I always recommend the stunning nature of Ireland for a dreamy and memorable wedding trip!

Clear Communication

When it comes to travel plans for your destination wedding, summer requires clear communication between you and your guests to get everyone there. As one of the busiest seasons for travel, your guests will want to know well ahead of time how to find their way to your country or location of choice.

This could even mean working out plans to travel as a unit of people rather than completely separate if that is the best way to keep all of your guests together.

Planned Accommodation

Just like you’ll need to communicate ahead of time for travel, planning accommodations will also make everything smoother during the busy season. Hotels can fill up fast during the summer travel season, so knowing your venue well in advance will need to be a top priority. As soon as you have that venue set, let your guests know!

Perhaps consider finding a hotel within a reasonable distance of your venue and see if you can book rooms for each of your guests as a large group so everyone is in a closer space.

Light and Breathable Attire

If you know your heart is set on a summer destination wedding, then it is likely your big day might be a bit warmer. Keep an eye on the typical weather of the destination and start to plan your attire accordingly. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the gown of your dreams! There are plenty of gorgeous wedding gowns that will look incredible at a summer destination wedding.

However, if your heart is set on a heavier gown, opt to have multiple outfits for the different pieces of your day. This could include preparing light and breathable attire for the longer reception that will take place after your “I do” moment.

Remember, the most important part about planning your big day is you, so focus on what will make the process most enjoyable to you. Happy summer destination wedding planning!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Image by Aspect Photography