Here’s what it takes to plan your dream destination wedding

My love affair with beachy destinations, sunset ceremonies, and five days of endless celebrations began when I watched Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The intricate motifs of the royal palaces-turned hotels of Udaipur, the sparkling lights, and the warm-toned lehengas are etched in my memory. But planning a destination wedding is hardly as easy as watching a Karan Johar film. Whether it’s the bride and the groom’s attention to detail, their camaraderie with the wedding planners, or the strategising and execution of planners themselves—it takes a lot to plan these destination weddings. Read on below as experts let us in on their creative processes and what every to-be-wedded couple must know before they plan a wedding. 

What does it take to plan a destination wedding? 

“Planning a destination wedding entails thorough research, significant time investment, and a comprehensive understanding of various aspects such as hotels, transportation, venues, logistics, and guest accommodations. Emphasising local support over external resources can contribute to a more authentic and seamless wedding celebration,” says founder of ESL Weddings, Ekta Saigal Lulla. We got into the nitty-gritties of it with Ashima Arora, co-founder of Aroosi Events and Parthip Thyagarajan of Wedding Sutra. 

Building connection with local vendors: It is almost like weaving a magical tapestry. You'll summon the best florists, best light designers and best production houses, who will sprinkle their talents into the wedding celebration. 

Creating timelines: This timeline involves conducting site visits, coordinating with vendors, and providing detailed instructions to the guests. It is like choreographing a grand ball. You'll conduct a symphony of vendors, ensuring everything moves seamlessly like dancers twirling in perfect harmony. 

Budgeting: While seeking a five-star hotel service, one requires both time, and a budget to execute that The more the vendors, guests, and the further away the destination, the higher the budget will be. Moreover, one should keep in mind that planning during auspicious dates and peak seasons can make it more challenging to secure reasonable rates and commitments from highly talented vendors.

Planning for emergencies: Contingency planning is essential for unexpected situations. Preparing back-up plans for weather changes or vendor cancellations allows for a smooth adaptation to unforeseen circumstances.

What are the current trends in destination weddings?

“If I were to share a current trend, it would be the growing interest in Vietnam as a destination. Bali, on the other hand, faces connectivity issues as there are no direct flights, whereas Vietnam, though limited connectivity, offers direct flights from some cities in India to a few cities in the country. Additionally, almost every destination in the Middle East is attracting big fat Indian weddings.” says Thayagarajan 

“Couples and their families strive to create a wedding experience that reflects their unique stories and identities. With the aid of technology, innovative elements like virtual reality (VR), projection mapping, and 3D mapping can be incorporated to offer guests novel experiences. Furthermore, embracing local craftsmanship and cuisine of the chosen destination adds a touch of authenticity, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and create lasting memories," says Lulla.

“Couples are incorporating adventurous and immersive experiences into their destination weddings. The aim is to create unforgettable memories for themselves and their guests. We’ve created immersive experiences like mimosa bars on tap for the guests to remember. Our couples are also becoming more considerate in creating a difference. They are prioritising eco-friendly practices and incorporating sustainable elements into their weddings,” says Arora. 

What is the one thing to-be-wedded couple should do before planning their destination wedding? 

“I would recommend consciously choosing the time and season for the wedding. If the couple is planning to get married between December and February, it can be very challenging to secure favourable rates, and your expenses may be higher. Secondly, when selecting a hotel, consider one that has prior experience with Indian weddings. However, it's worth noting that if the hotel has hosted numerous Indian weddings before, your guests may have a somewhat predictable experience. On the other hand, if the hotel is hosting a destination wedding for the first time, it can be a fresh and unique experience for both the venue and your guests,” Thyagarajan says. 

“When planning a destination wedding, it is crucial for the couple to carefully choose a location that resonates with their personal preferences, showcases their unique story, or holds special significance to them. Opting for a destination that aligns with their personality and style will help create a more meaningful and memorable experience,” says Lulla. 

“One important thing for couples to know when planning a destination wedding is to allocate sufficient time for research and preparation. The next and biggest step is to finalise your wedding team—the planners, designers, and photographers. Once the team is on board, giving them ample time is essential for a fun and personalised wedding experience. Each aspect requires a timeline of its own, and you can only enjoy the experience if you give them and yourself enough time to pan things out!” says Arora.