Organizing a destination wedding in Spain can be an incredibly special experience, but it also comes with challenges, such as not living in the same country, and possibly not speaking the same language or dealing with time differences.
Many couples choose Spain as their wedding destination due to its great weather, delicious cuisine, unique venues, stunning sea views, and strong party culture. In fact, Spain is internationally recognized as one of the best places to get married, which has fostered a highly skilled and specialized wedding industry.
Here are some key aspects to keep in mind when planning a destination wedding in Spain:
Budget
You need to consider both the cost of the wedding itself (venue, catering, decoration, etc.) and the cost for the guests (transportation, meals, accommodation). Many guests may not be able to afford to travel, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
Additionally, destination weddings can generate extra costs such as transportation, accommodation, and other services, so be sure to have a margin for unforeseen expenses.
Choosing the right destination
It is important that the location is easy for guests to access, so if there is an airport nearby, that’s even better. If most of the guests are coming from outside of Spain, they will likely be traveling by plane.
Another factor to consider is the date, both for the weather and to take into account important events in the destination city, in order to avoid higher transportation costs or extreme temperatures.
Destination weddings are meant for guests to enjoy the area for several days, so it’s a good idea to choose a destination with attractions or activities to do.
If the destination has a different language or customs, consider the cultural or language barriers when interacting with suppliers.
Legal matters
Make sure to understand the legal requirements for getting married in the destination (marriage license, necessary documents, translation of documents, etc.). All of these procedures take time, so it’s best to have everything sorted out before making a decision.
Guests
Inform your guests well in advance about the destination, costs, and dates. We recommend creating a website that gathers all the important wedding information and helps guests with accommodation, transportation, and things to do in the area.
Some people may feel uncomfortable traveling far for a wedding, so it’s important to be understanding and respectful of those who cannot attend.
In addition to the wedding, organize pre- and post-wedding activities, such as dinners, excursions, or relaxation moments, so guests can fully enjoy the destination.
Consider offering small welcome gifts for your guests upon arrival at the destination, such as a local guide, maps, or typical products from the area. You can also prepare travel kits with items like sunscreen, mini bottles of alcohol, or wedding-related accessories.
Organization
Planning a wedding can be a challenge for anyone, so if the wedding is outside your usual area, it becomes even more complicated. That’s why it’s advisable to hire professionals in the field to help you organize everything from the start, allowing you to enjoy the process.
Destination weddings require more planning time (ideally 12 to 18 months) due to logistics and coordination with local vendors.
Space
Destination weddings are often smaller and more intimate, but if you prefer a larger celebration, consider the limitations of your chosen destination. It’s important to choose a venue that includes accommodation for most of the guests.
As you can see, organizing a destination wedding is both a logistical and emotional challenge, but with the right planning and sufficient anticipation, it can be a unique and unforgettable experience for both the couple and the guests.
We hope these tips help you plan your dream destination wedding, and if you want to enjoy the entire process without missing anything, but with the peace of mind that everything is well organized, count on Plan A Weddings by reaching out to us here.
