Travel and booking logistics you need to know for your Indian Destination Wedding

Destination weddings are steadily on the rise as more and more couples are opting for smaller, more intimate weddings with only their near and dear ones at an exotic location. While several people are in favor of a personalized wedding experience, not many know the travel and booking logistics that are associated with an Indian destination wedding. If you love the idea of a relaxing destination wedding, but don’t know where to start, here are a few tips that can make your dream destination wedding an uncomplicated reality.

How to start looking for the ideal location?

Decide what kind of travel will most of your guests be comfortable with and according to that, look for a location. For instance, if you expect most people to travel only for the weekend, choose a location that is under half a day’s flying time. The more direct flights there are, the better it will be for your guests. While choosing a location, select a place that is a known vacation destination; some place your guests would choose for a trip of their own.

Is a site planner necessary?

Several resorts provide couples with the service of a planner. So, before you book one, it’s best to finalize your venue and inquire if a planner is part of your package. You can use a third-party planner if you feel overwhelmed while choosing a location or if you don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty of resort contracts. However, keep in mind that some planners are actually travel agencies that will bind you into doing travel and room bookings through them. While this doesn’t apply to all planners, it is smart to do your groundwork before you commit by signing a contract.

Can the entire wedding party be on the same flight?

Yes, your entire wedding party can be on the same flight provided they are leaving from the same gateway. Sometimes, there are two-to-three flights flying to the same destination on the same day and guests may have preferences. Requesting day flights, night flights or deviations may result in price differences. It is best to inform your guests about your destination wedding way in advance so they have enough time to decide whether or not they want to be a part of your wedding and for the ones that do, you can put them on the same flight.

What about changes in prices after the resort booking is done?

Price changes are always a contentious issue with couples and their guests. By committing to block rooms, you have the benefit of knowing you are booked. While price changes can be frustrating, they are in fact unavoidable. That said, several resorts have incentives for couples who book rather than wait for a better price. For instance, some resorts allow one price drop before the final payment date. It’s a lot like the stock market where you can never guarantee a better stock price.

What does all-inclusive mean?

Today, several couples are opting for all-inclusive resorts for their destination wedding. But what exactly does all-inclusive mean? To put it simply, an all-inclusive resort includes at a minimum lodging, three meals daily, soft drinks, most alcoholic drinks, gratuities and possibly other services in the price. Some also offer sports and non-motorized water sports and other activities that are included in the same price. These resorts are particularly located in the warmer regions of the world like the Caribbean. While some are adults-only, others are geared towards families, with facilities like water parks and game rooms.

What do you need to know about customs and shipping?

Every destination has its own customs restrictions and you need to be aware about the same if you want to avoid last-minute blunders. For instance, in Mexico, there is a ban on items from China being brought into the country for resale. If you aren’t sure about your destination’s customs requirements, appoint a customs agent who will inform you about the number of items you can carry. Shipping important wedding items outside the country isn’t the best idea as packages can get held up as they cross a border. It’s best to have your wedding items travel with you and pay the airline baggage fees.

What is Resort Group Contract Benefits and why is it the best?

Hosting a destination wedding in an unexplored location is hardly an easy job. It requires you to help your guests out with their travel and hotel bookings. Mass bookings are when guests go in for a group contract with a resort. Wedding group contracts entitle the guests to many great deals which everyone can enjoy. From complimentary nights of stay to credit to avail in-house facilities, resort group contract benefits is ideal for group guest bookings.

How should you carry your lehenga, achkan or bridal wear?

Shipping your dress separately is always a bad idea as there is a chance that it may get held up in customs, or worse, lost! Your wedding dress is the most important item of your entire wedding without which you will be reduced to tears. It is for this reason that you should always carry your wedding dress with you. Airlines typically have a section for wedding dresses on a plane. This is based on the rules of the airline but is usually complimentary.