What have I learned from planning a destination wedding?

[shellb]

Maybe we should seriously consider starting a BDW book, considering the destination wedding mags out there are very generalized.

 

Glad to see we are getting some good responses, I think all of us go through so many of the same things and want to give up on it all and do things the way others want us to. Well, at least now we know we are not alone.

[neen]

this is a great thread...I hope all the newbies check it out so they can stop stressing so hard about how to pick a spot (pick somewhere that is perfect for you and your FI!!!)

 

Here's what I've learned so far:

 

- a TA can be a life saver

- going for a site visit and meeting with your WC in advance are HUGE stress-relievers!

- don't offer to arrange someone else's reservations or transfers...its not worth the headache...let people do it themselves

- even if you think you're the most laid-back bride in the world, you may still go through 10 proofs of your invitation because the font isn't "just right" yet! (and that's OK)

- don't try to please everyone, it'll never happen and its not worth the stress

- its OK to just say "things are good" when someone asks all about your wedding and you don't feel like talking about it (we do have other things in our lives besides wedding planning)

- my family rocks

- i'm marrying the most wonderful man in the world (even if his eyes do glaze over when we talk wedding stuff for more than 10 minutes)

[*Heather*]

I've learned to get more than one quote for EVERYTHING! Travel, flowers, cake...everything.

[DanielleNDerek]

Okay i didn't read anyone else's responses but i can almost guarantee others have said this too:

 

1. You can't make everyone happy just worry about you and your fi.

 

2. Don't worry about who can't come, just focus on who is coming.

 

3. It's your wedding, do what YOU want...

[TATrisha]

By having a destination wedding I learned a lot of things. And a lot of them have been listed many times throughout this thread. However, remembering the BEST parts of my destination wedding is the number one thing I have learned. there is no use crying over spilt milk, or your aunt who refuses to come. Focus on the positives.

 

Other lessons:

*I can accomplish more than I ever thought I could before

*My husband and I make a great team

*Celebrating for a week instead of a day is truly a wonderful thing

*Pictures and videos are great, but nothing will ever beat the memories. Make sure to take everything in.

*Midol stops tears from coming

*Bring LOTS of pictures if you really want your vision to be created by someone else

*HAVE FAITH

[Chiquita]

Good thread! Love the responses so far

 

* No one cares about your wedding more than you and FI

* Guests ignore RSVP deadlines

* People (family/friends alike) will disappoint you

* Do what you and FI want, no one else

[Kat81]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tlseege By having a destination wedding I learned a lot of things. And a lot of them have been listed many times throughout this thread. However, remembering the BEST parts of my destination wedding is the number one thing I have learned. there is no use crying over spilt milk, or your aunt who refuses to come. Focus on the positives. Other lessons: *I can accomplish more than I ever thought I could before *My husband and I make a great team *Celebrating for a week instead of a day is truly a wonderful thing *Pictures and videos are great, but nothing will ever beat the memories. Make sure to take everything in. *Midol stops tears from coming *Bring LOTS of pictures if you really want your vision to be created by someone else *HAVE FAITH

Midol really works for tears?!

[TATrisha]

Yup! It makes you less moody when you have your period... and basically had the same hormonal effect when you don't have your period. it will dry up your tears quite nicely!

[diezelgrrl]

you girls have said most everything but one I will add:

 

paying someone to help you plan causes less heartache than having a good friend/relative do it for free!

[SecretsC]

I totally feel your pain! I'm surprised at some of my friends who I have known forever and family members who have the money who just aren't coming! And then the friends I've had for ever or met within the last 5 yrs and barely see that are totally showing up for us and making me feel like the cost is no big deal. I realize by doing DW not everyone can make it but I didn't realize I'd lose Bridesmaids and close family to the cost ; (