Destination weddings can be intimate, exciting and undeniably romantic… but they can also be riddled with language barriers, complicated timelines and travel woes. That being said, if saying “I do” in a far-away locale has always been your dream – then don’t lose faith! Couture Events is here to bring you their top 6 tips that will make planning your destination wedding a total breeze. For some inspiration along the way, take in all the beauty this romantic shoot at Chateau De Villette has to offer. Couture Events thoughtful planned every detail while Floraison supplied the most breathtaking blooms in pink and cream hues. Be sure to check out the full gallery captured perfectly by Sophie Kaye Photography because every image is truly stunning.
From Couture Events… When you find the one and you are deeply in love, it’s like something out of a fairytale. Where better to go than where the fairytales originated. So many beautiful tales came to live in Europe and to create your own there is completely a dream come true. We believe in intimate & romantic destination weddings. From Bordeaux to Lake Como we have some destination tips for your European wedding. There are so many gorgeous chateaus in France and this, Chateau De Villette, is one of our favorites because you can have your event here but also stay in this breathtaking chateau overlooking gorgeous gardens. Truly a Marie Antoinette moment!
Here are Couture Events top six tips for an European Destination Wedding:
1. Arriva presto – This is Italian for Arrive EARLY. Get there before your guests arrive, give yourself time to settle in. This will also calm your nerves and help you feel more comfortable in this setting. This way you are able to welcome your guests as they come into this beautiful place and experience and enjoy seeing each of them instead of feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
2. Confiance – Means TRUST in french. Hire professionals you trust is essential . We suggest hiring a professional planner & also a travel agent (yes two separate people who you can trust to do what they do best) who are able to communicate with the vendors and venue to take care of every detail for you. They can help you source and find local vendors in your destination or bring in vendors if needed. It may seem like an unnecessary expense but ultimately it will save you unnecessary stress of trying to communicate with all of the vendors yourself and figure out travel for you and your guests (don’t rely on the on-site hotel panner, they are there for the hotel, not for you.)
3. Licencia de matrimonio – In translation from Spanish to english is marriage license. Get your marriage license before your trip or do a small ceremony at the courthouse. Do this in your hometown to avoid frustration and roadblocks when you arrive at your destination. It’s a fun idea to get your marriage actually certified in a foreign country but it’s a lot of work and usually causes more aggravation then it’s worth.
4. Visit in Advance – Yes, this is english for “make sure you see your venue and the destination before you get there”, not all of England looks like Cornwall. We highly suggest that you visit your destination before you get married there. This will avoid any unrealistic exceptions and also give you a better vision for your wedding day.
5. Embrasser la culture – Is french for embrace the culture! Whether you are in Spain, Italy, or France for your wedding, we suggest you fully immerse yourself and your guests. Whatever that location is known for let that take priority. Give your guests a taste of the culture, this will also give you more options and better quality options when choosing caterers and can also ultimately help you save money. For example: DO NOT even think about serving Mexican in France… Choose a french dish and plan on the party going until 6am (“when in Rome” or in this case, France).
6. ο συγχρονισμός είναι το παν – Means Timing is EVERYTHING in Greek. Make sure you know what the weather will be like at that time. Weather is different in different parts of the world and while it may be beautiful where you are from in your destination the entire town might be shut down. For example, I once tried to visit Santorini in December… Thankfully my travel agent let me know Santorini mostly closes down in December. Make sure you check and have your professionals inform you on what it will be like at that time of year from their past experience.
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Photography: Sophie Kaye Photography | Design: Couture Events | Florist: Floraison | Stationery: Theoberry | Shoes: Bella Belle | Hair & Makeup: Emily Artistry | Wedding Venue: Villa Balbiano | Accessories: Lindsay Marie Design | Cinema: Randi Michelle | Fashion Coordinator: Coco Kliks | Model: Alison Cossenet | Planning: Couture Events | Tabletop Rentals: Madame de la Maison