Hi loves, we know that destination weddings are an exciting and memorable time for both the couple and their guests who decide to make the journey with them to celebrate. Destination weddings combine an exotic location with the usual wedding experience and they can be the experience of a lifetime; however, preparation and planning are key.
It does not matter if you have attended many weddings in the past, for destination weddings there are a few things that you should know and these are my 7 Tobago Wedding Planning Tips for Attending a Tobago Destination Wedding!
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- Plan Early!
After receiving your invitation and determining that you can make the trip to Tobago, RSVP and start budgeting and booking immediately! As with usual vacation planning and travelling, the earlier you book your flight, accommodation, rentals etc., the more you will be able to save. Earlier planning also leaves room for adjustments if the need arises. Another tip is to budget as this will help you to realistically prepare for all the costs you will have to cover such as phone roaming and data usage, professional hair and make-up on the day or even purchasing your gift on island!
Ultimately, I encourage you to be patient and remember that with travel, anything can happen so you must plan ahead. If, per chance, challenges arise, you can contact the couple’s wedding planner so as not to overwhelm the couple and to assist with your local choices, you can refer to the couple’s destination wedding website.
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- Manage Deadlines & Your Expectations
Destination Weddings require greater coordination and planning and lead times and deadlines are crucial for a smooth planning process for the couple. In light of this, I encourage you to RSVP within the time frame given by the couple. Even further, please follow all deadlines including payments and responses to preferences for meals and other offerings from the couple. Again, responding to requests for information by the given deadlines will keep stress levels down for the couple and destination wedding planner. To manage your expectations as an attendee, seek clarity on what is expected of guests and also what you can be expect as a guest. Expectations on matters such as bringing your own guests or children, the couple’s preferences on social media posts and even the dress code for the celebration should be clearly understood to ensure that wonderful memories are had for all in attendance.
- Make The Most of It!
You will be visiting an unspoilt tropical destination that is known for it’s charm, natural beauty and cuisine, so why not make the most of your time in Tobago? Secure from the couple the itinerary for all wedding-related activities and then maximise the rest of your time by exploring pristine Tobago. It is also very likely that other family and friends will be on this trip so why get the most out of the flight you’ve purchased and come together to plan extra days of fun destination excursions and experiences? Ensure that you budget for this separately and pack tons of sunscreen and your favourite swim wear to enjoy the very accessible beaches and waterfalls! Tobago is a warm-weather tropical location so you are encouraged to drink lots of fluid to stay hydrated while enjoying the island and www.tobagobeyond.com is an excellent resource for exploring the island on your own. I will be happy to make recommendations as well.
- Do Your Own Research! Be self sufficient and Be flexible
Advance research will prepare you to be self-sufficient and this will allow you to not add much more to the couple’s already full plate as they prepare for their big day. Have an open-mind, get as much information as you can about local customs and culture, appropriate attire, banking and currency, safety, local laws, your accommodation and the nearest amenities etc.; and prepare yourself for an amazing time in an amazing destination. Be flexible also; from amenities to way-of-life; be flexible and accommodating, to subtle or noticeable differences in this unique destination. This flexibility will also help you to easily adjust and still enjoy the entire experience if any changes arise.
- Pack Smartly
Details are everything when planning for a destination wedding and the very same applies to packing to attend a destination wedding. Destination weddings are such a unique trip as the items needed will go beyond the norm for a vacation or even honeymoon. My advice, therefore, is that you plan for packing, use the itinerary as a guide and find items that are versatile. Do not be afraid to use lists, you will quickly realise that they can become your best friends when planning and packing. My biggest packing tip is to pack the clothing and items for the wedding in your carry-on luggage. Please also take note that in Trinidad and Tobago, any type of camouflage is illegal.
- Stay Connected
Mobile and social media technology are easily available and cost effective tools that can be used to keep everyone connected while on the island of Tobago. Special hashtags can serve as identifiers of location or for upcoming activities while the simplicity of WhatsApp Groups and broadcast messaging can be used to coordinate, share information and simply keep everyone connected. Ensure that you are always charged up, so your charger, portable included, should be packed; also, depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need an adapter. Finally, please do the research and make the necessary arrangements regarding data accessibility while on-island.
- Gifts… It’s All Up To You!
Gifting for at a destination wedding in Tobago, particularly if you are travelling a long way, may not be the deal breaker you think it might be. Some couples may abdicate receiving major gifts as they are already asking you to come out of pocket to travel to a destination. However, if you do decide to, you can consider gifting ‘less’ as you already would be spending to travel for the wedding. If the couple has a registry, you can choose to either mail the gift, give it in advance or give the gift after the wedding and from a wedding planning expert perspective, outside of the gift registry, monetary gifts for the couple are ideal! I also advise that guests leave room in their luggage to take back with you the gift/token that the couple gives to their guests.
With these tips you are now ready to journey to Tobago for the destination wedding experience of a lifetime. Remember it is an honour to be invited to celebrate such a milestone in anyone’s life and I want to ensure that you are well equipped to enjoy the entire journey. Contact Asha Mars Weddings to learn more and plan the perfect destination wedding for you.
Contact us today and let’s chat about your Tobago Wedding!
