Being a wedding photographer, destination weddings are just one of the perks. Much like enjoying the wonderful energy of each wedding, shooting a destination wdding is no different. There’s just more of an adventure there. Just as the couple has the adventure of going somewhere fresh and exciting for their day and they get to turn it into a fun filled time of travels. Being a destination wedding photographer means the same for me. And just because there’s expenses involved for me to get there my stay and more. Don’t think that destination wedding photographers are going to put that all on you. I know that for me, it’s more about the adventure than the price. I generally don’t charge over what I would charge for a normal wedding. Instead, I take it as a fun excursion with a beautiful day placed in the middle. Your day.
Some couples look at destination weddings and think, “no, we couldn’t afford that”… That’s surely where the thoughts need to stop. With the average wedding in a local spot costing $24,000-$28,000.00, a destination wedding doesn’t have to break that mold. As a matter of fact, you can generally pull it off for less. One main reason, less attending. Only those that truly love you will travel for you, meaning the co-workers, clients and more won’t step up. So instead of having 200 guests at $75.00 per person, try 80… Sounds better right. Not to mention being able to offer a bit more and enjoy the company longer and hey, everyone gets a mini vacation….
First off, if you’re bringing 80 guests to a beautiful location, work with the hotel or inn. They want all the business you can bring them and you shouldn’t be paying full price for any of the rooms. Be sure to bring this up with the hotel so that guests can get that discount!!!
Same goes with the flights. Don’t book weekends that are going to cost your guests thousands. Be kind and mention the discounted rates to them. Even for airfare, American Airlines offers discounts for 10 or more of 10% off the published rates! That can save hundreds when combined together.
FAIR WARNING IS CRUCIAL! Those save the date cards, get them out ASAP! Guests will need the time to plan and save. It will be an unexpected vacation but one they will surely enjoy and you will enjoy having them be a part of your day.
Beware of the legal parts of being married in other countries. Some need blood tests or X-rays, some have extra fees, some require permits and more. Don’t let a snag happen upon arrival. PLAN PLAN PLAN…. One of the best ways around that is to hire a professional event planner to be sure all holes are filled before you take off.
Don’t stress… When planning a destination wedding, many of the little things you would deal with in a hometown wedding are out of your control. Even some of the big things. Try to let it go.
And set your watch to island time and your mind to island mentallity. The locals are going to move a little slower, get back to you on their time and in general, are going to be quite a bit more relaxed than the mainlanders would be. It’s just part of how it goes. Don’t stress if something is running late. It’s island life…
And for the big things, bring your own. From music to photography. Some of the resorts will work all that in. But those are two of the most important parts of your day. Especially the photography. It’s one of the few things that you will have after your day. Photographers will still work wit your budget and you’ll find many bands will do the same. It’s part of the adventure for everyone. THink about what’s important to your day and plan accordingly.
Most of all. VISIT… Before your day, take a little trip to your location of choice and dig around. Find the places you really like. Meet anyone that will be an integral part of your day. Most of all, just take it in and make sure this is the place for you….
Again, being a photographer is a great thing. Being a wedding photographer is even better. And being a wedding photographer that shoots destination weddings as well! Yea, that just rocks!!!
Shine on,
~Tim
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