Quick Summary: Home Wedding Prep Essentials

• Prepare guest quarters with clean linens, clear surfaces, and simple comforts for a welcoming stay.
• Create meeting spaces by arranging seating and keeping key rooms uncluttered and easy to navigate.
• Organize staging areas for outfits, flowers, gifts, and supplies to keep setup calm and efficient.
• Use low-cost decor by refreshing with tidy details and cohesive touches that photograph beautifully.
• Plan wedding-day logistics by mapping traffic flow and space use so everyone moves smoothly.

Make Every Room Pull Double Duty With 12 Cheap Upgrades

When your home is doing a lot on wedding day, prep space, photo backdrop, snack station, and guest hub, small tweaks can make everything feel calmer fast. These budget upgrades build on your quick-win priorities: clear zones, simple décor, guest comfort, and easy cleanup.

1. Do a 30-minute “flow reset” in your main hallway + living room: Walk the route guests will take (entry → seating → bathroom → backyard/garage) and remove anything that creates a pinch point, extra chairs, baskets, kids’ toys, and bulky side tables. Park those items in one “temporary storage” spot like a bedroom you’re not using. Clear pathways photograph better, reduce stress, and make it obvious where people should go.
   
2. Create two clearly labeled “landing zones” by the door: Set out a small table or bin for cards/gifts and a second spot for coats/shoes (a rack, laundry baskets, or a cleared bench). Add a simple sign on printer paper in a frame so helpers don’t have to guess. This keeps clutter from migrating into your prep space and protects your photo-ready areas.
   
3. Set up a calm bridal prep station with three bins (and one rule): Use bins labeled Hair/Makeup, Details for Photos, and Emergency Kit (safety pins, blotting sheets, stain remover, scissors). The rule: nothing goes on countertops except what’s in use right now. A contained setup keeps “getting ready” photos clean and makes it easier for friends to help without rearranging your whole bathroom.
   
4. Turn one room into the “quiet room” for kids, elders, or overwhelmed guests: Pick a bedroom or office and add water, simple snacks, a phone-charging strip, and two comfortable seats. Put a note on the door (“Quiet Room, Please Keep Voices Low”) so it actually stays restful. This one move reduces crowding in your main gathering area and gives families a pressure-release valve.
   
5. Use “photo-friendly” DIY décor that doubles as signage: Choose 2–3 repeatable elements, framed printed photos of you two, bud vases, and simple candle holders, then place them where you’ll actually gather (entry, drink station, dessert table). A low-cost idea like wooden picture holders can display table numbers, a timeline, or “leave a note” prompts and look great in wide shots. Keeping décor consistent in a few spots reads more “styled” than scattering random items everywhere.
   
6. Run a mini event-cleaning checklist that prevents end-of-night chaos: Place one trash bin in each high-traffic zone (bathroom, food/drink area, entry) and keep extra liners at the bottom of each bin. A practical habit like empty trash bins during the day helps minimize workload when you’re tired and dressed up. Pair it with a small “reset basket” (paper towels, wipes, lint roller) so any helper can do a 2-minute tidy.

Map Your Home Setup to Your Wedding Day Timeline

This step-by-step setup turns your home into a clear, photo-friendly wedding-day “map” so family, friends, and vendors know where to go and what happens next. For local couples and families working with a professional photographer, this kind of plan protects your time for portraits, keeps prep calm, and helps candid moments happen naturally.

1. Anchor your timeline to the ceremony time
   Start by choosing the ceremony start time, then use the idea to work backward from the ceremony to set realistic blocks for hair, makeup, getting dressed, and first-look photos. Add forward-looking blocks for family formals, food, and any send-off. When your timeline is clear, your home setup becomes obvious because each time block needs a physical place.
   
2. Assign one “home base” meeting spot for each phase
   Pick a single, easy-to-find meeting area for each big moment: arrival and greetings, wedding-party prep, family photos, and the post-ceremony hangout. Put a simple sign at each spot so helpers can direct guests without interrupting you. This prevents the common problem of people gathering in the one doorway your photographer needs to clear.
   
3. Place photo and setup gear where it will not migrate
   Choose one staging corner near the main action for vendor bags, garment bags, and photo items like rings, invitations, and extra florals. Keep it close enough to access quickly, but out of walking paths so nothing gets bumped during high-traffic moments. A dedicated gear zone saves minutes all day and reduces visual clutter in wide shots.
   
4. Set guest-comfort stations to match the busiest times
   Set up water, light snacks, and a small trash bin where guests naturally wait during transitions, such as before the ceremony start or while family photos rotate. Add a quiet seat option for kids and elders so the main gathering area stays comfortable and less noisy. Comfort stations keep people settled, which makes your home feel more welcoming and your photos feel more relaxed.
   
5. Do a 10-minute walkthrough and lock in responsibilities
   Walk the timeline in real time from arrival to ceremony to celebration, and test: “Where do we stand?” “Where do we put this?” “Where do guests go next?” If you need rentals, deliveries, or extra trash pickup, follow an event planning checklist style approach by confirming service needs early so you are not troubleshooting the week of. Then assign one point person per zone, so questions go to them, not to you.

Quick Answers for a Calm, Photo-Ready Home

Q: What are some low-cost ways to transform my home into an ideal staging area for wedding day preparations?
A: Choose one bright, tidy room with the biggest window and clear the surfaces for clean backgrounds. Use what you already own: a neutral sheet as a backdrop, matching hangers, and a simple “details tray” for rings, vows, and a shot of wedding invitation. If you are comparing photographers, ask who is comfortable working with natural light and small spaces.

Q: What simple steps can I take to prepare guest quarters that are comfortable yet budget-friendly for wedding attendees?
A: Focus on sleep and ease: fresh sheets, a towel set, a small trash bag, and a phone-charging spot. Add a handwritten note with the bathroom location and the morning schedule so guests feel cared for without extra spending. If space is tight, offer a quiet corner with a chair and outlet as a backup recharge area.

Q: How do I ensure smooth coordination on the wedding day at home to reduce stress and last-minute confusion?
A: Assign one reliable point person for questions and vendor directions so you stay present. Share a one-page timeline with key addresses, parking notes, and photo priorities, including a reminder to capture the wedding dress before it goes on. For candid moments, ask your photographer to watch transitions like hugs, happy tears, and kids underfoot.

Q: How can I create meaningful photo displays after the wedding to beautifully showcase memories and emotions captured on the big day?
A: Start by selecting 15 to 25 images that tell the story: getting ready, reactions, vows, and the in-between laughter. Mix wide scenes with close details so the display feels like a narrative, not just highlights. Then arrange them chronologically in a collage layout, using a simple method like this step-by-step photo collage guide to keep the emotions and pacing intact, and leave a little blank space so each moment can breathe.

Finish Home Wedding Prep With Calm, Confident Hosting

Hosting a wedding at home can feel like balancing a tight budget, a lived-in space, and big emotions, while hoping it still looks beautiful in photos. The steady path is confident event preparation: focus on the few high-impact choices, keep the flow simple, and lean into community wedding support when hands and hearts are needed. With that mindset, empowering wedding hosts create home celebration success that feels welcoming, photo-ready, and flexible when real life happens. A calm plan and a cared-for space make the celebration feel effortless. Choose one next step today: pick the main photo spot and clear it completely. That clarity matters because it builds connection and resilience, memories held by people, not perfection.

The post How to Prepare Your Home for an Affordable and Beautiful Wedding Day appeared first on Dreamscape Weddings.

Quick Wedding Planning Takeaways

● Define your wedding budget allocation early to guide every planning decision
confidently.
● Choose your venue using clear selection criteria that support your style and practical
needs.
● Plan your wedding date with intention to align availability, priorities, and overall logistics.
● Build your guest list thoughtfully to keep the celebration meaningful and manageable.
● Select theme, food, and entertainment options that consistently reflect your personal
style.

Build Your Wedding Plan With a Save-the-Date Timeline

This process helps you turn your style into clear decisions, on a timeline you can actually follow.
For individuals and families in Iowa hiring professional photography, it matters because your
planning choices directly shape your photo locations, lighting, and the moments you’ll want
documented.

Step 1: Define your priorities and people first
Start by writing down your top three “must-feel-like-us” elements (season, vibe,
traditions, locations) and a first-draft guest list. The checklist prompt of who your people are keeps decisions grounded and prevents you from planning for a version of the day
that is not truly yours.

Step 2: Set a realistic budget and guardrails
Decide what you can comfortably spend, then set boundaries like “no more than X
vendors” or “no more than Y guests.” The foundational move to determine your wedding
budget makes every later choice easier, including how much flexibility you have for
photography coverage, albums, and engagement sessions.

Step 3: Lock your date, venue, and photo priorities together
Choose a date range, then confirm a venue that matches your style and practical needs.
As you tour or compare spaces, note ceremony start time, indoor backup options, and
portrait locations so your photographer can plan for the best light and a smooth timeline.

Step 4: Use a simple 12-month checklist and send save-the-dates early
Build a one-page checklist with monthly goals, then schedule your first big
communication: save-the-dates. Early planning time is for research into wedding venues,
decor, and styles so your look, vendors, and imagery stay consistent instead of feeling
pieced together.

Step 5: Match invitations to your theme, then choose DIY or done-for-you
Pull 3 to 5 visual cues from your day (colors, type style, florals, location textures) and
apply them consistently across save-the-dates, invites, and day-of paper. If you go DIY,
start with a template, many couples design free printout invitations at this stage, then
keep fonts to two, export to a print-ready PDF, and order a single proof set so your
stationery looks polished without extra hassle.

Plan → Align → Confirm → Review

This rhythm turns your wedding planning timeline into a steady cadence, so decisions stay
connected to your style instead of drifting toward last-minute fixes. For individuals and families
in Iowa working with professional photography, sequencing matters because timing affects light,
travel, and which moments can be photographed calmly. A realistic runway also helps since the
average engagement length is 15 months, giving you room to iterate.

Each stage feeds the next: clarity creates timing, timing enables coordination, and coordination
makes confirmations feel easy. The weekly review closes the loop so your plan stays flexible
while your style stays consistent.

Finish-Strong Wedding Planning Checklist

To keep it moving: This quick checklist helps Iowa couples and families stay organized while
protecting the photo moments you will want most. Use it weekly to spot gaps early, reduce
stress, and keep your celebration aligned with your style.

✔ Define three style words and one non negotiable priority
✔ Set decision deadlines for venue, attire, and key vendors
✔ Confirm photo timeline blocks for prep, ceremony, portraits, and sunset
✔ Build travel buffers between locations for people and gear
✔ Create a shot list for family groupings and meaningful details
✔ Pack an emergency kit with touch up and comfort essentials
✔ Review contracts, payments, and rain plan details in one folder
Check these off, then celebrate the progress you can feel.

Plan Your Iowa Wedding With Confidence and Personal Style

Wedding planning can feel like a tug-of-war between expectations, budgets, timelines, and what
actually feels like you. A personalized wedding approach, guided by clear priorities, steady
communication, and stress-free wedding preparation, keeps decisions grounded in your values
instead of outside pressure. With wedding planning confidence, the checklist becomes a calm
tool for follow-through, and empowered wedding decisions start to feel natural, not scary. A
wedding that reflects your style starts with choices that protect your priorities. Choose one
“must-feel-like-us” detail today and confirm the next step on your timeline. That’s how the
celebration of unique style turns into a day that strengthens connection and memory for years to
come.

The post How to Plan a Wedding in Iowa That Truly Reflects Your Style appeared first on Dreamscape Weddings.

Quick Summary: Choosing High-Value Networking Events

● Identify networking events that align with the connections and opportunities you want to build.
● Check event accessibility so you can attend comfortably and participate fully.
● Match each event with clear professional goals to stay focused and intentional.
● Practice strategic event attendance to make meaningful connections and follow your plan.

What Makes a Networking Event Worth Your Time?

A valuable networking event is not the one with the most people. It is the one that matches your intent and puts you near the right contacts. Start by naming your goal and who you hope to meet, since strategic networking focuses on relationships that support real business outcomes.

This matters because photography is built on trust, not quick pitches. When you choose rooms that encourage genuine conversations, you are more likely to meet planners, venues, and past clients who refer families, couples, and students to you. It also saves time you could spend editing, prepping, or being present at home.

Think of it like picking a photographer: you would not book based on how many sessions they shoot. You look for fit, style, and proof they can handle real moments, since setting those priorities benefits from networking fundamentals that help you judge what “success” means. With these criteria, finding the right events becomes a simple shortlist exercise.

Find Better Events Using 5 Reliable Discovery Channels

The fastest way to find networking events worth your time is to search in places where the “right room” already gathers. Use these five channels to build a shortlist that matches your goals, your schedule, and the kinds of clients you actually want to serve.

1. Use online event platforms with tight filters: Set a 10-minute weekly calendar block to scan online event platforms, then filter by topic (small business, creative services, marketing), format (in-person/virtual), and time of day you can realistically attend. Save only events that match your intent from earlier: are you trying to meet engaged couples, family-focused business owners, or local brands needing commercial photography? The growing virtual event platform market means you can often find high-quality virtual meetups when babysitters, classes, or work shifts make in-person meetings harder.
   
2. Join industry-specific associations to borrow trust: Look for associations that overlap with your ideal contacts, wedding professionals, small business groups, marketing/advertising communities, or arts organizations. Attend one “signature” event first (a monthly meetup, breakfast, or workshop) and treat it like research: who shows up consistently, and do they collaborate with each other? Associations work because the membership screen tends to create better-fit conversations, which is one of the strongest “quality signals” when you’re deciding what’s worth your time.
   
3. Activate alumni networking groups for warm introductions: If you’re a student, recent grad, or even years out, alumni groups are a low-pressure way to meet people who already share a connection with you. Start by attending one online happy hour or local gathering, then follow up with two people for 15-minute coffee chats focused on learning: “What kinds of vendors do you recommend for senior photos or family portraits?” These groups are especially helpful if you’re shy, shared school ties make it easier to move from small talk to real rapport.
   
4. Work Chamber of Commerce business mixers with a simple plan: Chambers are a reliable source of business mixers where you can meet owners who need images for websites, headshots, and promotions. Go in with one clear goal (example: meet three business owners and one event planner) and one clear offer (example: a mini brand-audit conversation about what photos their homepage is missing). After the mixer, send a short message within 24 hours referencing something specific you discussed, this is how a “busy room” becomes real relationships.
   
5. Turn referrals from contacts into a repeatable system: Don’t wait for referrals, prompt them. Ask five people you already know (a classmate, a parent at school, a past client, a coworker, a neighbor) to share one upcoming event they trust or one connector you should meet. Make it easy by giving them a one-sentence description of what you’re looking for, and ask them to share it in two places; two or more touchpoints can increase the odds your request actually gets passed along.

When you collect events from these channels, you’ll end up with options that are easier to compare: who attends, what conversations you’ll have, and how likely the room is to lead to the relationships you want to build in your community.

Pre-Event Fit and Prep Checklist

To stay focused: This checklist helps you pick rooms that actually lead to referrals, so families, couples, and students can find a photographer through real trust, not random luck. A quick scan also keeps your prep light while your conversations stay intentional, and pre-event email marketing can signal how organized the event will be.

✔ Confirm attendee types match your ideal photo clients
✔ Review the host and sponsor list for credible community connectors
✔ Set one outcome goal and two people to meet
✔ Prepare your elevator pitch in one sentence
✔ Bring a simple follow-up offer like a mini consult or guide
✔ Track names, details, and next steps in your notes immediately
✔ Send two follow-ups within 24 hours with one specific reference

Check these off, then show up ready to connect with confidence.

Choose One High-Fit Event and Build Real Connections

It’s easy to show up to random mixers and still leave wondering if any of it actually helped. The shift is intentional networking participation, choosing events with purpose and using proactive networking strategies so each conversation supports building professional networks that fit real goals. With that mindset, confidence grows, follow-ups feel natural, and small connections start turning into long-term networking benefits. One intentional event beats ten forgettable ones. Choose one event this month that matches the checklist and attend with a clear intention. That steady practice builds empowerment through networking and strengthens the community ties that support resilient careers over time.

The post How to Choose Networking Events That Truly Boost Your Professional Connections appeared first on Dreamscape Weddings.

In today’s competitive world, making a lasting impression is crucial, especially in the professional realm. That’s where professional headshots come into play. These high-quality portraits aren’t just for actors or models anymore; they’re an essential tool for anyone looking to elevate their personal brand and stand out from the crowd.

Why Professional Headshots Are a Great Investment

Elevate Your Online Presence

In the digital age, your online presence often serves as the first impression you make on potential clients, employers, or collaborators. A professional headshot can significantly enhance your LinkedIn profile, website, or social media accounts, giving you a polished and professional image that commands attention.

Make a Strong First Impression

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and nowhere is this more true than in the business world. A well-executed professional headshot instantly communicates professionalism, confidence, and approachability, setting the tone for positive interactions with clients, colleagues, and industry peers.

Stand Out from the Competition

In today’s saturated market, standing out is essential for success. A professional headshot can help you differentiate yourself from the competition by showcasing your unique personality, style, and expertise. Whether you’re vying for a new job opportunity or attracting clients to your business, a standout headshot can make all the difference.

Build Trust and Credibility

In an increasingly virtual world, building trust with your audience is more important than ever. A professional headshot lends credibility to your personal brand, showing potential clients or employers that you take your professional image seriously and are committed to delivering excellence in everything you do.

Capture Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand is what sets you apart from everyone else in your field. A professional headshot allows you to capture and convey your personal brand effectively, whether it’s through your choice of attire, facial expression, or setting. It’s an opportunity to tell your story and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Boost Your Networking Potential

Networking is a vital aspect of professional success, and a great headshot can significantly enhance your networking efforts. Whether you’re attending industry events, conferences, or virtual meetups, a standout headshot will make you more memorable and increase your chances of making meaningful connections.

Adaptability Across Platforms

One of the great things about professional headshots is their versatility. Whether you’re updating your website, revamping your LinkedIn profile, or creating promotional materials for an upcoming event, a high-quality headshot can be used across a variety of platforms to maintain consistency and professionalism.

Invest in Your Future

Think of a professional headshot as an investment in yourself and your future. By taking the time to invest in a high-quality portrait, you’re not only enhancing your professional image in the short term but also laying the foundation for long-term success and growth in your career or business.

Highlight Your Professionalism

Your headshot is often the first thing potential clients or employers see, so it’s essential to make a strong impression. A professional headshot conveys a sense of professionalism and attention to detail, signaling to others that you’re serious about what you do and committed to delivering top-notch results.

Boost Your Confidence

Let’s face it: looking your best can do wonders for your confidence. A professional headshot allows you to put your best foot forward and feel confident in how you present yourself to the world. When you look and feel your best, you’ll exude confidence in every interaction, whether it’s in-person or online.

Keep Your Image Fresh

As you grow and evolve in your career, it’s essential to keep your professional image up-to-date. A fresh, modern headshot ensures that you’re always putting your best face forward, whether you’re attending a job interview, pitching a new client, or updating your website.

Showcase Your Personality

Your headshot is more than just a picture; it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and make a memorable impression on others. Whether you’re outgoing and approachable or serious and professional, your headshot should reflect who you are and what makes you unique.

Make a Lasting Impression

In today’s fast-paced world, making a lasting impression is harder than ever. A professional headshot gives you the opportunity to make a strong and memorable impression on potential clients, employers, or collaborators, ensuring that you’ll stay top-of-mind long after your initial interaction.

Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a hallmark of professionalism, and your headshot is no exception. From your choice of clothing to your posture and expression, every element of your headshot should be carefully considered to ensure that it accurately reflects your professional image and personal brand.

Enhance Your Brand Identity

Your personal brand is a reflection of who you are and what you stand for, and your headshot plays a crucial role in shaping that identity. A professional headshot can help you communicate your brand values, personality, and expertise effectively, helping you attract the right opportunities and connections.

Adapt to Changing Trends

Trends in photography and personal branding are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. A professional headshot allows you to adapt to changing trends and ensure that your image remains fresh, modern, and relevant in today’s competitive landscape.

Make a Wise Investment

While it’s true that professional headshots require an initial investment of time and money, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Think of it as an investment in yourself and your future, with the potential to open doors, attract opportunities, and propel your career or business to new heights.

We can help

Ready to elevate your professional image and make a lasting impression? Contact www.jjphotographyia.com  today to schedule your professional headshot session. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, revamping your website, or preparing for a big event, we’re here to help you look your best and stand out from the crowd. Reach out to us at 319-573-3857 or jjphotographyia@outlook.com to learn more and book your session.

The post Why Professional Headshots Are a Great Investment appeared first on Dreamscape Weddings.

It used to be that May, June and July were the most popular months to get married with June being the top pick. But the trends have changed. The most popular wedding months on the calendar now tend to be June, October, and September. May and August aren’t too far behind. At the same time, the most popular months can also be a little more expensive as well. But if you’re looking to save a little money, some vendors may offer discounts for off times and dates such as Fridays or Sundays and even less popular months of the year. With the average weddings running around $30,000, it pays to shop and choose your vendors wisely. Depending on your location, the averages can even be much higher. Of course not saying to go with the cheapest, as you also want quality vendors. But if a respected and quality vendor can offer a discount on an off day, nothing wrong with that. And even if they quote you a price, most things are negotiable with in reason.

If you believe in the stars and you’re looking to plan your day for the most lucky dates for a 2025 Wedding, You’re in luck, dates below are considered luckiest for your 2025 Wedding. Although some are off dates, they could also save you some money as well. Week dates might be better to elope.

• January 2, 10 and 25
• February 1, 2, 9 and 26
• March 5 and 6
• April 2, 8 and 20
• May 2, 8 and 28.
• June 1, 6, 20 and 22.
• July 2, 3, 10 and 27.
• August 1, 12 and 15.
• September 2, 20 and 24.
• October 1, 3, 16 and 25.
• November 1, 2, 14, 22 and 27.
• December 3, 5, 11, 21, 27 and 31.

The post What month do most brides get married? appeared first on Dreamscape Weddings.

It seems obvious that there might be a conversion rate in your destination country but what you may not consider is that it’s continually in flux and how that might affect your payments. When planning your destination wedding, think about timing. For instance, if you’re planning a summer wedding in Europe, you may want to put more money down with your vendors in the winter months, when the Euro is typically weaker rather than paying everything off in the summer when the Euro is strongest due to tourism.

Also, keep in mind each country has it’s own tax rate and some may be higher than you expect. Spain, for instance, has a VAT tax of 21% so when budgeting, be sure to include the VAT in your overall budget as it likely won’t be included in the estimates your vendors send. Your planner may be able help you estimate these charges. 

The Pre-Wedding Itinerary

The days leading up to your wedding in a foreign location with your closest friends and family could arguably be the best part of having a destination wedding and hold many of the memories you make on the trip (besides the big day, of course). You may want to create activities for those who are interested, but not mandatory.

Instead of a full day of activities, consider one happy hour or meet-up location a day. Anyone who wants to join you for the day outside of that is a plus! Things will be flexible and may change, but keep a WhatsApp or Facebook messenger group so everyone’s in the loop and can come and go as they please. At the end of the day, it’s your wedding but also their vacation.

Be sure to send out email updates – But don’t over do it

Invitations are helpful (and necessary) and you can put as much information as you want on them. But chances are things will change or people will lose the invites before the wedding. Coordinating a large group to a different country can be challenging if it’s not an all-inclusive, one-stop resort. Using an email service like MailChimp or just a general email blast can help streamline things like hotel or reservations, transportation, booking questions, etc. Just don’t overdo it and start spamming your loved ones.

Your Beauty Treatments and getting ready

Might not be as easy as you think. If you leave for your wedding a week before the big day, you may not want to get your nails done that early or get a spray tan before you leave. The key point here is just because you’re in a different country, doesn’t mean they don’t have the same beauty treatments we do.

Almost everyone has manicures and spray tans. If you’re not able to do your hair/makeup trial before the big day – head to your destination a few days early to squeeze it in. While there are many things you can’t control in a destination wedding, there are some you can make time for before you book your departure date.

Relinquishing Control. Let a trusted planner take care of everything for you.

Don’t be afraid to give up control and also not sweating the details. By giving up control, you will actually enjoy the big day more. Then you won’t be consumed by what the seating chart is going to look like or how many candles each table has. With a destination wedding, you have to know going into it that being in the location of your choice is the best decision of all.

Anything you see on Pinterest might seem important now, but nobody except you will remember those details after the big day. It’s important that you have a local wedding planner who understands your vision and who you trust because they’ll be the ones helping select florists, recommend restaurants, or even tasting your food if you can’t make a trip before the big day. Having the best planner will be great!

Be considerate of your guests and costs involved

Yes, you’re spending a pretty penny for flights, decor, music, gifts and everything else that goes into your wedding. But be considerate of how much your guests are spending to see your big day. If possible, give your friends and family a year or more to save up for the big trip, knowing that most of your friends may be mid-20’s and don’t have a few extra thousand to throw around at any given time. 

Also by selecting bridesmaid dresses that are all under $100 or low cost, they won’t have to break the bank for some costly designer dress nobody will ever wear again. And truthfully, the dresses will look just as good as the high priced ones!

Please consider those who were not able to go with you on the trip

You may want a Local reception when you get back. They are more appreciated than you might think. It takes the guilt off those who can’t make it either due to financial reasons, timing, etc. A local reception doesn’t have to be elaborate, and in fact, can be quite simply a family member’s house or reserving a small room at a local spot for cocktails one evening.

Planning your final payments

In the States, it’s typical to deliver final payments to your vendors by check, but internationally it’s a different story. Checks may not always be an option, therefore carrying a lot of foreign cash or paying additional costs for wire transfers (about $40) may be required. Talk to your wedding planner or vendors beforehand to see how they handle this with international couples to figure out your best option. Making smaller payments throughout the year rather than only a deposit and final check may help you in the long run.

At the end of the day, it’s all about YOU!

If you had any initial thoughts of a destination wedding, it’s because it’s what you and your fiancé wanted – not anyone else. You can only do and plan so much but the most important thing is you enjoy every second of it. So eat the food, dance all night, and sing along to your favorite songs at the top of your lungs, because it’s a day (or week) unlike anything else!

The post HOW TO PLAN A DESTINATION WEDDING: THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU appeared first on Dreamscape Weddings.