The Ins And Outs Of Destination Weddings
Especially during poor economic times, Destination Weddings become that much more enticing. There are many benefits to having a destination wedding, but it’s important to understand what is involved.
The Positives
- Overall, it is easier on the wallet. Usually, take care of their own flight and hotel expenses, which also gives them a chance for a nice vacation, especially during the winter.
- You’re getting hitched in a magical locale with stunning panoramas that make the wedding photography even more unforgettable.
- There is an enchanting quality to getting married in a far off place that’s warm and lush. It will be different than all the nuptials you go to back home.
- The hotel usually plans all the details including setting you up with a local wedding photographer (more on this later).
- By having your wedding far from home probably only those folks you actually want to come will show up because of the scheduling and monetary requirements. This is the route to go to get around a potentially contentious guest list for a home affair.
Potential Drawbacks
- It might be difficult for a few beloved people to be there due to legitimate bona fide] barriers (ie) financial, having babies, inability to take time off from work, etc. Ironically, you may end up having a hard time getting why a person who is so close to you can’t come – though they may have very good reasons.
- Did you get to visit the resort before the big day? If not, you may arrive right before the big show and become very concerned. Happily, big problems rarely materialize. Still, it’s essential to have clear communication with the Event Planner to minimize any problems that may arise.
- Many destination weddings take place in the winter season. In planning the wedding keep in mind that if the wedding is during the late fall, winter or early spring, diminishing light will be a factor after approximately 5 o’clock. Therefore, if the ceremony is 3:30 or beyond the post-ceremony photos might be compromised. The sun will drop like a stone and before you know it it will be dark. The heavenly background will become all but invisible and it’ll be like taking pictures in Chicago – which kind of defeats one of the main reasons you’re holding a destination wedding (ie) the glorious background and the accompanying photos. Remember, all you have left afterwards is your wedding photography.
- If you choose a local photographer, firstly, most are not well-trained. Secondly, not only are you are usually not paying less, sometimes you’re paying more than if you flew in your own photographer. Thirdly, once it’s all said and done, if you have any issues with the photographer you are a few thousand miles away. What if they are not calling you back? What if you don’t get your photos? That is a frightening situation. On the flip side, you can hire a photographer from your own city who does destination weddings. In this case you actually meet your photographer way ahead of time . In short, you make a connection with the person who is going to be capturing your wedding. Most siginicantly, God forbid there are any issues, they are easy to track down and you have many more options at your disposal.
- Now, there is something you must keep in mind if you decide to select a destination wedding photography company from your own backyard. Foreign photographers require permits to “formally” ply their trade in most destination locales. For the Bahamas, the permit costs $300. Of course, your photographer can journey incognito and say they are one of your guests. This can be risky. What if they don’t believe you, especially once they’ve gone through your luggage and found all your equipment? You might be risking not being able to photograph the wedding – Yikes! If your photographer is going to fly under the radar they should bring as little gear as possible to not attract attention. Or, it might be best to go the safe route and get the permit.
Consider having a destination wedding. Invariably, it is a wonderful experience. Just be aware of the aforementioned issues that may put a crimp in the plans.
