Who doesn’t enjoy a summer wedding? However, this year you’ve been invited to a fantastic destination wedding on the other side of the country – perhaps you’re visiting a new city or attending a stunning beachside wedding venue. Nevertheless, out-of-town weddings take far more planning versus going to your local church!
You may have already bought the bride and groom’s wedding gifts, written the best man speech, or selected a few possible bridesmaid hairstyles for the big day. However, we’ve put together an alternate travel checklist to ensure you enjoy the perfect destination wedding!
If you’re really lucky, the bridal party may cover some of the cost of travel and accommodation. However, tradition usually dictates that these outlays will be yours. So, whether you’re traveling solo or have the whole family in tow, booking your travel and accommodation early is vital to keeping the costs down.
Additional costs can creep up on you, such as car rentals and eating out. The wedding venue may be a couple of hours away from the airport, so hiring a car can save you time getting there, but don’t forget to include it in your budget.
It’s also worth investigating the local restaurant scene ahead of time, as there might not be many local eateries, or those close by may be more expensive than you’re used to. Ensure you have a budget for additional meals for you and your family, as eating out is often an unforeseen cost!
Don’t forget to research where you’re going, as planning ahead for this summer’s destination wedding is essential, too. Traveling out of state or internationally means that forgetting your driver’s license or not renewing your passport can result in you watching the wedding on your Facebook Live feed instead of being there yourself.
Always be aware and pack for the local weather. If you’re heading further north where you’ll be based near the mountains, be sure to pack some stylish, warmer wedding attire! The same goes if you’re heading south; if it’s hot, bring lots of sun screen and pack some layered clothing, unforeseen thunderstorms may be coming your way.
Making sure you book your flights or travel arrangements in advance is crucial. Traveling in the summer can get super expensive, so try to book early or consider flying during less busy times to save some cash.
It is the same when booking your accommodations. Resorts and hotels become fully booked during the peak summer season, so reserve your rooms early. Also, be sure to find the nearest Best Western® Hotels & Resorts now, as staying close to the wedding venue can avoid you paying for taxis back and forth.
You can earn fantastic discounts by block booking flights and accommodation. To maximize these savings, we also recommend starting a wedding group chat with other friends and family heading to the destination wedding.
Advanced group booking of airfares and hiring minivans on arrival can save everyone on their transportation costs. Accommodation discounts are available too, so block book your group’s stay with our Best Western® Hotels & Resorts advanced group booking facility.
Our top tip is to pack what you’ll be wearing as carry-on luggage when flying to a destination wedding, including your bridesmaid shoes. Losing your outfit in transit could spell disaster on the big day. Also, be aware of additional baggage fees if your wedding gifts are oversized or too heavy, and need to be checked in.
There’s a lot to think about when traveling to a destination wedding, so it’s good to write a checklist of everything you might need. If you haven’t already memorized the best man speech, print off at least two copies and be sure to pack these separately. If you have been charged with designing the bridesmaid hairstyles, be sure to pack any tools you might deem necessary.
Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!