Compensation for this post was provided by OzForex Limited ABN 65 092 375 703 (trading as OFX). Opinions expressed here are my own.
Destination weddings have grown in popularity and are no longer just for the fortunate few. People travel more than ever, airfares are great value and the overseas destination could even be closer to home for some relatives. With the right advice and sound money management, planning a destination wedding becomes a very real possibility.
Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations. The entire South Pacific is located conveniently on our doorstep, and wedding groups appreciate the value and facilities of the resort islands. The lush surroundings and warm waters provide many wedding locations worth investigating.
Lots of people meet their future partner and even marry while travelling overseas. Europe and the United States are also favoured for destination weddings, and although more expensive, can also be the convenient option for some guests.
Planning a destination wedding isn’t difficult once you understand your own limitations. You will need to coordinate offshore wedding arrangements and financial transactions, so making certain your investment is in good hands is the first priority.Securing your wedding investment
A destination wedding usually involves purchasing a wedding package or using the services of a wedding planner. Wedding packages, often associated with larger resorts, can seem too formulated, but the exotic or exclusive setting should satisfy just about everyone.
A wedding planner, on the other hand, is able to tailor the wedding to your personal needs. It’s often best to hire a wedding planner who lives locally, speaks the language, and has existing relationships with vendors and service providers.
A destination wedding doesn’t need to be complicated, and neither should an overseas money transfer.is OFX money transfers are among the most popular, offering 55 currencies and paying to 190 countries around the world, with the ability to track the progress of your global payment.
Whether you need to send a one-off payment or staggered payments to various wedding suppliers, money transfers are normally completed in a couple of days, so it’s easy to keep a destination wedding plan on track.
The detailed wedding plan
Unless you have experienced local contacts, a highly competent wedding planner will be essential to get the most out of your budget. The destination is just the setting, and for the wedding to become all that it can, your spending and money transfers need to be targeted and secure. A wedding planner can assist in many ways, including:
- venue hire and decoration
- guest reception, limos, accommodation
- photographer, DJ or band
- catering, organising the wedding cake
- coordinating the sequence of events on the day of the wedding
- ensuring local events or other festivities don’t conflict with your chosen wedding day
The wedding can even become an extended vacation that takes full advantage of your chosen destination. Consider sailing, diving or day trips as an additional attraction for everyone’s enjoyment. An OFX money transfer can cover it all, or be used specifically for destination wedding essentials. This flexibility keeps you in control of spending and provides opportunity for extra spontaneity and vacation-style adventure.
Start planning early
There are lots of reasons why people choose a destination wedding. For some it’s an idyllic dream, while others have cherished memories of a favourite place. The location could be perfect for both sides of the family, or just a great way to do something a little different, create a party atmosphere, and soak up some tropical sun.
The earlier you get moving with the wedding plan, the easier it will be for your guests to make arrangements. Plan ahead to secure your dream destination wedding location, and send invitations out well in advance of the wedding day. If some guests aren’t able to attend, it’s worth considering hosting a second ceremony back home at a later date. In some cultures, this is already the expected practice.
The favourable climate of competitively priced accommodations, cheap international travel and secure money transfers is an opportunity worth taking advantage of. Destination weddings are now within reach of most couples hoping for an enchanting experience like no other.
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