Planning a wedding out of town is a dream of many brides-to-be. Naturally, the first thought is of logistics, planning and endless scheduling with relatives, but if you pick the right venue – not too close and not too far away – you can just make it work! More and more couples are opting for venues like The Links at Union Vale, where they have the option and creative freedom to have the premises decorated based on a theme and have custom-made menus that don’t break the bank.
To make sure your out-of-town wedding goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few tips and suggestions:
- Hire a planner who is familiar with the area. Or better yet – work directly with the venue you’ve selected. They will know all the local vendors and offer much better package deals than the ones you will be getting if you’re shopping around yourself. Working with a planner who knows the area will help you way more than you could ever imagine. They will be able to give you reputable vendor recommendations, as well as help you set up meetings for your visits.
- If you have to travel out of town, it’s wise to schedule your vendor meetings ahead of time and on the same day. That way, when you get to your wedding’s location, you can meet with all of them at the same time. Take into consideration your own travel, as well as vendors’ schedules, so expect to schedule your days of meetings at least 3 weeks ahead of time. If you’re meeting with floral designers, schedule all the meetings on the same day. The same applies to cake tasting and everything else.
- As you’re not local to the area, it’s important to search and compare prices to know what’s acceptable and what’s over the top. If you’re relying on your wedding venue to make the vendor arrangements, you are given a financial safety net as they probably have established business relationships that guarantee them preferential rates. But if you’re working with your own planner, you will want to double-check everything they run by you. Check vendor reviews on sites like Every Last Vendor, ask questions and make smart choices.
- Plan ahead. Having a wedding out of town means your guests will also face travel and accommodation. Some may very well be flying from across the country. Be mindful of how much you’re asking of your family and friends. We understand it’s Your Big Day and you want to be surrounded by your favorite people, but the truth is not everyone can afford the travelling and accommodation expenses that come with an out-of-town wedding. Look for ways to ease the financial burden and ask the venue if they offer discounts for group packages or look for affordable hotels nearby that won’t break the bank for your guests. Make them feel welcome and important by showing that you want them to be there on your day.
Planning an out of town wedding takes a bit more coordination and multitasking compared to living close to your wedding venue. But if you stay organized, plan ahead, and make financially smart choices – you can have the celebration you’ve always dreamed of!
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