Destination Weddings & all about - For you or not?

Yes, it is for you, it is for anyone and everyone!

Does it always have to be expensive and lavish? Hell no!!

I amaze myself at times given the budgets with which I have planned destination weddings in Goa/ Rajasthan/ Kerala and other parts of this enormous and splendid country.

The most beautiful destination weddings after planning over a hundred weddings are the small, simple, chic ones. A wedding is not just a union of souls and not just a reason to celebrate it is also a way of gratitude that you have found your perfect mate.

In simple words, it has to reflect who you are; the couple should open their hearts and ensure the wedding reflects their personalities.

Indian families have a tendency of making it “larger than life", trust me it's not important. It's only about how personal you can keep it, how elegant you can keep it, how you can celebrate only with people who “matter to you".

When this thought arises, you surely have a picture, as either a beach or mountains, palaces or a desert will be your ideal venue.

Fun or history, quirky or traditional, larger than life or chic and quaint, a hidden gem or a flamboyant location. 

When you are able to decide, keep the following in mind when you book a venue.

1. Choose a planner first and the location can follow.

2. Work with people and believe in your planner/ consultant.

3. If you have time and can do a few things on your own then go with a consultant or a concierge service than a wedding planner.

4. Online is a massive portfolio of vendors for each category. Ensure you check the delivery and the consistency of the vendor chosen.

5. Often when you cut corners, you end up spending more in the end.

6. Keep it simple, people will crib anyway :)

7. Experiences matter more than things.

8. Never compare vendors with only price.

9. Photographers are the second most important people in a wedding after bride and groom, don't compromise in this area. Go for a candid one, everyone is camera conscious!

10. If you have budget issues then avoid too many frills.

11. When you have a destination wedding, never go with an all meals package, in the end, the hotel will rip you off on even water and soft drinks. All meals packages always have limited menus. It's wiser to design your own menu.

The hotel/ venue will always have revenue to cover and they will!!!

12.  Alcohol and soft beverages are always cheaper to work on actuals than on per person packages, negotiate a discount on banquet rates than a per person rate.

13. A planner can add finesse and finer touches to your wedding, do not expect them to wave a magic wand or sprinkle Fugazi.

14. The elements like Decoration of your venues, entertainment for each event, Photo/ Video, Make Up artists, Permissions, licenses, Priests etc. are all available in various budgets, try not to have one vendor imitate work of the other, original will always perform better.

15. There are personal shopping assistants & stylists available for styling the bride, groom and the immediate family. This will ensure optimum utilization of time, money and you can look your best.

Signing Off

Garema Kumar