Here’s your go-to guide to planning the ultimate destination wedding

Begin with a clear plan and budget

Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and multi-day festivities. Bahrami advises planning a year ahead to handle complexities like guest logistics, rituals, and costs. A well-organised plan ensures you can:

• Book Top Venues Early: Popular spots like Udaipur palaces or Bali resorts get booked years in advance.
• Save on Seasonal Deals: Off-season rates can make a luxury venue affordable.
• Account for Hidden Costs: Include factors like travel for vendors, import duties for decor, and local transportation for guests.

Choose the perfect destination

Indian couples often look for destinations that offer rich cultural experiences or romantic backdrops. Here are some popular choices:

India

• Goa: Perfect for a relaxed beachside celebration. Consider venues in South Goa for exclusivity.
• Rajasthan: Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur offer heritage palaces ideal for grand celebrations, much like Kiara Advani and Priyanka Chopra felt.
• Kerala: For an intimate wedding, Kerala’s backwaters or hill stations like Munnar provide stunning scenery.

Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur offer heritage palaces ideal for grand celebrations, much like Kiara Advani and Priyanka Chopra felt (file)

International

• Bali: Known for tropical beauty, it’s a favourite for smaller, private ceremonies.
• Italy: Indian couples would love Tuscany’s vineyards or Lake Como’s luxurious villas, like Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone did, for a dreamy setting.
• Dubai: Its proximity to India makes it perfect for extravagant weddings in iconic hotels.

Legal and ritual considerations

Many Indian couples would like to integrate traditional rituals into destination weddings, which can require additional preparation. Bahrami highlights the importance of:

• Understanding Legal Requirements: For example, Italy requires a Nulla Osta certificate, and certain beach destinations need permits.
• Consulting Priests: Ensure your chosen priest or officiant can travel to the location or check if local options are available.
• Respecting Customs: In international locations, align rituals with local regulations, such as fire ceremonies in non-permissive areas.

Managing guest logistics

Destination weddings often require streamlined guest management, Bahrami said. Consider these tips:

• Group Travel Arrangements: Work with travel agents to book chartered flights or block hotel rooms.
• Welcome Kits: Provide guests with itineraries, local guides, and essentials like sunscreen for beach weddings.
• Virtual Attendance Options: For those who can’t travel, set up live streaming of the ceremonies.

Whether it’s a royal affair in Udaipur or an intimate ceremony in Santorini, destination weddings offer Indian couples a chance to blend traditional festivities with a unique setting. Careful planning and expert guidance ensure a celebration that’s as stress-free as it is memorable.