Let’s talk more about destination weddings…

Before you think you’ve heard it before, you may have read a previous post on the blog about destination weddings here; https://wildflowerandwillow.co.uk/2023/06/29/lets-talk-planning-destination-weddings/ but I’d like to get into it in a bit more detail, and share some top tips on planning a Scottish destination wedding!

Scotland is a killer destination for a wedding – there’s no denying that. We are so lucky with our venues, our landscapes and our traditions that it’s often a popular decision for that away from home wedding – whether you’re coming up from London to get to the countryside, you have family heritage from here or you’re coming from much further afield to enjoy all Scotland has to offer.

But what makes destination weddings tricky? Lot’s of things, and I can assure you, I’ve seen them all!

Here’s my top tips for destination wedding planning –

Timezones

If your wedding is in a different timezone it is really key to choose vendors that don’t rely on the good old phonecall – ask your vendors what their processes and systems are to ensure that they are happy with a WhatsApp, an email or ideally have things like Client Portals set up to allow you to communicate effectively and easily no matter who’s awake or asleep

Logistics

From planning travel, accommodation, deliveries, guests and vendors, destination wedding planning comes with the stress of planning the biggest family holiday ever, alongside the perfect wedding day. I would always recommend choosing a venue that has experience of destination weddings, and ideally a venue that has it all – accommodation, a dedicated wedding coordinator and even other perks for guests to put your mind at ease. Ask what their experience of dealing with destination weddings is, and who on the ground will be helping out with logistics and planning – and if this is included in your package.

Trust

Pick vendors that you truly trust to do the job well and exactly how you want it. Believe me it’s sometimes hard enough to pin people down and get updates in your own town, never mind from across the country or world. Again ask your vendors what experience they have with destination weddings, and choose those that make you feel calm, confident and comfortable. You don’t want the extra stress of wondering if someone is going to deliver on their promises.

Local Culture and Traditions

If coming to Scotland is important to you because of the culture and the traditions, pick vendors and a venue that assures you it’s important to them too, and can help you choose what to include.

Last Minute Changes

If your venue has a dedicated wedding coordinator then fabulous, it really helps with any hiccups on the lead up to the day. If not it’s much more important to make sure your vendors aren’t just in the wedding business for a numbers game. Make sure to ask them how many weddings they take on at a time, whether they will be dropping and running, or whether their service includes an element of helpful assistance. It’s better to make sure from the get go so that everyone is clear of expectations and requirements.  

Local Knowledge

Choose vendors that know your area and chosen venue well. If you can’t make it to venue visits, or to other suppliers, you can lean on their knowledge of the local wedding market to help, and knowing their knowledge of your venue means everything is going to integrate just right. Try not to pick anyone who hasn’t already worked with your venue. Even better choose suppliers you know have worked together before – creating your own wedding support network!

I know planning any wedding is a monumental task – but when that dream venue is hundreds or even thousands of miles away, the whole thing becomes more complex. As someone deeply involved in the wedding industry here in Scotland I understand your challenges and can help you navigate them – becoming your local hero – just get in touch below. Otherwise please follow the top tips above to have the best destination wedding in Scotland!