Firstly, the couple out of respect for their guests must give at least three months notice in advance to the guests, so there is enough time for the guests to prepare for the destination wedding. Also many employers like to receive vacation requests at least two months in advance.
The couple must make it easy for the guests to get to their destination wedding. The couple will organize guests flight, accommodation and transportation requirements, with group rates and discounts through a Specialized Destination Wedding Travel Agency.
Guests are expected to pay for their own flights, accommodation and transportation. The save the date card indicates for the guests to pay their own flights, accommodation and transportation. In the card, it should also specify the wedding location (you can always just put the City if you have not chosen the resort).
The Bride and Groom may also like to set up a late wedding reception after their return from their destination wedding/honeymoon. This is for the guests and family members who were unable to attend the destination wedding, it is common for the Bride and Groom to be in their wedding attire for this event.
Always greet the guests who are attending the wedding, either at the airport, or organize a meet up prior to the wedding day such as a dinner at the resort or a cocktail party.
A suggestion is to write an optional itinerary for the guests, so the guests can make plans to enjoy the extra time at the destination if they choose to, after all the guests are on their vacation.
Do not opt for a gift registry as your guests attending should not feel obligated to spend more money on your event as they have already paid for this vacation + the last thing you want to do is carry your gifts home on the plane. A lot of Destination Bride and Grooms receive monetary gifts instead which can be a great incentive to be donated towards your wedding or honeymoon.
When you return from your Destination Wedding always send out Thank you cards to everyone who attended + the people who did not attend but were kind enough to provide you with a wedding gift.
Invite your friends and family over for a dinner party a few months after your return and reminisce over what a fantastic vacation you all had, take this opportunity for you to show everyone your Wedding Video and photos from your trip.
