Tips to plan an unforgettable wedding in Dartmouth

Guest Blog Post – Investopedia*

When it comes to planning a destination wedding, there’s no doubt that Dartmouth makes for an exceptional setting for the big day, offering a wide range of venues to host the ceremony and reception that reflects your unique needs and preferences. Dartmouth is a real jewel of southwestern England, and whether you’re planning to get married somewhere historical or prefer to be surrounded by stunning coastal views, this town has it all for every couple.

But planning a destination wedding is often easier said than done, as although it’s an exciting experience, it can also come with challenges. But don’t fret; we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we guide you through the process of planning a wedding in Dartmouth that will stay in guests’ hearts forever. Read on!

Establish a budget

Setting a budget for your wedding in Dartmouth should be your starting point, as it will determine all the other choices, from the venue and the wedding décor, helping ensure you won’t overcommit yourself early in the planning process. Break down your budget into categories so that it can be easier to see where your money will go, whether it’s attire, photography, décor, catering, and so on. 

Obviously, you want to research the local costs of Dartmouth as well because venues and vendors in this area may be less expensive compared to larger cities. There is certainly something for everyone in this town, so it’s impossible not to find the perfect venue for you. With the budget established, you can start the planning process, and one of the major decisions to make is whether you will do everything on your own or choose to work with a wedding planner instead. According to wedding experts, the latter option is better, as they have the necessary experience when it comes to wedding planning, and will make the best possible recommendations, and even help you save money in the long run.

Send save the dates as early as possible

You shouldn’t wait too long to send save the dates! After establishing the location and date, it’s recommended to send notice between nine months and one year before the wedding, giving everyone enough time to prepare for the big day. 

Consider referencing your wedding website on your save the date, as this will help guests stay informed on travel checklists, lodging recommendations, advice, and so on. Traveling may be exciting, but it comes with requirements, so it’s important to let guests know they may need to update their passports or IDs, before booking the tickets. 

Be considerate of the guests’ expenses 

While it’s true that you’ll be spending some big bucks on the flights, décor, music, and all the other things for the wedding, it’s still important to be considerate of guests’ expenses. After all, they will travel to be with you on the big day, so make sure to give your friends and family enough time to save up for the trip (around a year and a half should be enough). Moreover, consider letting the wedding party decide when they want to have the bachelorette/bachelor party organized because this will help spread things out a bit. For instance, if the events happen 12 months before the destination wedding, it won’t have as big of an impact on their finances. 

Also, consider choosing bridesmaid dresses that aren’t very expensive, as this will help avoid breaking the bank for expensive dresses that they may not even wear again. 

Book a venue 

It’s important to book the venue as early as you can, as popular spots tend to fill up really quickly. Dartmouth is a great wedding destination for a reason, as it offers a wide range of venues, from modern all-inclusive hotels to historical stately homes. For instance, the Royal Castle Hotel offers a unique experience for the big day, allowing you to celebrate on board a spectacular historic steam train or while exploring the River Dart on a boat. 

Make sure to take your time to research the different options available so you can book early and be happy with the location you choose.

Choose your wedding vendors in advance

No matter what kind of wedding you’re planning, researching and booking vendors early is important – ideally, right after receiving confirmation for the venue. There are a few considerations to remember when deciding what vendors you will collaborate with. For example, when it comes to the photographer, it’s ideal to work with a local one, as they are familiar with the best places in the area where you can take wedding pictures. The florist should understand popular wedding day florals, and local arrangements that will impress everyone at the wedding. Moreover, they will help ensure that the florals you want are available in Dartmouth, and if not, they will recommend alternatives. 

Regarding caterers, it’s essential to work with them closely to determine how to incorporate some of the local ingredients into the wedding menu – after all, guests don’t fly halfway across the world only to eat the same foods they have at home, so it’s important to put some thought into this. Finally, suppose you haven’t booked an all-inclusive venue; it’s essential to understand what day-of-décor they will offer, as well as what you need to bring in outside vendors, whether mundane things like temporary bathrooms or generators or show-stopping table arrangements, tents, and lighting. 

Make a pre-wedding itinerary 

The days before the wedding that you get to spend with your best friends and family likely represent the best part of planning a destination wedding, as they offer a chance to make long-lasting memories before the big day. 

Create loose activities for everyone who may be interested, but don’t make them mandatory – after all, everyone should feel free to choose how they want to spend their time during this little vacation. Rather than filling up a whole day with activities, consider planning one happy hour a day. If people want to join you for the day for other types of activities, that’s a bonus, but allow things to be as flexible as possible. A good way to stay organized and keep everyone in the loop is to create a Facebook or WhatsApp messenger group to send updates and allow them to come and go as they please. 

Remember to have fun

Lastly, remember that this day is all about celebrating your love as a couple, and the reason why you’ve chosen a destination wedding is because that’s what you wanted, not anyone else. So even if there could be things that go wrong, remember that’s not something you can control. 

The only thing you can do is plan as early as you can but try not to worry too much about every little thing that may not turn out as you wish. Remember to enjoy this special occasion, eat the delicious food and dance the night away!

The bottom line

We hope these tips will help you plan the wedding of your dreams in Dartmouth. While the planning process can be daunting, if you start early, you will have enough time to figure things out – and remember: it should also be fun; after all, it’s a special milestone in your life!

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