It’s Friday! We’re back with another guest blogger, but not just any guest blogger… Amber Events is pleased to introduce the newest member of our team, Morgan Jefferies. *cue air horn* Morgan joins our planning team after many years as a planner in Morocco. Read more about her below, and her advice for planning a destination wedding.
Destination weddings. We’ve all heard whisperings of stories told from attendees of these magical occasions, and many of us have had or will have the privilege of receiving an invitation to one of the above mentioned coveted affairs at least once in our lifetime. As a guest, it can be an excellent opportunity as an excuse for a vacation; as a bride and groom, an exciting and often personal decision to create an experience for your loved ones in a location important to you. With one in every four weddings in 2018 being categorized as “destination,” it’s about time we unpack the ins and outs of this veritable force in the wedding industry.
Having spent a large portion of my career as a wedding planner in Marrakech, Morocco, and my clientele being solely non-Moroccan, I’ll be tapping into my experience and focusing this excerpt on weddings and events overseas from the perspective of both the planner and bride and groom–how they differ from those in the U. S. and the pros and cons to weigh when considering hosting your wedding abroad.
Morgan (pictured) at Beldi Country Club, Marrakech – Lau Wedding, October 2016
Unfamiliar Territory
Picture this: you and your significant other (who live in Los Angeles) travel to Marrakech, Morrocco on vacation. You ride camels through the Sahara Desert and that’s where your boyfriend or girlfriend proposes to you! It’s an unforgettable experience and the country now holds an unrivaled special place in your heart. You and your fiancé return home and decide you want to share the magic you felt in Morocco with those you hold near and dear to you by having your wedding there. Now what?
First things first–hire a planner. Whether that planner is located at the wedding destination, or territorially close to you, planners have the experience, knowledge, and resources to bring your specific wants and needs to a foreign country, and utilize the surroundings to create a beautiful and unique affair. He or she will always be one step ahead of your thought process, designing and accumulating décor, organizing logistics, coordinating vendors, and problem-solving based on experience. Your wedding should be about joy and romance; a planner will help to alleviate much of the stress associated with the process so you can fully enjoy your big day.
Scarabeo Camp, Desert D’Agafay – Marshall Wedding Weekend Desert Party, October 2016
Incorporating the “Destination” of it All
Let us not forget the reason you chose to hold your wedding abroad–because you have a compelling connection to that specific territory. It is vital to remember the following when planning abroad.
While there may be wedding traditions we have grown accustomed to in the states, these are not guaranteed to translate when stepping into a foreign country. It’s up to both the couple and the planner to research and be aware of the traditions, culture, and regulations of the country, and adapt with the utmost respect while blending in our Western ideology.
With that said, taking advantage of the regional items to create a wedding unique to you and your surroundings–that will be unlike anything possible in the states–is key! Take note of the local cuisine, native florals, architecturally unique venues, and hand-crafted décor. Avoiding costly imports and utilizing what can be found locally is one of the major benefits of an overseas wedding.
Palais Paysan, Marrakech – Kanj Wedding, September 2016
Gracious Hosts
Lastly, the bride and groom should recognize the ample costs and time sacrifices they are asking of their guests. It is customary to not only host the guests for the wedding itself, but to include a hosted welcome party and next-day brunch. Your loved ones will travel far and wide to be there for you on your big day; showing your appreciation is a memorable and thoughtful takeaway for your guests. Additional hosted items can be (not required or limited to): transportation, accommodations, flights, and welcome bags.
Beldi Country Club, Marrakech – Balkhy Wedding, April 2016
Destination weddings have ample advantages and disadvantages. I always ask my clients, what is the most important detail to you (as that will likely be your largest financial focus)? If the answer is creating a memorable and unique experience for yourselves and your guests in a foreign country that is special to you, then go for it! Understand that sacrifices such as guest count, ease of transportation, and Western traditions may be required. However, the benefits of conceptualizing and bringing to fruition a once-in-a-lifetime event, unlike that which is possible in the states, often outweigh the relinquishment of the comforts of home.
Photo | Morgan Jefferies
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