Destination weddings are the perfect way to celebrate your love while escaping the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. But planning a destination wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you’re trying to do it all yourself. There’s a lot to think about, from finding the perfect location to figuring out how to get all your guests there. But with a little bit of planning, you can make sure it is everything you’ve ever dreamed of. So, where should you start? Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect DIY destination wedding in Europe, Australia, or another spot you adore.

1. Choose a Date and Location

The first step to planning your destination wedding is to choose a date and location. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are actually a lot of factors to consider when picking your date. You’ll want to make sure you pick a time of year when the weather is good in your chosen location. For example, spring weddings, especially in the months of March and May, are most popular in Miami, according to Wedding Wire. But if you’re set on a particular date, don’t worry; there are plenty of beautiful locations perfect for weddings year-round.

2. Pick a Wedding Theme

Now that you’ve chosen a date and location, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding theme. Do you want a beachy ceremony with sand between your toes? Or are you envisioning a more formal affair with an elegant ballroom reception? Once you’ve decided on the overall feel of your wedding, it will be much easier to start making all the other decisions, from your invitations to your wedding dress. It also makes buying decor a whole lot easier.

If you’re stuck on what kind of theme to choose, try looking for inspiration in your location. A destination wedding is a perfect opportunity to really embrace the culture and history of where you’re getting married.

3. Check Their Marriage Requirements

Once you’ve chosen a date and location, it’s important to make sure you meet all the requirements to get married there. Every country has different marriage requirements, so it’s important to do your research before booking anything. For example, to get married in Italy, a Nulla Osta, which is an official declaration of freedom to marry, must be obtained from your local embassy or consulate.

4. Book Travel and Accommodation

The next step is to start booking your travel and accommodation. If you’re getting married in a popular destination, like the Bahamas or Hawaii, booking your flights and hotel rooms early is important. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure that you and your guests get the dates and room types that you want. You can also start thinking about other transportation options, like renting a car or taking a shuttle from the airport to your hotel.

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to accommodation. First, you’ll want to make sure you book a hotel that has room for all your guests. Second, you’ll want to think about your budget. If you’re looking to save money, there are plenty of ways to do that, from booking an all-inclusive resort to renting a villa. Finally, don’t forget to book your own room! This is your wedding night, after all.

5. Meet Vendors

The vendors you choose will have a big impact on the overall feel of your wedding, so it’s important to take your time when meeting with them. From your florist to your photographer, you’ll want to make sure you find vendors that you click with and who understand your vision.

When meeting with potential vendors, be sure to ask for examples of their work and references from other couples. You should also have a clear idea of your budget before meeting with them. That way, you can avoid any awkward conversations down the road.

6. Create Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are a great way to make your guests feel welcome and appreciated. They’re also a great way to show your guests some local flavor. Fill them with items that will be useful to your guests, like sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as things that will make their stay more enjoyable, like maps and restaurant recommendations. You can also add custom t-shirts which have become quite popular. In fact, the custom t-shirt printing market will reach $6.9 billion by 2027.

7. Plan Additional Events

It’s important to remember that your wedding day is just one day of your destination wedding experience. There are plenty of other events you can plan, from a welcome dinner to a farewell brunch. You can also plan fun activities such as guided tours and swimming, which, according to Comfy Living, is the 5th most popular recreational activity in the U.S.

Planning a destination wedding can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. By following these steps, you can be sure that your wedding will be everything you’ve ever dreamed of.