When your planning a destination wedding, you probably do so with the understanding that not everyone will be able to make it. This is just how it is & there are many reasons that come up. Large distances to travel, money issues, work or family commitments can all affect peoples decision to come.
My key was to avoid this is by giving plenty of notice for everyone to plan & save. I hope to have my save-the-date cards out 12 months ahead of time to get an idea of who really will make the trip. Then people can plan a vacation around the wedding date.
As I am becoming a travel agent I will be organising packages so those who want can get the best deal, but others can book their own trip if they wish. I like the idea of an upfront cost for my guests to see so they understand what to expect. I will set up a wedding website so guests can get all the information before the official invite.
We plan to show out gratitude to our guest for coming by hosting a bucks/ hen's night. We will pay for dinner, drinks & entertainment. I would like to have a 'Welcome Bag' for each guests room that includes a few things like beverages, personal hygiene products and a few other things still to be decided. Depending on numbers & costs we may also offer to pay for a few more activities. I would like to do something a little extra to help out our maid of honour & best man by paying for their accommodation and outfits.
We will organise about a 5 day itinerary with group activities, so one day elephant rides, fishing trips, beauty spa day, etc. This way people can choose to join in or do their own thing. We want to spent lots of time with our friends & family coming to Thailand. so the activities are a great way to do it. I don't want our guests to feel like they can only see us on the big day.
I'm not sure yet but we may host a house party or dinner for our family or friends who couldn't make the trip, but I have been considering organising a Skye Party for our grand parents so they can witness the wedding live by setting up a laptop with a web cam. I would organise a mini wedding cake so they can enjoy it as much as we are. They wont be able to make the trip because of medical conditions, but I can still try to include them.
I still have a good 9 months to have our plans in place, but I want all my suppliers sorted out in the next 6 months. Then I can worry closer to the date about things like my dress, colours etc. It's time to get the ball rolling!
