Destination weddings are the new craze this 2022. Social distancing and going outdoors to avoid COVID-19 could be the two reasons for this trend. Apart from it, having quality time together with your loved ones while on a trip makes it more worthwhile.
Australia is one of the most popular hot spots for destination weddings these days especially places like Tasmania thanks to the extremely popular group tours. Countless couples have been eyeing the state for its bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, rugged beauty, and diverse cultures. It is definitely all in one.
If you are considering Australia too, here are some helpful tips you need to keep in mind before mapping out your wedding destination plan in Australia.
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Seek Professional Advice
Australia is full of extreme diversity and incredible sceneries, so you will surely never be short of wedding venue ideas. For example, the Paronella Park in Queensland, The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, or Thorngrove Manor in Adelaide should be on top of your wishlist for a fairytale-like wedding.
Moreover, destinations surrounded by vines and mountains like Darlington Estate Winery in Perth or The Lane Vineyard in Adelaide can offer the ideal rustic weddings. Beach and tropical island nuptials are extremely famous in Northern Australia as well.
There are several private properties in Australia that allow you to have a private bohemian soirée too. Other places even let you have festival-like weddings. Your guests can set a kitsch campervan, cozy by a fireplace, and camp their way through the wedding weekend.
There is practically an endless list of venues in Australia. It could overwhelm you, so it is best to consult a professional wedding planner. Believe it or not, planners will eventually find a perfect way to make your almost impossible ideal venue possible. It is their job, after all.
Pay An Early Visit
If you do not want to rely on a wedding planner, then it would be great if you could visit the wedding destination in person beforehand. Doing so gives you a chance to meticulously see the vendors, venues, and other things you need for your wedding. It is better than opting for internet reviews.
More importantly, you need to consider what traveling to the destination will be like for your guests, especially the least jet-set and oldest ones. Having a personal experience of the venue will ensure that your guests will be safe, well-accommodated, and comfortable not only during the wedding ceremony but also during the trip.
Be Aware of Seasonal Differences
Remember that Australia’s summer is from December to January, while its winter season is from June to August. You have to take note of this when picking out your wedding date, venue, and dress.
The climate should be something you need to consider. For example, if you are aiming for the tropical area of Australia, avoid satin and other non-breathable outfits. They do not go well with tropical humidity.
However, do not worry about flowers’ availability. Although not all blooms are available throughout all seasons in Australia, seasonal flowers are no issue these days. There is usually a surplus of flower varieties grown and stock in hothouses year-round.
Why go for local blooms? Think about how much you have to shell out for this destination, so you might as well enjoy everything it has to offer. You will undoubtedly have an immersive experience while cutting some costs. What is more, importing flowers might be inconvenient, considering the effects of COVID-19.
Protect Your Investments
Lastly, make sure to get a contract with COVID-19 protection. Then, if certain pandemic-related situations occur, you can easily change your wedding plans at no extra cost. Likewise, whether you postpone or cancel engagements, there will be no penalty.
Negotiate the lowest guest count with your wedding planners or vendors. It is no issue to pay to add more. The problem lies when you will be on the hook if half of the number of guests you negotiated will back out. This is pretty common nowadays since we are amid the pandemic.
Another importance of this negotiation is when city-wide or state-wide mandates will unexpectedly take place. Most professional wedding planners will find a way to get out of the situation. However, changes in local restrictions are usually out of their control.
Hence, even though things flatten out towards pre-pandemic levels, your plans might still not go your way. It is a bummer to reschedule (again), but we have been doing this for the past two years, right? Just ensure that your investments are securely protected. This will give you peace of mind.
Takeaway
People somehow figured out some ways to overcome the COVID-19 madness. Even so, it is best to still put our guard up and ensure that we will play our hands right. In planning for your destination wedding, COVID-19 is now a new criterion you have to consider.
Read also: Basic Steps to Planning a Beach Wedding